Getting a new key from the dealier seems to be a hassle

So, I called the local Porsche dealer to get a new key. I need the whole thing, the blade and fob and pill of whatever is all included. I know there are some good lower cost ideas here on the forum, but decided I just wanted a complete and easy to acquire new key. Here is their process: I should call their parts department, and let them know I am interested in a new key. They need me to go to the dealer so they can inspect and copy my driver's license and registration to confirm ownership of the car. I asked if I could email a scan of these documents, and kinda got the hmmmm. and hawww. We really prefer you come here to show us the documents and pay for the parts for the new key. Order the parts, pay for the parts. Then wait about a week for everything to be received. Don't make an appointment until you can confirm that parts are here. Or if you have already made an appointment, then please make sure to cancel the appointment if you find that the parts have not been received on time. Then call for an appointment. Go back to the dealer and get the key made, and pay for the labor (I guess). This sounds a little crazy to me. Has anybody experienced something similar? There is another Porsche dealer in town, should I just try them? Thanks.

Sounds like a PITA designed to discourage you...

Sounds like a way to make it a bit difficult for some random person to get a key made by showing up and giving them a VIN. I'm happy to know that dealers don't do that.

If you need only a spare key and don't need the remote function, here's what I did. Still more steps than necessary IMHO, but less expensive than getting a remote key: 1) buy non remote key head (includes the pill inside) https://www.5150motorsport.com/acces...37-041-01.html ($40) 2) get key blade made from keysinthepost https://keysinthepost.com/ (~$20) 3) install keyblade into head (the one i received was a tad thick and I had to file it down a bit to fit the keyhead 4) have the pill paired to the car by the dealer (1 hour labor ~$90) there shouldn't be a need to have the bar code which is only used for programming the remote unlock feature Total cost $150. However still more hassle than necessary for just an extra key....

I was told about the same thing at my Greenville SC dealer. I don't need a whole key, but I asked what the process was. They also told me the blade is cut in Germany and shipped over, which is the primary source of the delay. My dealership had the fob part of the key in stock. They wanted me to bring the car, title, and my ID (that matches the title) to the dealership before they would have the blade cut.

I ordered my new key blade and fob with remote feature on line. Cost $100.00 for both. Made an appointment, the dealer required me to bring proof of ownership of car. Labor to program car to remote was another 100.00.

Thanks very much guys, it sounds like all this administrative stuff is part of the process. But I need / want the remote function. Although I do like jumpy's plan, only $200.00 for both.

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Where did you get both the blade cut and new remote head for $100???

Try getting a new Key for a Ram diesel that more than a year or so old,, takes longer costs more.. I was mulling over how much it would cost to have a set of engine cases CNC milled from steel. LOL

Sounds to me like the person you talked to assumed the steps are the same as the newer cars and gave you a generic response- was it a service advisor? There is NO REASON to have the blade special ordered from Germany unless you don�t have one to copy, or they don�t have access to a key cutter? Only the newer cars (991, Panamera, Cayenne) require the keys to be specially cut in Germany per VIN. Every dealer I have interacted with has a key cutter to copy the old blades for the 996, as well as blanks in stock. They can bang out a physical copy right there on the spot with stocked parts, then code the immobilizer and alarm if your car is present. The inconvenience of you driving down to offer up your paperwork and pre-purchase the parts is much easier for them to stomach than them having to ask someone else who knows the car better. As as far as sourcing the parts, you certainly take a risk buying them elsewhere and bringing them in. If all goes as planned the process is super simple and quick. They charge a healthy chunk of labor and can come out on top. BUT- many times these older cars don�t work properly...whether the alarm/dme have been swapped and there is a different undocumented key learn code, or the circuitry in your car is damaged, or your car never came with an alarm ( ), or the tester version is glitching on the old cars, or the tech is too green to know how to code a 996...often they use the allotted time and get stuck in a pickle. If you bought all the parts through the dealer they will typically go above and beyond to try and make your setup work, or give you a likely diagnosis of the problem. If you brought the remote head to them (oh it�s new off eBay?) and they run into issues it WILL be the suspect parts fault. They have been bit by bad parts, or incorrect 16digit code, or MISSING 16 digit code and have little patience for outside sourced parts. You will probably get hit with �we aren�t sure what�s wrong, we need to start with an hour of diagnosis�. Just an FYI. TL,DR: 1) The person you spoke with does not know your vehicle, is under the impression you don�t have any keys to copy, or is trying to make more money off special ordered parts from Germany? 2) Be careful where you source the remote head from and understand the risk. 3) If your remote/alarm doesn�t work presently, there may be more at play than just �coding a new remote�

The blade is just a HU66 same as VW, Audi and Skodas of the same era. I'd buy a blank off 5150 and get a good automotive locksmith to cut a copy of your current (provided your current is in good condition and the keys "physical code" can be read). Then buy the head from the dealership and get them to program the car to it. Helps if you get your car serviced at the dealership and you have rapport with them. Had the programming of mine done during a service as part of it.

Must be as much of a pain for the dealer as it is for us. Left a message about getting another key at Porsche Rockville's service dept couple of years back and they never returned my call *shrugs*

What would one do with no "Porsche Dealership"?

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Yeah, actually that's a pretty standard process in my experience. I'd check with an independent Porsche service facility in your area. I saved some money and grief going in that direction. Mike

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Agreed. Mike

During major service at dealer about a month ago we ordered a new key. Service Advisor didn't ask for documents showing ownership or our drivers' licenses. We paid for the key but not programming at that time, and were told when it arrives you come back and pay for programming which should take an hour. They never communicated it came in, and I finally called and they said it is there. My wife is going in today to get it, and later I will post how much it cost total and if they give a complimentary wash like we get at the Subaru dealer.

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You might have to call Porsche of Honolulu, Bill, as they may be the only dealership sympathetic to your dilemma. They may have a solution for you. *Shrug*

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Hope the key replacement/programming works out...never let the dealer wash your car.

New key from dealer $347.94 plus $135 programming for $482.94 total except tax. About 2 1/2 hours wait time got some snacks but no complimentary wash like we get at Subaru dealer. Also refused to remove seat belt minder says illegal to disable.

I'd recommend not posting images of your keys... Key in the post or other services can copy them from an image...

You forget a couple of steps. 10. Bring car in, with one key to program the second key. 11. Come back, pay $135, get the second key, drive home 12. Figure out that the key number 1 was working before is now not working anymore 13. Call for another appointment 14. Come in, the dealer denies any responsibility for the first key not working during their time with the car 15. Forced to buy a second head for $350, and they program the second head for "free" Fooking stealers.