Key Fob Question

[mikepal]

Good morning everyone,

I recently purchased a 2018 Audi RS3 and it only came with one key. I called the local Audi dealer and with a new key + programming it will run around $620.

Are there any other options or do I have to get this done through a dealer? I googled all weekend but thought I ask the experts here.

Thank you so much!
Mike

[kevin#34]

guess only an Audi dealer can program a new key

[rs3_guy]

Sadly, the dealer might be the only ones that can do the programming. However, I would look into buying a used OEM key online and see if the dealer can just do the programming and save some $$.

[mikepal]

Thank you both for your responses! I’ll look into getting a used key and see if they can program it.

Thank you!

[Swimbait]

Please let me know if that works, I also only have one key.

[mikepal]

Please let me know if that works, I also only have one key.

So I called a couple key specialists in my area and it looks like the key needs to be purchased from Audi because of the Johnson control cluster used in the RS3. I don’t have the technical details but that’s what I was told. So I was quoted 440 for the key and 170 for programming at the dealer. I assume the non Audi specialist would be a little bit cheaper.

Thanks!

[NapalmEnema]

Man note to self - never ever lose key or you will be super mad at how expensive it is to replace.

I thought 3-350 for a replacement key was steep. Ouch man, but at least you got it and you're done. Bet you never lose the new one! LOL

[Swimbait]

So I called a couple key specialists in my area and it looks like the key needs to be purchased from Audi because of the Johnson control cluster used in the RS3. I don’t have the technical details but that’s what I was told. So I was quoted 440 for the key and 170 for programming at the dealer. I assume the non Audi specialist would be a little bit cheaper.

Thanks!

I was reading about someone who bought a used key, then took it apart and replaced one of the chips in the key and then took it to be programmed. Not sure if its worth the hassle.

[kashikoi]

I would research if the used key fob route will even work. Thought I read somewhere that once a key is paired to a car, you can't pair it to another car.

Also, I would ask the dealer to re-program both keys with a new code (not sure the correct terminology) just to be safe. I think the reprogramming is a flat fee (reprogramming your current key shouldn't incur any extra cost).

Wonder if there is a way you can somehow get in contact with the previous owner. If they have it, offer them like $50 bucks for it.

[mikepal]

I would research if the used key fob route will even work. Thought I read somewhere that once a key is paired to a car, you can't pair it to another car.

Also, I would ask the dealer to re-program both keys with a new code (not sure the correct terminology) just to be safe. I think the reprogramming is a flat fee (reprogramming your current key shouldn't incur any extra cost).

Wonder if there is a way you can somehow get in contact with the previous owner. If they have it, offer them like $50 bucks for it.

That’s exactly what I did this morning, reached out to the previous owner. I found their home address in the navigation and mailed them a letter this morning. I really feel awkward about it but if I can save a couple hundred dollars it’s worth it:) I had people reach out to me in the past about a car I previously owned and I was always happy to help so hopefully karma rewards me :)

I found a used key on EBay from a 2020 RS3 for $90 and was thinking about giving it a try but then decided against it.

[dillybacon]

maybe you'll get lucky. with the older pre-pushbutton start keys i know all that was needed to make a used key from a different car work was an unused blank immobilizer you could swap in and get programmed and the existing fob transmitter could be easily swapped to work with another car. but not sure if there is more than an immobilizer now for pushbutton...maybe they are the same