Key Replacement Woes. Local dealer wants over $500 for one key! - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

joespaman · 01-07-2016, 10:21 AM

Just picked up a new to me 2003 Boxster S. Lovely car, but only 1 key that the FOB does not work. Looking thru posts on here shows people paying way less for a replacement key. Quote from Chattanooga Porsche is $383 for the key and $132 PLUS TAX. Will calling Knoxville or ATL yield different results in price, or is that the new going rate for these........?

particlewave · 01-07-2016, 11:09 AM

Thieves! Key heads are about $160, but you will still need the dealer to program...if you need a new blade cut, that's another story. New head, blade, cutting and programming should be in the $400-$500 range, so their quote isn't too crazy.

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joespaman · 01-07-2016, 11:40 AM

Well, well. Please note that I called the last 2 days and left voice mails for the parts department in Chattanooga. Finally called back today with that quote. Called Harper in Knoxville, whom I have done business with before with new Audi and VW(just live further away now). Great group of guys there. So I will just drive an extra 45 minutes to see them for......$251 for the key(cut by Porsche) and the Keyless entry fob! Programming as well there for "no more than $100". I can't believe dealer pricing can fluctuate that much.

boxxster · 01-07-2016, 12:20 PM

I'm in the same boat. I found a dealer nearby who will sell me a key that will open and start the car but doesn't have any buttons on it. This is fine with me because I only really want it incase I lose/misplace my primary one. They want $45 for the head, $90 for the blade and its cutting, and a half hour to program it ($78). Those prices are all in Canadian dollars.

joespaman · 01-07-2016, 02:00 PM

boxxster - Sounds like a bargain in CAD for us here in the USA!

pony13ca · 01-07-2016, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxxster

I'm in the same boat. I found a dealer nearby who will sell me a key that will open and start the car but doesn't have any buttons on it. This is fine with me because I only really want it incase I lose/misplace my primary one. They want $45 for the head, $90 for the blade and its cutting, and a half hour to program it ($78). Those prices are all in Canadian dollars.

Boxster which dealer is that? I'm in the same boat.

boxxster · 01-07-2016, 04:15 PM

This was at Pfaff porsche. I don't recall the exact part number for the head so unless you talk to them you might be told it doesn't exist. I went to the Oakville dealer to see if they could match the quote (they are closer to me) and the only head they could find was the one with buttons for $160 or so or a key that only opens the doors and glovebox but doesn't start the car.

net_fix · 01-07-2016, 04:48 PM

i had the same problem with my 1998 boxster, it come with only one key.

i searched a little bit around hand i found that most of the shops could make the key but they did not program the immobilizer.

then i found one that told me that they could do the job, but i had to go there with the car.

so i did, i went over there , they made the key , tryed on the door and it was ok.
after they removed the driver`s seat ( just 6 bolts and about 3 minutes) read the codes in the comfort module , and with a laptop they programed the immobilizer.
in total including cutting the blade it took about 30 minutes and i payed 60€..
it works fine

as i had a key (from a previous 996 carrera that i had) i also went there with the key and for the same job including a new blade a new immobilizer and programing the key to the car they charged me 80€

so i suppose that if you make a few calls maybe you can do the same way.

now i want to open the doors remotely but it seems that i should have the m535 option installed.

my question is: having the key programed and working and the 16 digit bar code of the key transmitter is it possible to install an after market receiver?

thanks for the help you might provide

78F350 · 01-07-2016, 05:16 PM

I bought some VW/ Audi keys for $5 to $7 each and had a locksmith cut the blades for about $30. The transponder (pill) for my immobilizer has been removed from my original key and placed by the pickup coil that surrounds the ignition switch. Never had a problem.
I'm not concerned about my car being stolen, but if I was, I'd also install a fuel pump relay shut-off switch.

JayG · 01-07-2016, 08:24 PM

you can buy the key fob without the key from genuineporscheparts.com it cost ~$130
my local dealer charged $80 to program it.

I reused the actual key, so I don't know what they cost

AaronPDX · 01-07-2016, 08:42 PM

Wow, that is crazy expensive! When I bought my 986S last year I got a new key from Sunset here in Oregon for $281 programming and all.

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emore93 · 01-08-2016, 04:04 AM

That is crazy expensive.

Go here: KEYLESS ENTRY COMPONENTS for 2001 Porsche Boxster

Order the key head take it to the dealer to program the key (30 minutes).

I had 2 keys coded in less than an hour for less than $100.00. I already purchased the key heads.

It locks, unlocks, and opens both trunks from the remote.

Good luck!

joespaman · 01-08-2016, 07:22 AM

Luck is on my side! Harper in Knoxville called me back. They have a blank in stock they will cut(instead of getting the key cut by Porsche). $130 for the head, $28 for the blank(instead of $120 from Porsche), Cut for free, $80ish to program. That's cheaper than the VW replace key I got a few year back. Anyway, lesson learned is definitely call around and honest deals can be had.

JFP in PA · 01-08-2016, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joespaman

Luck is on my side! Harper in Knoxville called me back. They have a blank in stock they will cut(instead of getting the key cut by Porsche). $130 for the head, $28 for the blank(instead of $120 from Porsche), Cut for free, $80ish to program. That's cheaper than the VW replace key I got a few year back. Anyway, lesson learned is definitely call around and honest deals can be had.

You do realize that you will have to drive there (they have to program the car to accept the key)?

pony13ca · 01-08-2016, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxxster

This was at Pfaff porsche. I don't recall the exact part number for the head so unless you talk to them you might be told it doesn't exist. I went to the Oakville dealer to see if they could match the quote (they are closer to me) and the only head they could find was the one with buttons for $160 or so or a key that only opens the doors and glovebox but doesn't start the car.

Thanks boxxster, I will give them a call.

Perfectlap · 01-08-2016, 11:14 AM

My backup key (not the valet key) will only open the door but the will not start the car. Is this because the spare key was never programmed?

My key fob stopped working ages ago. I never had them replaced. I kept it old school.
Meanwhile I spent $2k to have my AC (and other related parts) fixed after the compressor fried itself..... $2k....for the AC which I never use.