meooem22

Bought a 2012 Q7 and unfortunately it only came with one key fob. I know the dealer is an option (expensive) but has anyone had any luck buying a key from the internet and having a local locksmith program it. Also there is a local locksmith who will make just the key blade for $150. Is that reasonable for just the key and no fob? I did a search of Q7 forums and there is little info on this. Thanks

dreadlocks

There is practically no way to avoid the dealer, only they can program it.. You can order and get the key cut elsewhere, but you'll be back at the dealer for programming.. maybe saving a couple dollars in total.

If anyone could code keys for these, yours would vanish outta your driveway overnight..

meooem22

So the blade actually has a trasnponder or is it the fob. I called a locksmith and they said the could provide a key without the fob for $150.

dreadlocks

the fob does everything, the blade is pretty much useless a w/keyless equipped vehicle.. think the only time mine's been used is when the valet started it like a cave man.

meooem22

Oh..my car is has a keyed ignition...no push start

dreadlocks

fob still has to be coded to the immobilizer w/keyed ignition..

Pothole5000

The immobilizer chip is physically in the fob not the blade, but without one or with one that isn’t programmed to the car the engine will start with the correctly cut blade, but immediately shut off.

No getting around the dealer on this one.

Blackfunk

For my A6 I had a local locksmith cut and program a replacement key. He needed a laptop that connected to an Audi server to complete the task. Was still about $150 cheaper than the dealer.

frqflyer

There are local locksmiths around my way that will cut and program keys on the spot but unfortunately they aren't much cheaper than the dealer. While many of them can cut the sidewinder key only a couple out of the many I called have the programmer for Audi keys.

dreadlocks

Its a couple grand for the hardware and a yearly service contract w/VAG to gain access to coding immobilizers, if your in a region with a high number of VW/Audi's on the road you might be able to locate some 3rd parties that are able to do it.. If your in an area with minimal european vehicles like Midwest you wont find jack other than the dealer because nobody would recoup the investment.

And because of the costs involved for a 3rd party, I would not expect to save much money over the dealer unless the dealer is completely gouging you on keys.. Ive seen $150-200 for just coding service, and $350-400 for fob/blade + coding to be about the norm.