Hi to all on the forum.
I have just bought myself a Cayenne S, but it came with only one key.
I could do with another, but have been told by by local Porsche dealer that the key cost £170 plus vat plus, one hour labour to code the key at over £100/hour, so over £300 for a key !!
Sunset imports( in USA) do a UK spec key for $97 and will then need coding to the car. Anyone tried it or know if it will works ??

 

The more I read about this sort of thing, the more I wonder whether I'm making a good decision by changing marques.

An MB key must be ordered by the VIN from a dealer; but synchronizing it with the car is something the owner can do very simply and easily. It's only when the maximum of ?5? keys is reached does one have to get the dealer involved.

 

you can buy a "blank" key from ebay very cheaply and then get your OPC to code it for you.

its a good idea that most manufactures have with coding it stops someone (like the example given of merc) obtaining a spare key (from the vin number that is displayed on view to anybody by the windscreen) and coding it themselves.

this way it has to be done ligitamatly and with some measure of security.
pain i know but worth it for the security it offers.
porsche will have to code not only the new key but your old one as well and the cars transponder, so its not too expensive all things considered.
and you DO definatly need 2 keys.
good luck and welcome to our corner of the world.

 

You better get carbon fiber replacing the plastic part on your key fob if they come with that kind of a price tag.

 

To buy the MB key, you must provide the VIN, show proof of ownership (like vehicle registration and/or insurance), photo ID and some dealers even want to physically see the car with the VIN.

It just grinds me to have to pay to buy a key and then pay additional to get it coded. It just looks like Porsche has ways to "nickel and dime" the customer to boost profits; and even though I don't even yet have the car, I'm already finding that it pays to shop around. My selling dealer uses Matrix Pricing for parts and accessories. He won't get much after delivery business from me!

 

not sure about the USA but there is a major company in the UK called keys galore and all dealers use them, you just get the VIN number from the windscreen of your car (almost all cars made after 2003) and they send out a key by post...its as easy as that, most people here cover up there windscreen VIN number so passing people cant read the number.
i have no idea why manufactures put such an important number (identity) on plane view?
they always used to be under the bonnet or stamped on the floor pan under carpets?
do you know why they do this??
also the porsche cayenne key (in the shape of the cayenne..cool)
has not only 2 transponders but 2 different transmiters, and with the switch blade i think its good value for money.

the new bently GT key is over $8,000 USD (solid silver/leather and like a rolex...)

 

You won't get an MB key from Keys Galore.

The VIN is posted like it is for law enforcement.

 

oh, i see thanks. for what purpose? i mean law enforcement could check inside car or under the bonnet?

trade key (china/hong kong)
will send any mercedes key blank (will open the door manually) by post with just VIN number...then just code it yourself.
or thats what they advertise.

 

Is it right that if you can get hold of a used Cayenne key, all you have to do is get it re-programmed for your car by Porsche or a cheaper specialist, then get a key cut and you are away. I believe it only works with the pre 2005 Cayenne keys....

 

you are correct sir (at least in the UK)

 

your only option is to order it thru a dealer, however, the labor only takes like 20 minutes. The last time they replaced my keys, I was with the service technician the whole time and they can program the vehicle in 20 minutes including everything. So, if I were you, I'd try to bargain with them..

 

Well so far I have got a used key from ebay for £25, bought a couple of good quality metal key shafts off ebay for £5. Had one cut by my local keycutter for £5 and attached to the fob. So costs to date £30. I just need the key coding now. Any recomendations in the Midlands area as my local Porsche dealer wants an hour labour and from what I understand the earlier keys are much easier to program than later ones. Anyone had one done by anyone other than OPC ?

 

My budget key was a failure. Took it into Porsche yesterday to get it coded and after 30 mins the tachnichan said he couldn't do it, the key wouldnt accept it, so in the bin with that one and buy a new UK spec key from SunImports in the States. It was worth a try.