Plastic Emergency key

[Pip1968]

Does anyone know the the score with the 'emergency' spare plastic key. I want my wife to drop my CSL off at the dealers outside of hours and post the plastic key to them for them to repair the rear suspension.

Can these keys be used multiple times or only once. Will it suffice for purpose or will I have to buy a new plastic key once used.

Any pointers appreciated.

Pip

[Equinox_csl]

As far as im aware the plastic key is emergency access only and the car will not start with it as there is no immobiliser chip in it.

[Pip1968]

She did go into the garage and start the car with the plastic key so maybe the alarm was not on and/or maybe it is a once only use key ie the car will not start the second time or will cut out or not move once started.


I have told her to speak to the dealership and see what they say.


Pip

[shimmy]

As far as im aware the plastic key is emergency access only and the car will not start with it as there is no immobiliser chip in it.

It does open doors manually and iirc it sets off alarm but it will turn on engine and alarm/immobiliser off if you follow the process in the manual. I think when I used it the alarm and flashers were gong all the way home, but they don't Have to,

[_Nathan_]

Surprised it gets round ews, does it have any electronics buried in it? If not it must mean they can be stolen quite easily? Getting in is a piece of piss so if you can also start I am surprised they don't go missing all the time?

[Pip1968]

Well she spoke to BMW and they insisted it only opens the door but will not start the car. Obviously not the case as she started the car fine. No apparent flashers.

Maybe I have forgotten to set the alarm. I do usually just lock the doors with the key and never use the remote fob to lock and unlock. I normally press the fob afterwards once locked.

Pip

[_Nathan_]

Have to say I thought that was the case too, never tried it and don't have door locks any more so can't try it!

[alexk]

The plastic key definitely starts the car !
It's also for emergency reasons... if you lose your keys.
I keep mine in my wallet That's why it's small and thin, to fit in a wallet.

[NBTBRV8]

I was told today that it starts the car but limits the RPMs it can be revved too. Seemed strange but he was adamant about it.

[Pip1968]

I was told today that it starts the car but limits the RPMs it can be revved too. Seemed strange but he was adamant about it.

Surely that is a 'new' generation thing not something that applies to a 2003/4 CSL. It all sounds a little bit too intelligent to me. Moreover my wife is worried that it will go into shut down en route to the BMW dealership so does not want to play anymore.

Pip

[alexk]

Yes this about the limited revs... hmmm interesting.
The newer BMWs E90 etc do not have a plastic key.

The plastic key is fully functional guys :thumbs:
It can possibly decrease laptimes due to the reduced weight it has :blalalala:

[martin770]

Yes the plasic key has a chip in the head, they are very small. VW have used plastic emergency keys for years and they do the same.

[Pip1968]

Another BMW dealership have since confirmed that the plastic key does contain a chip and can be used to drive and open the car. My wife is not impressed with all the experts on here or those at BMW :-D. I told her there was a small minority of 'experts' on every forum.

Extremely small :-D.

Pip :thumbs:

[_Nathan_]

Well it having a chip explains how it can bypass ews then.

No need to worry about them going missing then, just don't leave anything in the boot

[niall1]

Can the plastic key be reordered if lost? I never got one with my car..