[Gromit]

Does anyone know what kind of key Lotus suplies ? Is it a standard key with an extra doohicky for the alarm ? Or is it like the VW keys where the alarm and key are one switch-blade like unit ?

I knew VW, Audi, Merc., and BMW did the switch blade key, and, just a few minutes ago, found out that Chrysler do also. So, that got my hopes up that maybe Lotus would do the same ...

Seperate key and alarm setups don't offer anywhere near the entertainment value.

 

[_JD_]

The keys on the Green Fed car had a key and a separate fob for the immobilizer and alarm that you had to push each time before starting. There's a picture of the key in the group of pics that tidalwdave posted a while back.

edit- here it is:

 

[Vantage]

<img src="http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/attachment.php?s=&postid=39065"/>

Note that BMW and Mercedes do not use switchblade type keys. BMW uses a key with remote unit integrated into the base. Mercedes does not use metal keys at all (for staring the engine), though both companies rely on authentication for the key to operate. The VW switchblade key looks neat, but is a bit clumsy and large.

JD,
So that key looking extention coming out of the alarm/immobilizer fob is not used for starting the car is instead just for attachment to a keyring? It would seem logical to use that as a key, but I can see the little loop at the end. Not a very good design, but I guess Lotus uses off the shelf parts for this feature.

Anyway, this is one of the last things I'm worried about.

 

[Gromit]

Thats too bad. The keys look like they even lack a lotus logo .. Thanks for the pics though.

"but is a bit clumsy and large" - yeh, well I bet my keys fire macaroni farther than yours =P

 

[_JD_]

[B
JD,
So that key looking extention coming out of the alarm/immobilizer fob is not used for starting the car is instead just for attachment to a keyring? It would seem logical to use that as a key, but I can see the little loop at the end. Not a very good design, but I guess Lotus uses off the shelf parts for this feature.

Anyway, this is one of the last things I'm worried about. [/B]

You use the key just like any car. I think you have to disarm the immobilizer before you turn the key, or maybe now before you press the button .

 

[Randy Chase]

You can press the immobilizer button on the fob before or after. I think. At WCLM, I kept forgetting at first and then had to press the fob button.

FOb button.

Turn Key.

Press starter button.

lol..oh well, it is a minor point and the starter button is fun.

P.S. My mercedes has the switchblade key with the key only for use if you want to not use the electric locks. I have never used the metal key inside.

 

[NMRJock]

I've had two Audi's and two VWs with the "switchblade" keys. I like them, though I don't keep all my keys on the same ring (I have a set of work keys and then a pile of car keys each with a house key on it). They're nice for that because I reach into my pocket and have no trouble differentiating between the key ring and the car key. The "switchblade" key that I really like is the new Volvo key. I really need to get myself a V70R... Better than that is the passive entry like in the new Prius or some of the Lexii.

 

[smura]

I've got a 2002 V70 T5. Would never buy a volvo turbo again. It's much to difficult to drive smoothly, passengers complain about the "jerky" engine output and how it makes them sick. The only way to somewhat control it is to drive in manual mode, but the shift takes about 2.5 sec's once you hit the upshift button, which is wayyyyyyy too long of a wait and causes you to miss your timing.

 

[NMRJock]

I've got a 2002 V70 T5. Would never buy a volvo turbo again. It's much to difficult to drive smoothly, passengers complain about the "jerky" engine output and how it makes them sick. The only way to somewhat control it is to drive in manual mode, but the shift takes about 2.5 sec's once you hit the upshift button, which is wayyyyyyy too long of a wait and causes you to miss your timing.

Interesting. My inlaws just bought a new V70XC and they're really happy with it (though I haven't driven it more than 10 feet yet). Your problems wouldn't exist on the V70R with the six speed manual though. If they're really no good then this sucks. My wife wants to have a baby and I was hoping to get a sport wagon out of it. I'll have to see what else is out there.

 

[roadrunner]

Note that BMW and Mercedes do not use switchblade type keys. ... Mercedes does not use metal keys at all (for staring the engine), ...

Um, our ML430 has a switchblade type key, and the blade part that starts the engine is made of metal.

 

[Gromit]

I'm pretty sure I've seen a BMW switch blade key also. Until today I figured it was a German car thing, but when I found out that Chrysler has them too, I began to wonder if Lotus would.

While not having a Lotus switch blade is far from an issue, I still think it's sad that the key isn't clearly a Lotus key. Just means I need to go from one unit to a key, alarm, and Lotus key chain. My pocket's going to feel funny for a month ...

 

[Ground Loop]

If the key fob is needed each time you start the car (for the alarm/immobilizer), what is the key used for? Is there a steering column lock?

I'm not suggesting it, but if you left your key in the ignition or someone copied it, would someone be able to drive the car without the fob? Likewise, if your fob battery dies, can you still drive with just the key?

More questions we probably can't answer yet:

Is the fob water/splash proof?

Can new fobs be added without a dealer scantool/computer?

How many of each come with the car?

Is there such thing as a "Valet" key/fob? I never understood those things..

 

[Vantage]

Um, our ML430 has a switchblade type key, and the blade part that starts the engine is made of metal.

Among current models. I think the 500 still has the metal key, but they will not be made anymore in a few months. Suffice to say, you see the direction they are going in terms of keys. I'm guessing keyless go will trickle down the the C-class as well.

[Edit]For that matter, I suppose the G500 probably uses the metal key too, as they are by far MB's oldest models still running. Familiar looking square switches, guages that actually have full length needles, and recirculating ball steering. The brand is quite different now.[/Edit]

 

[Patricko]

I'm pretty sure I've seen a BMW switch blade key also. Until today I figured it was a German car thing, but when I found out that Chrysler has them too, I began to wonder if Lotus would.

Chrysler is German...

 

[ex-M3]

I've got a 2002 V70 T5. Would never buy a volvo turbo again. It's much to difficult to drive smoothly, passengers complain about the "jerky" engine output and how it makes them sick. The only way to somewhat control it is to drive in manual mode, but the shift takes about 2.5 sec's once you hit the upshift button, which is wayyyyyyy too long of a wait and causes you to miss your timing.

My wife has a 2000 V70 T5. Smoothness is not a problem - ya shudda bought the manual. I still don't love the engine, but its not too bad for a family wagon.

 

[suit36]

key is really dull - generic looking with a button on it for a light

key fob has two buttons. small one is a panic alarm.

larger one is to lock / unlock doors (hold for > 1 second)

immobiliser turns on automatically after 20 seconds. you need to press the large button to disarm.

 

[Ground Loop]

Thanks suit36.

It's not just Lotus, but WTF is the deal with these PANIC buttons on all the fobs? If I could walk through my neighborhood and confiscate the PANIC buttons for each morning-honking SUV, I damn sure would.

The only two buttons on there should Lock and Unlock. Instead, we get a hold-this-button-for-a-long-time and a useless Panic Button.

The first thing I did on my key fobs was open them up and remove the polydome from under the Panic button so I wouldn't hit it accidentally.

What's the deal? Is it another nutty legal requirement? Are paranoid women designing all the car alarm fobs? Is it just too quiet in the morning?

 

[ConeFusion]

Turn Key.

Press starter button.

How do you turn the car off? Is turning the key the only option? Or is the Start button also a Stop button? I guess not, but it would be convenient.

 

[MattG]

It's not just Lotus, but WTF is the deal with these PANIC buttons on all the fobs?

Watch the movie "Bowling for Columbine" sometime, it'll explain this (indirectly). We live in a society that's afraid, nervous, and paranoid. The panic buttons helps us feel 'safer'.

 

[smura]

Would have got the manual, but it's the wife's primary car.

The peaky engine should not be a problem if you stay away from the T5. Get a 2.4T (or a manual) and you shouldn't have any problems. The car is comfortable, I'll give it that. But it doesn't have any cargo space (coming from a Acura MDX) so be prepared for that.

With one kid it's a good car. With two, you'll be looking for more space real quick!