Audi S4 with only 1 remote key - important?

[alfa daley]

Hi Guys



I'm still sniffing round a high mile S4 but it only has 1 remote key, the valet key and the thin skeleton type key. How important is it to have two remote fobs? I know with my Alfa a replacement remote key is an absurd price, is it similar with the S4? I only ask because I'm just so good at losing things

[Fidgits]

oh yes, they are very expensive.



and only having the valet key sounds dodgy to me..

[J400uk]

Yeah the VAG flip keys cost £200 each to replace, deffinetly dodgy if only has the valet key

Edited by J400uk on Thursday 24th May 13:44

[alfa daley]

Its only got 1 remote key as opposed to just the valet key (3 keys in total as in OP). I still think I would prefer two but the dealer is saying 'thats how he got it part-ex from the previous customer'. Just out of interest I hear all kinds of chat about the post 1999.5 cars with the facelift being the more desirable model with better turbos but how do you tell the difference?? Looking through the ones on the PH classifieds I can't tell

[carrotchomper]

One key isn't disastrous. I have been put onto a chap in Bristol who can produce a non-remote replacement key for £70, or a remote one for £140.

This is for an 03 A4.

[clubsport]

alfa daley said:

Its only got 1 remote key as opposed to just the valet key (3 keys in total as in OP). I still think I would prefer two but the dealer is saying 'thats how he got it part-ex from the previous customer'. Just out of interest I hear all kinds of chat about the post 1999.5 cars with the facelift being the more desirable model with better turbos but how do you tell the difference?? Looking through the ones on the PH classifieds I can't tell

easiest way to check facelift is new door handles and digital clock in dash...assuming it is a late '99 car.....there are some mid 99's apparently with larger oil pipes, but analogue clock in dash.......if no digi clock, don't let them tell you it;s a facelift unless they can prove car has some benefits of updates.

[Agent006]

Make sure the dealer disables the missing key with hte diagnostics computer just in case.

[Vee]

alfa daley said:

the dealer is saying 'thats how he got it part-ex from the previous customer'.

Not your problem. Take £200 off the price for getting the 2nd key, or let him sort it out before buying.

[option click]

alfa daley said:

Just out of interest I hear all kinds of chat about the post 1999.5 cars with the facelift being the more desirable model with better turbos but how do you tell the difference?? Looking through the ones on the PH classifieds I can't tell

I bought a facelifted S4 a fortnight ago.
The turbos are the same - it's the manifold design which was revised. Apparently the earlier cars had a fault which caused the manifold lining come loose. You can test for this by opening the windows and blipping the throttle a couple of times and listening for a loud rattle. Fixing this problem is an engine-out job, and is one of the reasons why facelifted cars are more desirable.

Cosmetically, the facelifted cars have the following:
A digital rather than analogue clock in the dash.
One-piece headlight and indicator units.
Rectangular rather than square side repeaters.

Best thing you can do is go to rs246.com - there is a ton of useful info over there.

[supaspark]

Vee said:

alfa daley said:

the dealer is saying 'thats how he got it part-ex from the previous customer'.

Not your problem. Take £200 off the price for getting the 2nd key, or let him sort it out before buying.

Deffo...throw it back to them!