98-30 Audi A6 plip key problem

[P700DEE]

I have a 98 A6 Avant with the standard issue Audi plip as seen with lots of models. For six years I have used just the one plip key although I have two e-bay spares that have never been coded to the car. Last night the steel holder for the blade snapped. I can drive the car but with the blade loose I am scared I will lose it. No problem I thought, swap the blade to one of the other keys and use the original alarm/opener. Tried today but it seems the immobiliser chip is in the part of the plip that holds the blade. So I could open the car start the engine etc. but the immobiliser switched off Can you swap the blade holder only without damaging the immobiliser chip ? Do I have to go to a main dealer to get the whole lot coded ? Any suggestions for alternatives. I am in Kent near Maidstone

Thanks Richard

[Mr V]

Audi only charge about 1/2 hour for coding keys/remotes - it doesn't matter how many you want coded.

[P700DEE]

Half an hour at a dealers for a five minute job attached to the PC thats at least £50 !!!