Buying new keys should not be this frustrating
#1
Thread Starter
Pro
Buying new keys should not be this frustrating
The 928 I bought in 9/14 only came with one key. So I went to a dealer in Ft. Worth to order new keys in both sizes using my VIN. Was amazed to find they cost about $100 each. Was told I'd receive in about 2 weeks.
5 weeks later, I called the dealership to ask about key order. Was told the parts department guy who took my order had been terminated due to performance issues and the order for my keys had never been placed. Was told to expect my keys in about a week.
Called well after a week and was told they were in, but they hadn't known how to contact me. Odd, since my phone number was on the invoice! But was told they would be Fed Exed to me now that they had my contact info.
Called after a week, was told they had not been shipped out for some unknown reason, but were being shipped out immediately.
I got them two days later. Opened them up and discovered they consisted only of metal shafts, with no key heads. Couldn't somebody at the dealer have explained this odd Porsche quirk to me?? Most humans buy a key expecting it to consist of a head and a shaft.
Went online and found key heads cost $33.
That's over two months and about $130 per complete key.
My first entire car cost less than that, with the keys included. It was no where near as nice a car, but got me where I wanted to go and you could have played ping pong in the back seat, a feature that I appreciated at that age.
Stop me before I kill again!!
Brad
5 weeks later, I called the dealership to ask about key order. Was told the parts department guy who took my order had been terminated due to performance issues and the order for my keys had never been placed. Was told to expect my keys in about a week.
Called well after a week and was told they were in, but they hadn't known how to contact me. Odd, since my phone number was on the invoice! But was told they would be Fed Exed to me now that they had my contact info.
Called after a week, was told they had not been shipped out for some unknown reason, but were being shipped out immediately.
I got them two days later. Opened them up and discovered they consisted only of metal shafts, with no key heads. Couldn't somebody at the dealer have explained this odd Porsche quirk to me?? Most humans buy a key expecting it to consist of a head and a shaft.
Went online and found key heads cost $33.
That's over two months and about $130 per complete key.
My first entire car cost less than that, with the keys included. It was no where near as nice a car, but got me where I wanted to go and you could have played ping pong in the back seat, a feature that I appreciated at that age.
Stop me before I kill again!!
Brad
#2
Rennlist Member
I think that's called "dealing with the Dealers." Keys4Classics will send you complete keys for less money, in less time. They don't have that lighted key head though, so if you're into the completely stock thing, I guess you need to stick to the dealers.
#3
Rennlist Member
Keys4Classics can also supply the factory steel blanks that fit on the factory lighted heads cut to your cars locks using the pattern from a high-resolution digital photo. They also supply the key code so future keys can be ordered using only the cutting code number. They guarantee their keys to work correctly, something you don't get by ordering via the dealer using the VIN. Everyone who has posted here has had nothing but great experiences with their quality and service. I ordered two keys some years back and they work flawlessly in the factory lighted heads.
Mike
Mike
#5
Brad,
There is a lot of 928 knowledge on this forum and in the the DFW area. All you have to do is ASK and chances are somebody who has been there before would give you good direction.
Owning a 928 and trying to go solo can be a tough road to hoe (been there, done that, won the T-shirt and don't want to go back)
Just ask.
There is a lot of 928 knowledge on this forum and in the the DFW area. All you have to do is ASK and chances are somebody who has been there before would give you good direction.
Owning a 928 and trying to go solo can be a tough road to hoe (been there, done that, won the T-shirt and don't want to go back)
Just ask.
#6
Pro
Dealing with a dealer is always expensive, usually not so frustrating. I am really surprised at your experience. I would write to Porsche of America detailing your experience. For the $ paid, you should have a much better experience, seamless and flawless.
If this is typical of Porsche dealers in recent times, Porsche is in real trouble.
Dave
If this is typical of Porsche dealers in recent times, Porsche is in real trouble.
Dave
#7
Thread Starter
Pro
Thanks, guys. I saw keys4classics here when I was researching my key purchase, but figured a DFW dealer would be better & faster than sending a picture of my key to OZ, especially as I had only one key to photograph. My error!
I won't be using this dealer again for anything. I would expect better service from a Yugo or Tata dealer.
Brad
I won't be using this dealer again for anything. I would expect better service from a Yugo or Tata dealer.
Brad
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#8
Rennlist Member
When I first bought my 94 GTS the seller said it only had one key so he would send me another. He ordered it from Porsche (the entire key) from my vin. The key did not fit, Luckily I found the other key in the stuff that came with the car.
#9
Rennlist Member
dealers are always the absolute last option. I don't know why it is, but they are never in my experience very skilled, good at diagnosing, or fixing things properly. Not just porsche, but jeep, gm, ford, - you name it. Also, because of their overhead structure, they are always the most expensive option.
#10
Basic Sponsor
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And you have one of the largest new 928 parts suppliers in the World on your own doorstep!!!
__________________
Does it have the "Do It Yourself" manual transmission, or the superior "Fully Equipped by Porsche" Automatic Transmission? George Layton March 2014
928 Owners are ".....a secret sect of quietly assured Porsche pragmatists who in near anonymity appreciate the prodigious, easy going prowess of the 928."
Does it have the "Do It Yourself" manual transmission, or the superior "Fully Equipped by Porsche" Automatic Transmission? George Layton March 2014
928 Owners are ".....a secret sect of quietly assured Porsche pragmatists who in near anonymity appreciate the prodigious, easy going prowess of the 928."
#11
Rennlist Member
Brad,
And you're lucky that both keys work.
Ordered two keys with the VIN at the dealer and both didn't work.
They finaly suggested me to go to a locksmith in Ottawa.
Went there and it worked.
... And for less $$.
#12
Nordschleife Master
Brad,
There is a lot of 928 knowledge on this forum and in the the DFW area. All you have to do is ASK and chances are somebody who has been there before would give you good direction.
Owning a 928 and trying to go solo can be a tough road to hoe (been there, done that, won the T-shirt and don't want to go back)
Just ask.
There is a lot of 928 knowledge on this forum and in the the DFW area. All you have to do is ASK and chances are somebody who has been there before would give you good direction.
Owning a 928 and trying to go solo can be a tough road to hoe (been there, done that, won the T-shirt and don't want to go back)
Just ask.
Big time.
Everything I've needed to know, I've found on here.
Most of the time, I will search around instead of asking.
I know it's too late, and I'm probably piling on just a little, but if you had posted a thread asking:
"I need a key for my car, what is the best option"
You would have saved a ton of time, hassle & money.
Or ask Sean or Roger. They know a thing or two about these cars.
#13
Keys4Classics offer excellant and fast service, are eBay friendly and their keys simply work. Recently ordered 1 x long key and 1 x short key.They us the Huf key blanks with appropriate fobs. Very happy with product and service.
Cheers
Cheers
#14
Thread Starter
Pro
The key heads arrived today. Put them on the shafts and went to try them out. Sadly, you folks were right. The damn things don't work!!!
The dealer will be hearing from me tomorrow. Meanwhile, any tips on how to get the OES heads off the key shafts?
Brad
Brad
The dealer will be hearing from me tomorrow. Meanwhile, any tips on how to get the OES heads off the key shafts?
Brad
Brad
#15
Nordschleife Master
Take the battery cover off. Once its off, there's a small lock spring which pushes a tang into the detente in the end of the key blade - compress the spring using a jewellers screwdriver or a pick, and you can pull the blade out.