A3 - spare key required

[KayLo]

Hi there

When I bought my A3 (2001) second hand last year, it only came with one key. On first enquiries a new key seems to cost about £100, but I'm reliably informed that you can get one off e-bay but you need to open up the existing key and see what colour the inside is (or something?)? Any tips? Want a second key but don't want to pay main dealer prices

Thanks

[Flibble]

Car keys aren't generic enough to be bought off ebay for a few quid. You're going to have to stump up dealer prices to get one I'm afraid.

[Dr G]

If you're very lucky and can get a key with an identical part number and find someone that can supply and copy a blade for you and then get it to a main dealer (or very small number of indies) to get it coded then you might save a little bit...

Easier just to get one from Audi

[TonyHetherington]

I looked into exactly the same thing - main Audi dealer prices result in £183 from start to finish (that's for the blade, the beeper and the coding).

[mhill]

it can be purchased of ebay ive done it!

Check the frequency, it will be printed as 443MHZ (usually)
Find a fob thats suitable & purchase (if you can get one cheep enough with a transponder and ready cut blade this is fine)
purchase a blade and transponder
Timpsons & most key cutters can cut the blade
Assemble taking care with the transponder capsule as its fragile (guides found on many VAG forums)
Then use Vag Com Diagnostics System to code the transponder (if you dont have VCDS use the vag forums and most people will help you out for beer tokens)

[KayLo]

Thanks all

Will let you know how I get on and if I manage to sort it through e-bay!