group buy-anyone for CGT Keys(remote)?

I am looking to replace my 996's key with the Carrera GT key (I keep pushing the Boxster key to no avail ;-) Not sure how much we could save, but I figure one of us could probably get a good price if we ordered a bunch. I saw that Gert had it advertised on his site for 125 Euro. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think we need the 433Mhz version for the US. Anyone in?

Hmmm That looks good! IS it easy to program to match my car?

I have one on my car, bought if off ebay for $130.. works perfect for my 99 996.. just have to bring it into the porsche dealer and have them put it on for ya.. depending on the relationship you have with them... they may do it for free, or charge you $50 or so for 15 minutes of their time (in my case, the 15 minutes was trying to figure out how to open the damn thing, since they hadn't done one before)

US radio frequency for the remote is 315 mhz.

So how do you open the darned thing?

Bob, do you remember who you got it from and if they have any more?

Suncoast has them for $130. http://e-partssales.com/Merchant2/me...tegory_Code=WS One sold on ebay for $110. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

Can Suncoast program them and cut a new key before shipping?

For security reasons Porsche makes you jump through hoops to get a functional key. A key can be ordered and cut from your vin, if your dealer does not have the key cutting machine. I ordered a cut key from my local dealer in person and they know me. I do not know the policy if you do this over the net. But with the CGT key head you would simply take the metal key shank out of your 996 remote and put it in the CGT key head so there is no need to have another key made. To program any key head Porsche in Atlanta has to supply a key learning code. This code along with the 24 digit code on the paper tag that comes with the key head is needed to program the remote. Your car also has to be hooked up to the PST2 for the car to accept the new remote. This is what I have been told and what I went through. I do not know how Suncoast can do this without having your car. So if you buy the CGT remote it is a trip to your local dealer. My dealer charges $50 to program a remote.

Just bring the new keyhead into your porsche dealer, and expect to spend about $50 at most.. I couldn't figure out how to open it either, but regardless, I think they need to program something or do something to get the carerra gt key to work.. it's definately worth it for the $180-$200 or so.. considering a new 996 keyhead is $150+ very cool looking compared to the standard 996 keyhead... ..and then when you are at the table and someone brings up their 996, be sure to flash the key and say "you mean you haven't got the GT yet? I traded my old 996 in and for another $450k, I managed to pick up a nice carerra gt " regardless, $50 is much cheaper than $500,000

50 bucks to prog a key is ridiculous.

so is $9,000 for a few pieces of wood around a dashboard... welcome to the world of porsche <g> another bonus about this key, is that when you press the buttons, the red GT lights up and flashes..

I found a CGT head lying around at work and did the conversion myself. Open up the old and new key head, transplant the transponder, key blade and pc board (everything clips out), close the key head and you are in business, it's a straight swap. The job is an absolute "no brainer" and I would not pay a dealer silly money to do the work or go through the hassle of having a new key programmed. By the way, it's a 2 button key head, so it's a no-go for 3 button Cabrio and Boxster drivers.

great advice, on the swap. I think I'll do that! Why would it be a no go for boxsters and cabrios? Couldn't you just use the one button? I have a two button key for a cabrio and only the bottom button works. Also, my boxster is a two button, bottom locks, top opens the rear trunk. I think newer models have three buttons (extra one for the front trunk).

If you have the old 2 button Boxster key you will be ok and can do the swap.

just FYI, 911cabrios/boxsters dont come with 3/4 button keys (respectively) (i assume the additional button is to operate the roof remotely), at least not in the USA, just our stupid laws to prevent stupid people from killing themselves or something

You can lower the top on the SL55 from the remote so that aint the answer. BTW, $50 bucks to reprogram a key and $9,000 for a wood interior or whatever bob996 is talking about are both insane and unjustified. Need i say more. Bobby

Actually it's Porsche pre-emptively trying to stay out of lawsuits. US models don't have a remote operated top , ROW models do.

whats the word on the group buy..i'd like to get in on it.

So far haven't seen many takers. Best price I have seen is about $130. If I had more interest I might have some leverage. Might not be worth the hassle, but if anyone wants in, PM me and I will get a price based on that quantity from the best price dealer I have found so far.

Hoffman in CT charged me 95 plus tax to get a remote key and the spare with out the remote programmed.

I didn't pay $9000 for the wood interior on my car... the guy that originally bought it paid for the full wood option... he took the loss... didn't say it was rational, simply indicated it was the ridiculous prices porsche charges for anything.. next time try reading my post a little closer...

Is this just a key head? If so, could it be attached to the third, mini-key that I got with the car (the one without the remote transmitter)? Does Porsche make a folding key for these cars as Audi and others do?

^ yes you should be able to attach the mini key to the remote. porsche to the best of my knowlege doesn't make folding keys anymore.

They do for the Cayenne.

This works perfectly. Easy switch. No need for a dealer visit!

Wonder if it will be a straight swap for the single button remote. (I have a MY00 996)

The two buttons seem to line up. Would presumably depend on whether the old remote still aligned with one of the buttons on the new remote.

Ah, now I understand. Thanks!

Yes it works with the single button remote, that's what I have on my 99.. the other button just looks pretty and doesn't do anything

As a small follow up to my earlier post, the remote works but when i put the physical key in the ignition, the car would power up but not start the engine. Any ideas on what I have done? :-)

AHA!! That little glass capsule (transponder) in your old key also has to be swapped out. There is a transmitter in your ignition lock that wants to talk to the transponder, otherwise the engine won't start. As a test you can hold the old keyhead (with the correct transponder) next to the ignition lock while you try to start the car with the new keyhead. Should work that way.

Thanks. Thought it would be something like that!

Just a thought - I'm pretty sure the 997 has the same fob. Probably more readily available (and cheaper?) and may even say "911" instead of GT. Under $100, I'm in!

I don't think the 997 has the same keyhead as the carerra gt... where'd you assume that?

Does the CGT remote have a better range than the 996's? My range is about 6 feet. I bought the car in June and the remote didn't work. I bought a replacement remote a couple months ago and am not pleased with the range.

997 key head is not the same as the GT, in fact without taking it apart I wonder if the buttons would line up the same (see pics below). I'm not fond of the new 997 design key; looks maybe OK, but it is so light it feels a little cheap. The range is excellent, however. I think the range is a function of the electronics (which you would keep if you bought the GT key head), so no improvement unless you buy a new head with electronics.

"I think the range is a function of the electronics (which you would keep if you bought the GT key head), so no improvement unless you buy a new head with electronics." So, if I understand you, for $130 you don't get the new electronics? That is some spendy plastic! I just paid that for a new head with electronics on my 996.

I looked at it on Suncoast's site, and it sounds like it does come with electronics, which means a trip to the dealer to program it. Or to avoid reprogramming, you could swap your old transmitter out of the old key head, if it fits. Don't know about the GT head, but my 997 remote works very well. You would hope the one they made for the GT would work well too!

Thanks for the clarification Jim. -Darren

wow, the 997 key isn't very impressive at all.. looks quite cheap.. the carerra gt key is very nice.. substational, and well worthy of the $450k car it's made for... i'd recommend it for anyone that doesn't mind spending $100-130 for the keyhead... after spending as much as I have on my car already in repair costs, $180 installed is a pinch in the bucket, so it's worth it, just for the cool flashing GT when I press the button..

I'm interested in a group buy for the GT key. Please keep me posted. Pat

I am on board, too

You can count me in too.

I had a problem with the GT fob I bought. It did not come with the code needed to reprogram it... so the dealer and I took the guts out of the old one and put it into the GT remote shell... it works like a champ...

I'm in also. Just PM me when the numbers are right.

me 2!

KY_soldier, I was kinda "forced" to swap the core/electronics of my old key fob into my new GT key fob since the place where I bought it apparently did not send me the reprogramming code. So, the dealer and I swapped the guts and key element and it is all good... You have to go for it, other Porsche drivers always go "wow"

Ok, at last count I have close to 15. Very Cool! Here is what I think so far (correct me if I am mistaken): The key will come with the "guts," but will still need to be programmed, OR you can swap the guts out of your regular Boxster/996 key (don't forget the little glass capsule) and it should plug and play. I will get some prices this week and then post it. We may only save $20 a key, but so what, that's still cool! I also won't guage on shipping (USPS priority should be just fine). Also, I had a few inquiries from our friends abroad. I will find out if the other freq keys can be bundled in, but my guess is no. Either way, I'll check. If the guts are the same, you can just take your existing guts and use them? Look forward to posting the results this week. Eric

Street price on these are $118USD brand new, if there is going to be a group buy then there should be a group discount! I'm with WCE, if you find them for under $100 I'm in.

Eric, if you can secure a good price/shipping find out if they are going to be shipped to each person individually and if we can each pay the vendor individually. If not, this can become a big mess (for you). Cheers, Dell

Jeeez, $100 for a piece of plastic and 4 pages of replies! I'd much rather spend some money on a nice leather key fob!

Hey Count me in --I just bought a lighter--Porsche Design of course to fill my pockets with more stuff Mike

one thing i find ironic.. is that the carerra gt keyhead is cheaper than a replacement 986/996/997 keyhead... doesn't make any sense to me.. (but neither does $9000 for a wood dash upgrade on $100k car either... don't quite understand where porsche comes up with these pricing figures.. dart board maybe? )

I'm in as well... It will work with an 04 C4S Cab, correct?

For $36 you can read the technical info on the CGT given to the mechanics, rather than buying a key head for a car you do not own and does not operate any different. 4 pages is a bit much. I am going to put a CGT bumper cover on my 1997 Boxster.

Tool Pants, seemed to me that this was a nice way to turn my third key into a fully operational one at a price less than the 996 key head. No one I know would get the poser value!

I'm in. PM or email me when it is ready to go.

I'm in also..if/when you get a price please e-mail me.

OK, HERE IS THE FINAL SCOOP: I have arranged a group buy through Justin @ Brandywine for 115 each plus $3 shipping ($1 if you want USPS). Just reference the "ERIC" buy and you will get the price. FYI, his cost is 105, so this is about as good as it gets. Funny how some people who drive six figure cars want to nickel and dime over this stuff :-) (how else could we afford our cars?) ;-) CAVEAT - there are only about 10 in stock in the US now, so first come, first serve until more stock comes in. ALSO, it is only the key head (no metal cut key). You take the metal from your existing key and put it in this one. If you want to avoid having to have your dealer program it for you, you can replace the guts with your existing guts (don't forget the glass capsule [immobilizer]). PM me with any questions.......Eric

It would help if I posted his number - [phone removed] ask for Justin and reference the "ERIC" key buy.

thanks for taking care of this Eric, I'll call Justin tomorrow and see if he can chave off another 50cents or so I'm glad you used Justin and he was able to hook us up

ordered it today - now what do we need to do to be able to get it to work?

pop open your current key, remove the guts (including the capsule) and metal cut key. Pop open the new key, remove the guts from it, and pop the guts from the old key in the new key, and it should plug and pray, I mean play.

thanks - i hope it's that easy but unfortunately nothing ever is that easy for me!

It is truly a simple process. Just don't forget the glass capsule and you are fine. Use a plastic blade or somesuch to open the keys to avoid scratches etc.

I just got my CGT key from Justin. Maybe the keys for '04 996s are different, but once I took the old and new keys apart, it seems that the metal "key" part does not come out in any easy way. Before I break my spare key into pieces, perhaps someone could help me (and anyone else with a similar problem). It is simple to take the circuit board and battery out for the swap, and I saw the small "capsule" for the ignition which is probably easy to pry out as well. Now for the rest....

if you are concerned, and dont' want to break it and/or spend $50, you can always just bring to the dealer.. they'll take care of it in a few minutes for you... that's what I did... figured might as well, I spend $50 on a dinner, might as well spend it on a key that's gonna be used all the time...

Bavarian, I sent you a mail on how to remove the key blade.

Bavarian OR Stef Scheepers -Can you send me that email as well? Mike

hmmmm, Bavarian does not accept emails from this board per his profile. Can anybody forward this email on how to remove the key blade that stef originally wrote to Bavarian? The original will do as well any help is greatly appreciated thanks

So whats the verdict for those who got the cgt key to work? Did you guys use the old existing electronics or the new electronics? Any difference? thanks

OK guys, here you go: Once you open the key head, there is a black plastic slide (held in place by a little coil spring) that locks the key blade. Pull the slide back (difficult, so just pop it out) and pull the blade outwards out of the key head. Sometimes it sits tight, so just pull hard. To put the blade in your new key head, just push it into the slot untill the plastic slide locks it in place.

Just ordered the last one at brandywine..

All done--it works like a charm...thanks to Stef and Toolpants on renntech. Once you get the blade out, it is very easy. The capsule is the size of a tictac and is not connected to anything. When I first closed everything up, the capsule rattled around, so I attached a tiny piece of tape to it, and now it's perfect. I tested all the functions. Thanks for the group buy.

I may be able to help if you fellows want to do a group buy. I'll check my pricing but I'm sure I'll be able to help...... I'm going to have the catalog team beef up the 996 area, this item will be added to it as well. But for now I'll see what I can do.... -Eli

right as i picked up my 996 today, a real carerra gt pulled up in the service bay.. i asked the service advisor if i could see if my CGT key worked and if it did, if i could test drive the car.. no luck unfortunately... :P (i think i've seen too many game shows...)

Well, I got my key and everything works except the remote! I can open it in the keyhole, start and drive it, but the remote won't lock/unlock the car. Any sugggestions? I replaced all the guts from my old key (including the capsule).

I'm thinking that you may have damaged something during the transfer. Transfer everything back and they give it a try. If it works then you may not be setting the bottons in place. One last thing, you're setting this for your 996 not your 986 correct? -Eli

Slightly OT: Anyone with a 3 button Boxster do this "hack"? Would you lose the front trunk functionality or the back trunk?

So what I learned by replacing the key is that there are 3 locks for the key. The first is the standard metal key. The second is the "guts" or elecrtronics that will remotely unlock the door. The third is the capsule that allows the ignition to turn over when the key is in the ignition. Pretty neat. As a tip to split the key handle, the handle has its tongue and groove along the sides and the front not the back. I took a personna single edged razor blade along the entire long GT edge and twisted in a anterior posterior motion and the tongue and groove will let loose at the long axis of the handle and pop apart without damage . The guts are exactly the same in both units except the glass capsule is gooed into the GT and snapped into the 996 version. You may need some sticky substance to keep the clean 996 exchanged glass capsule in place in the GT remote. The GT electronics sit in the remote and the 996 snaps in. It is pretty easy to pop the spring loaded metal key holder with the remote open, careful that the little bitty spring doesn't pop off the table. Also keep the orientation of the spring loaded mechanism the same since it is noched on one side to snap the key in place. Seat the rubber tubing/seal in place along the groove to make sure both halfs snap together flushly. Good luck.

All is fine. I mistakenly thought I swapped the guts and didn't. I am fine now. Thanks...Eric

OOPS!!!

Thanks for the group buy - ordered mine today!!

so what's everyone think of the gt key.. cool huh? :> the 986/996/997 keyheads are complete junk compared to these guys... it actually makes me proud to put down on the table while eating a keyhead that looks better than most sub $20k family car keyheads... wondering why the 997 never had a nicer keyhead... all other german manufacturers have decent lookin ones.. bmw, audi, vw, benz, etc.. porsche has always been lacking in the keyhead area... not that it's a big deal... but since it's on this topic, just thought i'd bring it up :>

I ordered mine the first day and still have not received them. I called Brandywine before Christmas and they said they were having to order some in from Germany and that they only had a couple to start with. Unfortunately this has been an ongoing problem with Brandywine with me over the last 6 mos. I have spent over $10K on parts/mods for my porsches in the last year and a half and have slowly watched their parts dept go from excellent to downright poor. As they've grown, seems like Justin has handed off responsiblity to others and this has been the demise - I'm guessing that's the reason. I've been downright lied to about when things were coming in, when they were shipped, and then even snubbed aftermarket pieces when I've specifically asked and paid for Porsche OEM. And the list goes on......... I hope other's don't experience my troubles and do not think that I have been a rude or abrasive client so they are being passive aggressive - in fact I've probably been too nice and understanding and let them take advantage of my generosity. I am done with Brandywine and am taking my business to Eric(bumper plug man - yes he can get OEM parts/pieces for great prices) and Suncoast(Ric & phil). CGT key en route from Suncoast for nearly the same cost

Sorry you had a bad experience. I had one issue with them in the past, but they fixed it right away. I got my key pretty quick too, but I think I mentioned, they only had a few, and they went quick! I bought some stuff from Suncoast a few weeks ago, and they are top notch. Enjoy the key!

Thanks for setting up the GB for the GT Keyhead - it's the only thing I've been able to "mod" on my 996 because of all the rain lately here in SoCal.... Here's a quick pic, thanks again - coolest $100 mod yet.

For those of us with a single button remote (MY2000) for lock and unlock is this compatible and thus the CGT trunk button will just be a dummy?

Sorry to dig this up from the archives, but I have a question in regards to this upgrade. Today, the lock/unlock microswitch came apart on my wifes Boxster. All I need is a new surface mount, sub-microswitch, which I think I have already sourced. Easy solder-in job. But, this may be a good opportunity to upgrade to the CGT iteration. Question is; is this compatible with an '03 Boxster? The Boxster requires three functions as it has two trunks that can be opened remotely. Does this fob have a third function? Do I have to order any particular frequency version etc.?

Chris - I don't think the CGT fob comes with "guts" (but I could be wrong on that). For a 911, you swap out your old electronics, so you keep your electronics and both of the two switches are active. I don't think it would work with a Boxster because the Boxster requires three functions. If it does come with the electronics, it still wouldn't work for a Boxster; it would have to be taken to the dealer to have it programmed for your car (911). (I considered it and checked it out way back when, but didn't get one.)

I even put in a new 2032 battery and still nor worky! Any thoughts ? or just bend over at the dealer?