Replacement Key Cost?

Guest · Dec 22, 2003

I've just been quoted 288 quid including VAT as the cost of getting a new key for my Boxster. This is apparently the trade price of the parts and programming, as supplied by an OPC.

This seems to be ridiculously high!

Any opinions, ideas, "that's life" type comments?

Cheers,

Rowland.

Helen Goff · Dec 22, 2003

haven't you got a spare key? in the three years i've owned my boXster i've never had to use the spare key.

Guest · Dec 22, 2003

haven't you got a spare key? in the three years i've owned my boXster i've never had to use the spare key.

I would agree with you normally, but I'm just buying the car and it's only coming with one key. I don't want to get stuck unable to use my car if I lose them or have them stolen!

Also, I think my wife wants a set of her own...[

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Rowland.

jleo · Dec 23, 2003

Sorry, maybe being too cautious here but have you had an explanation from present owner about the missing keys? No danger of the car being reclaimed in the middle of the night after you've parted with your money? There should be a third 'simple' spare as well which is without the remote function but would get you into the car.

Guest · Dec 23, 2003

Sorry, maybe being too cautious here but have you had an explanation from present owner about the missing keys? No danger of the car being reclaimed in the middle of the night after you've parted with your money? There should be a third 'simple' spare as well which is without the remote function but would get you into the car.

The car is coming from a garage rather than a private owner, and I've asked them to try and contact the previous owner to check for more spare keys.

That's interesting about the 'simple' spare. This presumably is a physical key and turns off the alarm but not the immobiliser, and also doesn't do remote central locking? Maybe we can get one of those for a bit less than 300 quid!

Wayne · Dec 23, 2003

I had a similar problem with my 993 earlier this year. I eventually found the organisation in the UK who supply/fit a lot of the alarm system that go into our cars.

They are Hamilton and Palmer on 01732 760022.

Maybe worth giving them a call?

Helen Goff · Dec 23, 2003

i would think twice about buying a car without a complete set of keys.

at the very least i would take the cost of the replacement key off the price of the car.

ashley · Dec 23, 2003

Absolutely agree Helen, I'd want a pretty good explanation why there was only 1 out of 3 keys. can't be too careful when parting with your hard earned, if its not sorted before you do, very little chance of it being done later.

mikecolquhoun · Dec 23, 2003

A new key cost me £125 from HR Owen Hatfield, now Porsche Centre. That included PCGB discount. they quoted £150 so I was quite pleased, as pleased as you can be! Mine had just been used too much and I didn't like the idea of being down to a single main key.

Guest · Dec 24, 2003

Look on the brightside. Security of the Porsche keys are an issue - as it is the easiest way for the car to be nicked

I've therefore hidden my replacement keys, But God knows where!!!

Pat

Guest · Dec 27, 2003

i think a good steering wheel lock would help

Helen Goff · Dec 28, 2003

i would be worried about damaging my leather steering wheel.

Guest · Dec 28, 2003

No-one would dare steal yours Helen

It must be the most famous Boxster in the country!

Pat

Helen Goff · Dec 28, 2003

LOL[

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Guest · Mar 31, 2007

Hi, I've got the same key situation, I am now down to my last key for my Boxster which has just started to play up, interested to know if you managed to obtain a replacement key and how it all went, i'm off to the Cambridge Porsche Centre in Harston tomorrow. Regards Russell

Paul Fraser · Apr 1, 2007

Have a search on Boxa.net -- there's a thread about replacement keys from Timpsons for £35.
In fact I took a note of it:
http://www.boxa.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=26319&hl=

Richard_Hamilton · Apr 1, 2007

The alarm control module can be programmed for up to 4 keys. The module is programmed with the transponder codes (the small 3mm x 2mm plastic coated chip which slides into the key head) and the radio remote codes. If a key is lost, the codes can be deleted from the module, thereby disabling the key from starting the car.

The two options you have with genuine keys are a full remote key or a 'service' key with no remote. As has been said, a remote key should cost about £150-200, and I seem to remember a service key cost me about £75 including programming. Porsche can cut the key from your VIN number. A good independent with a PST2 should also be able to supply and program a new key which will make it a bit cheaper. Porsche often want to see a copy of your V5C and driving licence as proof of ownership before they will supply the key.

Key cutters like Timpsons do it the other way around. They read out the code from your existing transponder and program it into a new one. I don't think they can do the same with the radio remote though.

GreigM · May 29, 2007

to dig up an old thread - I just had to order a key as my spare I received with the car is not for my car! Contacting the original owner he had never tried it and the spare given to me was the one he got with the car as new from OPC Reading.

So I need a spare, so tried the Timpson route - can't copy it - seems the newer cars (mine is 2004) do have a rolling encryption code and can't be copied.
Asked about the "service" key (which my OPC called a "wallet" key) and it appears they only open the doors and do NOT start the car (can anyone confirm this).
So only 1 option left, a new remote key at around £170 + 1/2 hour labour + vat = total of £221. I feel robbed.

Richard_Hamilton · May 29, 2007

My "Service" key will start the car. It has a small transponder chip for the immobiliser in the key head, which needs to be programmed to the alarm control module. Does your driver's handbook show this type of key?

GreigM · May 29, 2007

hmmm, I'd be very upset if I found this to be the case for my car as I asked the question directly and was assured the service key would not start the car.