Hey Roger, we posted at the same time, good that we are saying basically the same thing.

Another point in favor of Keys4Classics, although 928 International may also do this. Keys4Classics does not make a copy of your key. They can recognize the pattern of your key based on the digital pictures that you submit. Then they make a new key that is a good-as-new version, not a copy of your slightly or significantly worn key.

 

Well, I went the dealer/VIN route. My car came with one long and one short key and I wanted a spare long one.

$93 for just the key shaft. No head.
I put a $10 deposit when I ordered it, and very closely examined it when I picked it up. I had read how often they aren't right. Mine was.

I keep the spare in my wallet, so not having a head on it is actually an advantage.

I had gone the same route (successfully) with my 944 with the same dealer.

Interestingly, when I got my 944 key, they wanted to see my registration to make sure I was getting a key to my car. Not so with the 928 key.

 

If someone has the slightest knowledge of the maintenance cost of these things...they'd have too have a screw lose to bother making a key to steal one...lol

It's weird though, I thought I cut my extra keys for my 84 944 at work without any issues. Bought the blanks through an aftermarket Porsche supplier, for about fifteen bucks (around 1988). We cut all of our keys for company vehicles, except those that have security chips. Are old body style 928 blanks the same as 944 (of the same year)? Hope so...I believe there are a couple extra blanks in my toolbox...and my 928 is an 84.

 

Please fly from Australia and steal my car. It is very well insured….

 

Just had Keys4Classics make me a spare key. Process was simple, two pictures, and Paypaled the cost and hope to receive it next week from Australia. I'll let you know if it works.

 

I can't compare "same year" because my 944 is an 83 and the 928 is an 85.

But comparing the two different years, the answer is "not at all."

The pic at the top is what my 928 key looks like. Fairly thick blade, teeth cut at a distinct angle.

The 944 is a standard Audi blank, thinner (normal thickness) blade, teeth cut perpendicular to blade.

 

So living dangerously for years with just 1 key, and we don't dare risk that key in a FedEx, UPS or Priority Mail envelope. If you really need extra comfort, have the new keys shipped back in separate packaging.

Take a picture of your old key. If your current one gets lost in transit, you have a fallback.

Car is safe in your garage the whole time regardless.

 

It often amazes and delights, what an innocent post can reveal among the community! I had no idea there was an outfit that could copy these keys from a photo, that's great. I've now had two keys ordered from Porsche over the years, cut by VIN, and both worked fine, so I guess I lucked out.

 

Tracing an old key to cut a new one sometimes does NOT work. Take some good pictures, don't post them in public forums, and when you want it you can get a key cut to new specs.

What happened to the key place in the UK offering 928 keys?

 

😊... http://youtu.be/3FPn5noN_qs

 

Still there (KeysInThePost): it took them two attempts to get a working key for my '88, but after two attempts, no working key for my '90 - so I gave up and ordered from Australia (Keys4Classics) yesterday.

 

Yes, the keys from Oz are great. He determines the key code from the picture and then cuts to code, no guesswork. It's cool that he has the factory blanks now. I tried once with a VIN cut key from Porsche and it was a mismatch, nothing like my original key, which works all the locks and I assume is what came with the car from the factory. The K4C keys also work perfectly.

I happened by a lock shop in Dusseldorf that can cut the 928 keys so maybe I will bring a key and some blanks next time I am over there.

 

can 3D printers deposit metal?

 

Current 3D printers work by melting a plastic filiment, sort of a precision hot melt glue gun. Steel melts a couple thousand degrees hotter.

CNC might work, might be a bit more expensive.

OTOH a 3D printer might be able to make a limited use key that would work a few times.

 

Just want to share picture of my 928 key. How is it?