The key remote on the 996 is probably one of the worst in existence. I am getting mine replaced this week. I was wondering if the 997 version has been improved at all. Does it unlock your doors from more than 5 feet? Do you have to squeeze it so hard that your thumb hurts?

Just curious.

 

The ignition keyof the 911Carrera has been both redesignedand ergonomically optimised. The buttons for unlocking the vehicle and the luggage compartment lid retain their function, but are now finished in robust ABS plastic for greater stability and a more comfortable feel. The remote control transmitter has had its range increased by approx.50%so that it can be used from distances of up to 50 ft regardless of direction.

 

Wow! That's a much nicer design, and much more appropriate for a car of this stature. I wonder if this new key can be used with a 996 (provided that it is programmed ).

 

MJones-

Is that a picture of the base Carrera key, or is it the key for a 997S? IIRC, the keys are slightly different for the two models.

 

I didn't know that the two keys were different, but the one pictured above looks like my 997S key.

 

When I held the 997 key, I felt it was way to plastic feel.

 

The 997S key (like pic above) to me feels light and cheap. However, the remote seems to work very well and I often open the car from 40-50 feet away.

 

I'm sure it's not any cheaper feeling than the 996 key.

 

Actually I liked my 996 key better - simple, seemed solid. The 997 key I guess looks better, but it's so light it seems cheap. The worst is the Cayenne key - a great big, heavy chunky key - don't understand why they do it that way.