I wanted to get a spare key made for my 98 A4, but the dealer wanted 60 bucks for a key without the remote. The parts guy seemed to know less than I did when I asked him about the key having a "transponder" in the head. Are there something special about the keys?

Also, realizing I have to match the codes, I have seen the switchblade remotes on ebay, can a regular lock-smith cut Audi keys or do I have to go to a dealer?

 

look for a switchblade key on ebay ( blank or used doesn't mater) $15 or so. you can have the key cut at the dealer for $45. you can look for programing the remote on this site or on audi world.

 

$45!!??? I bought a switchblade fob with a blank and had the dealer cut it for $5 bucks.

 

i had to get a second key for my b6. the dealership had my car for 2 f-ing weeks. they cut it, but they said that to make it work they had to match all the codes which meant replacing the gauge cluster, replacing the ignition cylender and doing something to my radio. i dunno, maybe i just got ripped off. it pissed me off tho and i dont use the dealership anymore. great audi specalists in my town.

 

cgv, how much did you paid them to do that??

 

i thought the US audi models don't have the transponder in the key?

 

Correct the B5 in America did not have the immobiliser activated.