Reasonably Priced Key - Bay Area

[Danimal]

I only have one key and the buttons no longer work. I want to pick up a new one and possible convert my existing one into a spare.

From what I've read you generally need to go do a dealership unless you know someone with a piwis. The dealerships I've called all want $300 for an hours worth of labor + keys at full dealer mark up. was going to be like $750 just for one key.

Are there any Bay Area alternatives??

[elav]

I bought a blank and had a copy made from my existing key - to reduce cost. You need the car code to program the key to the car - so this can only be done at the dealership or perhaps an independent with friends at Porsche that can provide the code.

[obthomas]

Keep searching the forums. There are some alternatives.

A key at the dealership is expensive.

1. If only your buttons are not working you can buy a switch repair kit and do some micro soldering of new switches inside the key .

2. You can buy a cheap keyless entry kit from ebay and follow forum instructions to substitute it into the car and work it into a keyless fob plus your key to get all the original features.

3. You can remove the pill from your key and afix it next to the ignition switch and any key cut for the switch will work to start the engine.

A combination of 2 and 3 get you out of the Porsche handcuffs

Good Luck