Additional Keys
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Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
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Additional Keys
I bought a used 2004 A8 in EXCELLENT conditon with low miles and have had this for 4 months now. I only got 1 key with the car. Does anyone know of a cheaper way to get an addtional Key made? I heard you can buy them off of eBay and have them cut out at the dealer? Otherwise I think they cost about $300??
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
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My experience is that dealers are not more expensive than aftermarket.
And remember that once you get another key, you will have to have the car, and BOTH keys, associated with each other simultaneously. This is also best done at a dealer.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
Not sure this has the right focus...
Sure, I suppose you can save a little money if you shop ebay, and if you don't get burned with junk. And I've seen a lot of it w/ keys when you look carefully.
BUT, the real gotcha on these isn't the key, it's the programming. Since 2001 basically the dealer has to do this. I'll buy a used key on my 2000 4.2 and get it cut if needed (better locksmiths have the tools too--maybe $30 a piece)--but it doesn't have the electronic coding like D3's do. Thus, I think on the newer keys you kind of get into a loop where you end up at the dealer for programming.
By the way, from getting keys via the dealer too, you actually can order the key just by the VIN # and with proof of ownership. It comes already cut. But, then you need to get service to program it to the car still. Since the cost is basically the same for the labor, better to do a couple keys than just one. Car can handle up to 4, plus the valet key and the plastic wallet key.
BUT, the real gotcha on these isn't the key, it's the programming. Since 2001 basically the dealer has to do this. I'll buy a used key on my 2000 4.2 and get it cut if needed (better locksmiths have the tools too--maybe $30 a piece)--but it doesn't have the electronic coding like D3's do. Thus, I think on the newer keys you kind of get into a loop where you end up at the dealer for programming.
By the way, from getting keys via the dealer too, you actually can order the key just by the VIN # and with proof of ownership. It comes already cut. But, then you need to get service to program it to the car still. Since the cost is basically the same for the labor, better to do a couple keys than just one. Car can handle up to 4, plus the valet key and the plastic wallet key.
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