SteveNunez

Hey guys, I was fortunate enough to find and purchase an absolute mint '99 Porsche Boxster with only 46K miles on it, problem is, owner only had 1 key with car. Because I sometimes park it in a lot- I must leave the key with the attendants and am worried about possible key loss.....
...I called my local dealer (Pepe Porsche) and was quoted $400 for a spare key....are there less expensive alternatives to spare keys?

Thanks guys~
(An expensive introduction to Porsche ownership.)

Macster

You might look into just getting a valet key. The blade works the door/ignition lock and it will -- when the embedded RFID pill's ID is introduced to the car's security system -- start the engine.

It has no RF door lock/unlock functionality though.

I do not know how much the valet key costs and how much it costs to introduce the RFID pill's ID to the car's security system.

SteveNunez

Thank you- I will look into that!

flyingpenguin

I think dealer charges same for programming valet key as for full blown kley with keyfob, so you won't save a lot by going just valet..

Macster

Could be. I've never priced a Valet key. My thinking though was the key is cheaper to buy since it does not have the door lock/unlock hardware. This means too the service department doesn't have to sort out the lock/unlock RF codes, just the RFID ID that allows the engine to start.

The OP will just have to get the numbers from the dealer.

Audi Junkie

Porsche keys are mated to the immobilizer only by the dealer.

I still only have one good key, after purchasing a new immobilizer.

My plan is to cut a hard key, and leave the transmitter taped under the dash to keep the immobilizer unlocked. Theft is a minimal risk for me, and I don't like to lock a convertible car anyway.

I understand that WalMarts have been deploying the machine to cut Sidewinder keys. I've yet to see one. Some places online can do it with just a pic of the key.

Vincent C.

the money you would save is the difference between the valet key head and the remote style head....
$40.00 compared to $175.00.....both need to be programmed.....vinnie

Dan87951

Keys are huge margin makers for dealers! I was quoted almost $1k for a key and fob for my Aston if that makes you feel any better. But can we do? I'm surprised someone hasn't stepped in about this because they essentially have a monopoly on the market.

nosnow

You can buy the components but the 1 hour of labor dealers charge to program the key is what gets you in the shorts. You can look for an independant that can program keys and order the head and key from one of the online Porsche dealer part sites like Sunset or Suncoast.

Brockmeister

I just had to by the key fob from Suncoast. 129.00. Then today I had it programmed at Tysons Porsche for 70 bucks. That the cheapest I could do.
All of this because the electonic pill in my original key fell out and couldn't be found.

FrostyNothing

I was quoted 600$ for labor/key/ and programming at my local Porsche Exchange....

sjfehr

I recommend this route, too- buy the key online from a reputable source (I got mine from Sunset Porsche), and have your local dealer program it. Cost me about $300 to replace a faulty keyfob. $400 sounds about ballpark if you're getting a new blade, too. You need to have the barcode for the keyfob for them to reprogram it. It's not just a Porsche tax; keyfobs for just about any modern car anymore run in this price range.

If you're paying $600 or $1000 for a key, though, you're getting ripped off.

djantlive

i paid 450 5 yr ago. just do it. if you ever sell the car, having 2 keys is important. also, the key does go bad every 3-5 years anyhow.

you may want to look into using a 997 key instead of the 996 key as an upgrade in looks