I suspect that most people who buy a swanky new BMW, find that it can be a useful way to impress friends and co-workers, but one that doesn't work too well if it's parked deep in some garage. Now BMW wants to give you an excuse for flashing around your car keys, even when you're nowhere near the car.
The smart key incorporates a chip that lets it work like a credit card, so you can pay for dinner, while explaining to your date that you're not being asked to surrender your car for failing to pay the bill. Far from being a one trick pony, the smart key can also communicate with the car's electronics, to automatically adjust the seat and mirror positions, set the radio to your favorite stations, and even unlock the car's personalized online functions such as e-mail and navigation.
While just a prototype for now, BMW says the smart key could become available as soon as next year.
eXpertMotor.com, via T3 The Gadget Website
editor@dvice.com
By Duckie at 12:15 PM ON 11/29/08
So now you have to give the keys to your expensive BMW to a complete stranger?
If i were the store clerk, i'd run...
By Gizmo at 11:48 AM ON 11/30/08
BMW never stops impressing me
By The Manta Dude at 10:33 AM ON 12/01/08
rather than giving the keys away to a stranger it reads more that u share the car with other key owners .
Since it's supposed to contain your specific car settings it seems that whenever u see that specifc model parked somewhere you approach it and the car adjusts to your settings ,you drive around park it somewhere else and the next person drives off with it on his settings ... seems like a good solution for saving parkingspots .
on the other hand , why use it as a credit card , your cellphone probably already does the trick (in some countries) ...
and on branding , i have to cut my own flesh , but bayrische motoren werke never impressed me ...
By PeterD at 4:57 PM ON 12/01/08
So now when someone steals your BMW they get your credit card for free! Bonus!
By Boraxo at 10:41 PM ON 01/04/09
In related news, an elite group of hackers based in Eastern Europe has announced that they will all be driving new BMWS, perhaps as soon as next year.