i3 on BMW

[IrvesBMW]

I am seeking assistance and would really appreciate it if someone could provide me with support. We own a BMWi3. In order to go shopping, I placed the shopping bags inside the vehicle and left the car key on the driver's seat cushion, which my spouse uses to drive. I desired her to operate the vehicle and proceeded to unlatch the entrance gates to the driveway.
Reluctantly, I removed the cushion and occupied the vehicle as my partner rejected to drive. After pressing the start button, the automobile started and we proceeded to the store. After parking the automobile, I deactivated the engine by pressing the button and exited the vehicle.
Now the enigma starts. The automobile key eluded my search. When I attempted to start the vehicle, it displayed an error message indicating that the remote control device was not present. Suspecting that I may have misplaced my keys at home, I contacted a friend who graciously offered to drive me there. However, despite our diligent search, we were unable to locate the keys at my residence. We retrieved the additional key and began the vehicle. I have yet to locate the key.
As part of an experiment, I started the car's ignition using the auxiliary key and intentionally dropped the auxiliary key. To my astonishment, I successfully operated the vehicle and managed to drive a considerable distance. Subsequently, I returned home by driving.
Could someone kindly inform me of the location where I should direct my attention in order to locate my auto key? Has anybody else had a similar experience?
Thank you.

[Paqngo]

The key may have inadvertently been lodged between a narrow gap between the seats or under a floor mat. Additionally, try to do a thorough search in the vicinity of the cushion and its immediate surroundings.

[ByteStorm]

It seems that you may have accidentally dropped it from the automobile.
If I were in your position and you had not yet found it, I would recommend having that key decoded.
If the item was left in your vehicle, it is possible that someone may have taken it with the intention of stealing the automobile at a later time.
if the engine is started and the key is within range, the vehicle will continue to operate indefinitely. However, if the engine is stopped, it cannot be restarted until the key is again within range.

[TechWhiz]

How did you secure your vehicle while you left it at the supermarket? If the door locked automatically, it implies that the key was in your possession. Therefore, it is possible that the key has been misplaced either at the Supermarket Car Park or within the Supermarket.

[IrvesBMW]

I would want to express my gratitude to my friends for their valuable remarks. The key remains undiscovered.
If the key had been lodged in the crevices of the seat, are I correct in assuming that I should have been able to start the car's ignition? No, it did not.
It is likely that the automobile was inadvertently dislodged after being started. Our driveway is monitored with a Ring camera. No one has been seen collecting.
Is it possible for the i3 to go a distance of 2 miles without the key being inside the car? Thank you.

[WiseSage]

The automobile will continue to operate until it is manually turned off after being started with a key in the ignition. It should begin alerting you about the absence of the key, in my opinion.

[IrvesBMW]

Thank you. Does anybody know the procedure for disabling a missing key? Will the spare key we are using also be deactivated?I apologise for my lack of knowledge on these subjects. Is it performed by authorised BMW dealers or locksmiths?

[WiseSage]

In order to resolve the issue of the lost key, it is necessary to contact BMW and have them delete the key from the car's system. Similarly, BMW will need to be contacted to add a new key to the system.

[Motoman]

I suggest enquiring on the speakev.com site, as they have a BMW EV community where you may find knowledgeable and supportive users.