nimesh

hey guys quick question i lost my key, i was going to buy a uncut audi key from ebay and have it cut by a dealer and programed by them is that a good idea?, do you think the dealer will do that or i have to purchase everything through them and get ripped ... what do u guys suggest the cheapest yet oem way no aftermarket.

Mister Bally

For my 2004, I ordered one from the dealer with my VIN. It arrived pre-cut. $61 which doesn't seem too bad.

rdieter

I agree with Mr Bally. I have heard too many stories about ebay key problems - not worth the hassle. They have to program your existing key(s) together with the new key for them all to work. Otherwise, you will have one key again....but at least it will look brand new.

MP4.2+6.0

In particular, that:

1. Audi keys come pre cut, based on your VIN #. Typically have to give them a copy of registration to prove it's yours.

2. Regardless of how you come up w/ a key, need to go to dealer for programming to deal with the electronic key identity anti theft stuff. No way around it, and code isn't one dealer just looks up. I think it is fed real time via a computer link from the service bay to Audi.

Audi did get sued on this as I recall, as did other manufacturers. I got a settlement/disclosure type letter in the mail in the last year with an insert to my owner's manual. Something about how they had to make their system available to outside suppliers or third party maintenance or some such. Given it's a low volume Audi, I doubt anyone is really in the business, or if they are it's a VW place primarily.