I bought a car recently.

Nice car, VW Passat Estate, very happy with it.

On the downside, it only came with one key. This drives me insane.

I pretty laid back generally, but I'm completely obsessed with the need for a spare key, always have been, with every car I've owned; despite the fact that I have never, ever, lost a key.

Anyway, a bog standard key - a lump of plastic, with a lump of metal sticking out one end is £125. If I want a key that includes remote central locking it costs £196!

In an effort to alleviate the pain, my mate told me it cost him over £300 for a spare key for his Merc.

Robbing barstewards.

Surely you can just get a key (as it will probably need to be programmed for the immobiliser) then get a 2nd hand remote?

I'm in the same boat, need to get a 2nd key for my Accord, programmed to work with the immobiliser, on the plus side the remote fobs seem to be cheap on ebay (and some have the boot release etc... will need to install it though) but they are only a few quid each

I obviously showing off my ignorance in this area, but I thought the key coding was a one time deal, I didn't realise they could be reprogrammed, so I didn't consider it.

I'll look into it.

Cheers Fin.

Well you can get replacement keys, they will need to be programmed by a VAG dealer (probably VW themselves) as most keys have the chip in them for the immobiliser, that is the priciest part of it

The remote if it's a separate fob you can buy after from a 3rd party, there are 'reprogramming' steps you can usually do for a car. What year/model (or revision) is it?

You dont have to go to a main dealer for keys and/or programming these days. You can get the same service from a good locksmith a whole lot cheaper than main dealer. Your profile says you are in Doncaster so check out local locksmiths.

Got this from googling but obviously dont know your postcode to see if your nearest branch does it

http://www.timpson.com/services/66/car-key-programming

I am sure you will find one that does. Alternatively get a key cut from locksmith and find an independent V.A.G. service centre to program it, which again will be cheaper than main dealer.

It's a 2004 Mk5 Passat TDI 130 Highline.

You're right, there are plenty of fobs available on ebay for very little money.

From another forum:
The chip is in the remote part of your key, not the blade.

To program the remote functions on a new key, get in your car with the car off and the driver side window rolled down.

insert the new key into the ignition

insert your vallet key in the driver side door lock (outside the car)

turn the vallet key towards lock and hold it there

while it is held towards lock, press the unlock button on your new remote for
2 seconds.

let go

press it again for 2 seconds

let go and you should hear an alarm honk or something like that.


That was another possible way to do it

Our car came with three keys. Two remote ones and one normal, just in case.

I have a car, with two keys, I can get them replaced for £6 each, they unlock the doors and start the car. It would be "like magic" except it's now considered outdated......But at least I can guarantee it'll work every time

As above.

Except it doesn't work every time.