hey guys, im lookin to add a remoter starter to my 2008 a4 and was wondering if anyone has done it recently. i had one on my last car and really liked it, im looking at crutchfield and bestbuy to find a good system.
crutchfield has a product that doesnt need a key to bypass the security system but im wondering if it would be cheaper to get a normal bypass box and dummy key.
my main question is whether or not you need a real key with a chip or just a dummy key in the bypass box. and by dummy key i mean something bought off ebay or made at the hardware store without the expensive chip/circuit board inside.

 

ok, got some good news and mediocre news. im talkin with crutchfield and now the advisor says my car is RSR (remote start ready) and all i need is a module and factory key to be able to remote start. should be able to use the factory key fob and just press the lock button three times to start the car. im still gonna dig some more and see about installation but this looks like a great and hopefully cheaper option. im just tryin to decide what to do about the key though, i like have a spare key in the house and often use it for moving the car when i dont wanna go upstairs for my real keys (i know its lazy). i may get a valet key in case of emergency if i have to sacrifice a factory chipped key.

 

check out this link for more info from the manufacturer
XpressKit.com - Remote Start Ready
its the DBALL2

 

talked with bestbuy today and looks like it wont be too hard or expensive to install a simple kit. i just gonna do a viper kit with one-button remote. ill update some more once i get it installed in about two weeks.

 

Tahanks for updating. Curious how it works out for you and the cost. Thinking about putting one in my car.

 

yea, there were a lot of options, like, a full kit with keyless entry, the DB-all module with factory key fob, or a simple kit with 1button start. i have to sacrifice a fully chipped key no matter what (ima talk to dealer about getting another one or just a valet key) and i dont wanna have another huge fob on my keychain. so ima do the 1button starter only kit. it should be around $200 but i gotta check back and verify about labor and stuff when i make the appt. the kit has a fairly small remote but still like 1500ft range so thats good enough for me.

 

got the remote starter installed yesterday. total cost was $261 after tax. not too shabby in my opinion, even thou its the most basic system. i wanted the one button remote cuz of the large factory key fob. anyway, it does what i want the install was a pain and took about 8 hrs but that was cuz of a special tool he didnt have and then finding the right wires for the defroster control. also gonna have to take it back in and have the parking lights hardwired so they work cuz the module was supposed to control that but its not working. oh well, it starts lol and it has a nice pit stop feature so you can remove the key while its running for short/cold engine stops. but that leads me to my next concern, is there a way to change the default lock functions on the door or key fob while the engine is running? right now, the factory key fob doesnt work when the engine is running and the drivers door lock doesnt work with the engine on and door open...
does anyone know if there is a vagcom mod to change this? i might buy a knockoff to change it if possible