Just bought a Boxster S at auction today with NO KEYS :(

[9864ever]

Originally Posted by thstone

There are no good or inexpensive options. As Particlewave said, its a $500+ problem no matter what you do.

Its fairly easy to get the physical key shank cut to fit the ignition switch.

The hard part is electronic where the transmitter inside the key fob, the ECU (aka DME), and the immobilizer all need to be programmed with the same security code or the engine won't turn over. Only dealers and a few independent shops have the test equipment to do this programming and they typically charge $250 - $400. And that does NOT include the cost of a new key.

PW mentioned buying a used matched (pre-programmed) set of key transmitter, ECU, and immobilizer and swapping them in but that will cost about the same as buying a new key and having it programmed to match the ECU and immobilizer.

Great info thank you.

Any idea what the dealer charges for a new key? I'd really like to then get an idependant that knows what he's doing to program the dealer key on site. I checked and towing will cost $400 for both ways.

[elgyqc]

Originally Posted by 9864ever

... I checked and towing will cost $400 for both ways.

CAA membership with towing is a lot less than that.. and you should be able to drive it home, maybe.

[paulofto]

Originally Posted by elgyqc

CAA membership with towing is a lot less than that.. and you should be able to drive it home, maybe.

What he said. A 1 year CAA membership will cost about 120.00. Way less than a single tow.

[9864ever]

Originally Posted by elgyqc

CAA membership with towing is a lot less than that.. and you should be able to drive it home, maybe.

Hmmm... never thought of that. I do have a CAA membership but I wonder if they would tow the car when I don't even have it plated or have the ownership tranferred over yet... will need to find out.