Ignition key replacement heads

One of my ignition key heads is pretty ropey and for some reason the buttons look like someone has chewed on them. I use it as a spare at present but the other day the"good" key I am using failed to lock the car using the buttons. Its fine now but I feel a failure of this key is just around the corner. So I thought I would replace the head and get myself a decent spare in readiness for the good one's iminent failure. Whenever possible I get these small incidentals from Sunset Imports in the USA and have them shipped to our New York office and then pick them up when I have to work there. But before I do I just want to see if anyone on the forum has had a new key "coded" when they have swopped the key heads either at an OPC or an Indy (can Indies do it?). It would be good to compare the price too. I can get a key head in the US for around about £50 what would the OPC charge for that and the re-coding? There is another option I am hoping I can just swop the front with the buttons on and then not have to worry about the coding but knowing my luck that won't work. Any experiences would be welcomed. RB

You can buy just the plastic top part with the rubbery buttons, and just swap the circiut board, key blade, and transponder pill. Alternatively, why not treat yourself to the Design Key. About £85 iirc for the key head by itself. A decent indy should be able to code a key for you. They will need to get the security codes from Porsche, who will ask them to provide a copy of your log book, and a letter giving them permission to release the codes.

Or Gert has a neat alternative here Ah, on closer inspection, that's what Richard is pointing you at [ ]

Just got my key done at Guildford OPC. Cost of key £85 then half hours work approx £55 plus VAT. Total cost £160 incl vat Half way through job i was told they were checking my fluid levels....this got me worried as i started to think what have i let myself in for!!!! The rep told me they had put a litre of oil in but it was ok as this is standard practice. She then asked if i wanted the car washed....again i asked if this was included...the response was yes. All in all i feel it wasn't a bad deal seeing as i saved £15 on oil and had a free car wash. Key now works fine.[ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]

Thanks guys, The alternative design key does look a little diferent. I assume there is a version available with the three buttons? RB

Sorry - my mistake - it's only available in the 2-button version.

It will be the old design then! Thanks for the heads up Richard.

£35 saving on the OPC if I get the head in the US is not to be sniffed at. Got me thinking - they aint that big so if anyone else wants one bringing back I don't mind getting a handfull for the register. I don't go out again until mid July so plenty of time to consider. (Hope the exchange rate stays the same or this idea will fall flat on its face!!!!) RB

If you want to replace just the plastic bit with the buttons, the part number is 996.637.355.00 (for cabriolets 01-) and is £15.79+VAT.

Ah now that's useful Richard as I thought I needed to get the whole thing and just fit the one section. That makes life a whole lot easier. Thanks And you are right to want the Seal Grey next, I am of course biased but it is a stunning colour and when the sun glints off it - looks the dogs kahunas. RB

Hi Richard, Do you have a part number for the 2 button design key shown in this thread please? Thanks

Hi Steve The part number is 000.044.000.83 and they are £85.44+VAT from an OPC - you might get 10% discount for being a club member, so it might be cheaper than Carnewal. There is a TSB on how to change the internals - drop me an email if you want details. I have (and am still having) trouble sending and receiving mail through the club system, so use: richard996 at gmail d0t c0m