Hey all, I only got one key when I purchased my car and dont want my luck to run out so before I lose it I am looking to buy another one. My car is an 02 1.8T and a new 3 button fob from the dealership is $200. I have seen them on ebay with new transponders and blank keys but the dude that I talked to at the dealership said he has seen alot of those come through that still havent worked. I dont know if he is just blowing smoke because he wants me to buy one there.

So what have you guys / gals done to get a new key. How do I know if one is legit. Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

I have heard some keys you find on eBay is made of different type of material/metal in which some dealers will reject cutting the key for you since they claimed it will destroy their machine. Not sure if going eBay is a good way.

However, I've heard some locksmiths actually have the machine to cut these keys (laser cut). Not sure if they're willing to cut the eBay keys tho.

Also IIRC, the 2002 (B6) keys would required some programing within the key in order for it to work.

 

I just went through that, I bought the remote from e bay (30 USD with a blank key and a transponder) and since the stealer I went to couldn't cut the key they had to get a new blade with the transponder in it, that I was told, was the only way they could get a new one from Audi, that was 90 dollars, then the programming, since the dealer has to sync the new key with the inmobilizer, was 130 USD, so total 130+90+30=... thinkin ... 250 total, keep in mind that this was for the whole new master key. There's other options such as a valet key or an emergency key (check page 48 on your manual) those are indeed a little cheaper.

 

I got a used transponder off ebay. If you crack open your key there's a FCC ID. on the transponder part. Do a quick search on ebay and you've got a transponder. Most come with blank blades. 2 dealerships near me cut keys. I think it was $35 to cut the key, but I distracted them a bit beforehand and only ended up paying for a new battery for the transponder. After doing a quick search it appears the dealers have to program the immobilizer (which is BS). So before you hit up ebay, you may want to check with your local stealership to see if they will even program a key they didn't sell (since they're commies).

 

You're right, you DO have to check with the dealer to see if they'll program something they didn't sell you.