I recently purchased a 2001 a8l and it came with one working key. The other is cut and will open the door, but no chip in it for the immobilizer. I would love to just get rid of the immobilizer as I don't think a 2001 with a 142k in Iowa is a hot target for theft.

Do you think it would be possible to remove the rfid chip and place it in the steering column, then I could use any key?

 

The only problem would be you couldn't lock the car because it would think the key was in it

Like all makes, these keys are ridiculously overpriced.

My 2005 came with one and it looks like it road around the floorboards of a farm truck for it's entire life.
Am still rather annoyed that it cost $150 for a new key and another $100 to program it....