Additional key
Pro
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 546
Likes: 4
From: Walla Walla, WA
I am going through this now, as my new-to-me Cayman S came with only one key, and I didn't add "Must include two fscking keys" on the contracts, as I was "promised" that it would be forthcoming. Thanks, Rodney! >:-(
So, best I could get was wholesale pricing on an OEM blank with remote function circuitry, factory cut based on VIN, and getting it and my old key reprogrammed at the same time to change the codes. I split the cost with the selling dealer, and yes, it was $450 even at wholesale parts.
The only bright side is that you can get one of the cheap Chinese Ebay blanks for $15, and it looks virtually identical to the OEM Gen 2 key. It doesn't contain remote circuitry guts, however. That would require a donor Gen 1/2 key. Then, you can get the blank cut and programmed by the dealer for ~$200.
After all of this, I will go from having a single beaten Gen 1 key (which isn't great as the convex buttons trigger functions while in your pocket), to two Gen 2 keys, for $250.
If one were especially frugal, I would surmise that one could get an old key's electronics, the new Chinese key kit, and with proof of ownership, have a new key cut and coded for around $250. I'd love to hear anyone else's tips for getting it done cheaper than that.
So, best I could get was wholesale pricing on an OEM blank with remote function circuitry, factory cut based on VIN, and getting it and my old key reprogrammed at the same time to change the codes. I split the cost with the selling dealer, and yes, it was $450 even at wholesale parts.
The only bright side is that you can get one of the cheap Chinese Ebay blanks for $15, and it looks virtually identical to the OEM Gen 2 key. It doesn't contain remote circuitry guts, however. That would require a donor Gen 1/2 key. Then, you can get the blank cut and programmed by the dealer for ~$200.
After all of this, I will go from having a single beaten Gen 1 key (which isn't great as the convex buttons trigger functions while in your pocket), to two Gen 2 keys, for $250.
If one were especially frugal, I would surmise that one could get an old key's electronics, the new Chinese key kit, and with proof of ownership, have a new key cut and coded for around $250. I'd love to hear anyone else's tips for getting it done cheaper than that.
