Swapping key carcass on DB11

[Peter McKean]

Does anyone have any experience with dissambling the DB11/new Vantage key and transferring the circuit board to a new key carcass?

My main key is a little bit weathered. Have purchased a new carcass (uncoded) and wish to transfer my existing key electronics into the better case. Got as far as removing the metal sides and exposing the battery, but am unsure whether the plastic inner parts are glued or or snapped shut and where to leverage them to open. Obviously, I don't wish to make a mistake and damage the key.

I would be very grateful for the assistance from anyone who has attempted something similar in the past.

[skhannes]

Hi Peter,

Sorry, not able to assist you for your need, but would like to do the same to my DB11 keyfob.

I FIRST have to find a shell, looks like you have been successful here.

I believe I can figure it out once I have a replacement. I've done it on other fobs such as the Bentley CGT one.

[Peter McKean]

Yes, I managed to find a new, uncoded key in eBay. Was pretty handy with the old crystal keys, but not these. I thought it might be a rebodied Mercedes Benz three-button key, but though similar in construction it looks quite bespoke.

[yvr]

Key Fob Rob is your friend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aErzJ5ce_b8&ab...

[Peter McKean]

Thanks - I’ve seen that video, but I’m going a bit beyond the battery change and actually dissasembling the plastic inner key. Helpful for the battery change, though.

[Calinours]

Have you considered wrapping ?

Anyone seen the DB12 key? it’s lovely. Looks like the glass is back. If internals are similar it might be a great upgrade for the 11.

[Ninja59]

I have looked at this myself, still non the wiser but I have contacted a trusted source with a donor one to investigate splitting it apart.

Based on said source it could be messy initially and requiring a knife to split the two halves apart.

[Ninja59]

Calinours said:

Have you considered wrapping ?

Anyone seen the DB12 key? it’s lovely. Looks like the glass is back. If internals are similar it might be a great upgrade for the 11.

DB12 key is similar to DBX.

I doubt you can change a DB11 one without some effort due to network changes between the models in question.

[Calinours]

Ninja59 said:

Calinours said:

Have you considered wrapping ?

Anyone seen the DB12 key? it’s lovely. Looks like the glass is back. If internals are similar it might be a great upgrade for the 11.

DB12 key is similar to DBX.

I doubt you can change a DB11 one without some effort due to network changes between the models in question.

I was referring to just swapping the internals, if they fit, buttons in same place etc. But looking at the below images it doesn’t look like it would be possible, unless they have done something clever with levers for the unlock and boot open functions. Only the lock function looks to be in a relatively similar position.





The new DB12 key is a nicer looking thing though…..

Edited by Calinours on Sunday 19th November 18:39

[Peter McKean]

In the end, rather than do the DB11 key PCB swap myself, I sent my keys to Phoenix Bespoke Keys in Hampshire, who did it for me at a fair price.

Pleased with the result.

[Budweiser]

Peter McKean said:

In the end, rather than do the DB11 key PCB swap myself, I sent my keys to Phoenix Bespoke Keys in Hampshire, who did it for me at a fair price.

Pleased with the result.

Can you post a picture?

[Peter McKean]

Well sure, though not a lot to see!



The one on the left is a brand new carcass bought at a considerable discount (had no code) from eBay - now with the internal PCB from another one on the right, as transferred by Phoenix.

The one in the middle is actually the old valet key, with the badge, sides and lid also transferred from the one on the right.

The one on the right is now a non-functional carcass, but used to be the substandard main key (plastics were in poor shape). The metal sides, lid, badge and PCB became donor parts to the others.

The end result is two good metal keys, instead of one mottled old main key and one average valet key. Cost me £225, including all parts and labour. Can't understand why people don't look after their keys, as they are rather expensive to replace, but many owners seem happy to let the key get scuffed up in their pocket.