struan

Imo000, you are most likely correct about the short key,however the ignition and freeing the steering lock are my primary concerns, and happily both of these operate with that key.

Good news is the engine is running albeit on 4 cylinders only. From a quick investigation it appears no signal,from one of the distributors.
I have tested the coils and they check out ok. Looks quite a mission to open up the dizzy to have a wee look inside. A job for another day.

mskar

Best of luck to you straun, I'm also resurrecting an S4(GT) from many years of neglect! +1 on the getting a key from Roger, mine arrived in two weeks or less and fit perfectly. The wheels on mine were locked at about 45 degrees when I purchased, had to move it onto a trailer using dolleys, a most harrowing experience which took about 3 hours to load and 2 to unload (move 3 inches, adjust dolleys, move 3 inches, adjust dolleys, ...)
I look forward to seeing your progress! What is WITH these POs and their hatred of keys (and tool kits?)