Experiences with this Ebay Key Seller ??
- Thread starter Spike Strip
- Start date
Ookpic
Veteran Member
Just a note to make sure you read the auction VERY carefully. Although this auction lists "free" programming, if you look at the fine print on the clickable photo links in the auction it says some interesting things.Spike Strip said:Anyone bought a key from this guy:
LINKY
Anything I'm not seeing? Or should know before ordering... ? Or any "cothchas"
Impex sells a key, but without the fob.
Anyone got a better way to do it? (by better, I mean cheaper, faster, etc.)
For an '05 Golf, TDI, btw.
Thanks.
- Fine print on photo 2 states the unit will still need to be taken to the dealership to program the immobilizer. The free programming is for the lock/unlock functions only.
Other than that, this seller has a very positive feedback if that helps.
Last edited:
Ookpic
Veteran Member
Sorry my bad, I just went back and had another look. I had 2 browsing tabs open as I am also looking ebay for a replacement keyfob. The 2002-2004 keys that this seller is selling are used. It doesn't say either way on your ad.
Here's a link to the photo that I was talking about in my second point though which is on both ads. Sorry about the mis-info. I'll go back and correct it.
Here's a link to the photo that I was talking about in my second point though which is on both ads. Sorry about the mis-info. I'll go back and correct it.
Spike Strip
Veteran Member
I emailed the seller about the New/Used issue, and he wrote back the whole thing (Key and fob) are new OEM...
I've looked at the description and ad copy closely, and best I can tell, I will have to still have the key cut and immobilizer chip programmed. About another $150 at the dealer...
The price isn't too far from what my dealer quoted me~ about $250 for everything (and I don't have the key code, either), so I might as well just get it from the dealer- at least there I'm guaranteed it'll work, an that it's genuine VW
I've looked at the description and ad copy closely, and best I can tell, I will have to still have the key cut and immobilizer chip programmed. About another $150 at the dealer...
The price isn't too far from what my dealer quoted me~ about $250 for everything (and I don't have the key code, either), so I might as well just get it from the dealer- at least there I'm guaranteed it'll work, an that it's genuine VW
feverwilly
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2006
just go to the dealer.. I did cost me $103 for the programming and $70 for the FOB.. they did it in 10 minutes
flyingcat
Active member
The "new" key I purchased on Ebay was unprogramable by the dealer. Save both time, money, and frustration and go to the dealer......
mrGutWrench
Top Post Dawg
__. The '05 is different (actually starting with '04, it's different). On my '03 wagon, Impex supplied a cut key with the remote that's worked just fine.Spike Strip said:(snip) Impex sells a key, but without the fob.
(snip) For an '05 Golf, TDI, btw.
Thanks.
__. VW changed the software and it's either impractical or impossible to get the Key Code or set the immobilizer on an '04 or later.
__. Some stealers appear to supply keys and do the initialization at reasonable rates -- others seem anxious to take advantage of the fact that you're pretty much stuck with them.
TDIfor
Veteran Member
<<Some stealers appear to supply keys and do the initialization at reasonable rates -- others seem anxious to take advantage of the fact that you're pretty much stuck with them.>>
My dealer is quoting $295 for fob and programming... tried to get the key from Sidewinder in Canada, but the last few emails and phone calls have gone unanswered, so I don't know if they are still in business.
My dealer is quoting $295 for fob and programming... tried to get the key from Sidewinder in Canada, but the last few emails and phone calls have gone unanswered, so I don't know if they are still in business.
mrGutWrench
Top Post Dawg
__. I got a key in about 3 days from World-Impex. Don't remember the price but it was reasonable. Call John or Joey and give them your VIN. That works for your '02.TDIfor said:
__. You'll have to deal with initialization by yourself, though. But that's usually not a big deal.
Dieselaire
Member
I received 3 correct Key Remotes from various Ebay vendors. All the numbers match my original remote except for the MFG Dates which are all in the same year for my 2005 Jetta. I did get three Keys cut which all work in the door and they all turn the starter over. I matched all the remote functions to the car with no problem. I went to my local dealer to program the imobilizer to accept a total of four key remotes. I was at the dealer for the Factory recall on the brake switch for the speed control. The technition tried to reprogram the imobilizer to recognize my Ebay remotes and could not perform this function. After their failure to program the remotes they said their system could not do this. I think the dealer calls VW in Germany and are sent back the programing Data for only new remotes that they sell?
And they did charge me $47 for this non service. Any ideas?
And they did charge me $47 for this non service. Any ideas?
Spike Strip
Veteran Member
I ended up buying one cut key and remote from IMPEX, but as of this moment, I haven't gotten off my arse to program the remote or take the key in to the dealer for programming.
One a these days...
One a these days...
Ski in NC
Top Post Dawg
I got a letter in the mail regarding a class action lawsuit regarding VW keys and dealers. Seems like some New York lawyer got stung by a dealer and took it from there. There was a settlement, but since I still have my keys I did not crunch through the legalese.
-Eric
-Eric
TDIfor
Veteran Member
Since I lost my fob, I was interested. Near as I could sort out, the issue was handled out of court with a settlement, and VW has agreed to make equipment and software available to third parties.Ski in NC said:
I didnt see that there was any offer to have a free fob cut and programmed, or anything useful. The equip. used for the programming will prob. be priced so dearly that no third-party folks will bother. The settlement seems to have been made back in 2004, it is just now getting to the point of notification.
I could be wrong, but I think that is the correct essence of the settlement.
Don
daedalus
Veteran Member
I just bought two 'valet' keys from eBay. The item number is 120282728109.
I don't have them yet but, so far, my experience has been positive. The seller does not cut or program the keys - just sells blanks. The guy was super cooperative and he turned me on to 'his' locksmith for the rest of the work. I sent him my original 'valet' key and $60. He will cut and program the two new keys and mail all back to me.
Anybody interested in a follow-up can email or PM me and I will let you know how it all works out.
I don't have them yet but, so far, my experience has been positive. The seller does not cut or program the keys - just sells blanks. The guy was super cooperative and he turned me on to 'his' locksmith for the rest of the work. I sent him my original 'valet' key and $60. He will cut and program the two new keys and mail all back to me.
Anybody interested in a follow-up can email or PM me and I will let you know how it all works out.