How to get a B7 key to work with your B6

[MikeWire]

Edit: this applies to 2003+ B6 models. The 2002 has a different CCM, and the lock/unlock/panic buttons will not work on the key remote. Credit goes to audballz for pointing that out.

There are already a couple of threads out there on how to make a B7 key work with a B6, but mine is different because I didn't swap or sacrifice my B6 key. I purchased two B7 keys and installed new blades and immobilizer chips. Since my car only came with one key, and I drive it daily, I recently felt the need to purchase extra keys just in case. This process worked for me, and because of my schedule, took a month or two to complete - it may or not may work for you, so be prepared before you start, and if you screw up it's not my fault.

I have laid out the steps here, and it seems fairly easy, but one must be willing to be persistent and put a little work and have the tools to do the job and get it done. Now, the standard disclaimer - this thread contains the steps I took to make B7 keys work with my B6. Your experience may or may not be similar, and I will not be held responsible or accountable for any mistakes or issues you have in following my experience. This is strictly a guideline, your experience may very.

Cliff notes:

First, I found used/new keys off of eBay, then ordered a couple of key blanks for the B7 keys from a seller on eBay. After I got them in the mail, I assembled them and then could have the keys cut to match, and I had to find a local locksmith who was able to cut the Sidewinder key. I then needed "virgin" B6 immobilizer chips so the dealer could program them to my car (the B7 or any non-virgin IMMO chip would not be able to be programmed) so I had to order those. Once the virgin B6 IMMO chips were installed in the B7 key, I took my car to the dealer to have them programmed. The result is 2 B7 keys and 1 original B6 key.

Hardware list:
Immo Chip(s) - ID48 MAGAMOS 48 http://www.keymam.com/product_view.asp?pid=50
B7 Key blank(s) - eBay seller "artiway" http://ebay.com
B7 Keys - Both were bought on eBay from various sellers. Both these part numbers below work for me - there may be others:
8E0 837 220 R - various seller with a used key (key was cut already)
8E0 837 220 L - seller was "midwestkeyless" (came with a new key blank installed)
4F0 837 220 N will not work with the B6.

Vag-Com - get it from Ross-tech.com or find a buddy http://ross-tech.com

Steps to complete the process:

1. Buy B6 immo chips from Keymam ~$5.00 each
http://www.keymam.com/product_view.asp?pid=50

2. Buy B7 key(s) - eBay is a great resource ~$40 each

3. Buy B7 key blank(s) - eBay is a great source ~$15 each

4. Put new key blank(s) in key(s), and install new (virgin) immo chip(s)
It helps to follow this thread http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199643
This will tell you the basic process of swapping immobilizer chips and key blades

Here's some pics on how to pull the IMMO chip:



See the gold lettering - this is from an Audi A6



This is a pic with the IMMO and holder out of the key. Carefully pry around the grey plastic part (it will be in the red circle area) and remove it from the key.The IMMO chip is glued/set in the grey plastic part - carefully pull it out and put your virgin B6 IMMO chip in it's place.



This is a pic of the key part # - I can verify that both my B7 Keys work with my B6.



5. Take keys to a locksmith to have key(s) cut ~$30 per blade
Make sure the keys work in both the door lock and ignition or take them back for a recut/adjustment

6. Keymatch remotes using Vag-Com:
Again, go to this thread http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=199643 or follow the below:

Start Vag-Com
Choose [46 - Comfort System]
[Adaptation - 10]
Go to channel 021.
[Read]

* Choose the memory position you want the new key be matched on by entering it's number (e.g. "3" for memory positon 3).
[Test]

* Now press any button on the remote you want to match.
* The meas. block field above will change from Not Recogn. to Recognized.

[Save]

7. Take keys to dealership to be immo programmed ~$80
Make sure to take all of them - they all need to be programmed at the same time, and plan to pay for 1 hour of labor.

So, for about the cost of one single new programmed key from the dealer (~$250) I now have two new B7 keys, and one original B6 key. All remote functions work and all keys start the car.

[audballz]

May want to note that this is only for 2003+ a4's. Will not "fully" work for 2002 B6'ers due to the different Convenience Control Module. So it will turn engine on only, but unlock/lock/trunk/panic buttons will not work. Basically 2002 B6'ers will have a really cool looking valet key. Unless they can fine a used cheap Control Module from a B7.

[MikeWire]

May want to note that this is only for 2003+ a4's. Will not "fully" work for 2002 B6'ers due to the different Convenience Control Module. So it will turn engine on only, but unlock/lock/trunk/panic buttons will not work. Basically 2002 B6'ers will have a really cool looking valet key. Unless they can fine a used cheap Control Module from a B7.

Good call, I remember reading that when doing my research. I actually had this all written up but didn't know if it was worth posting, but another user was wondering how, so I posted it.

[NetLogic]

What is involved in switching to a updated CCM for us 02s?

[Pufftrees]

I could have sworn I saw a writeup like this somewhere except it had pictures and shit. Not putting you down Mike I am just saying. 1 sec I am sure I can find it
Here it is Keyfob Swap

[NetLogic]

And also can't you just take the blade from the B6 key and replace the one in teh B7 key to save on having to buy a blank and having it cut?

[NetLogic]

I could have sworn I saw a writeup like this somewhere except it had pictures and shit. Not putting you down Mike I am just saying. 1 sec I am sure I can find it

Keyfob Swap

That write up involved swapping your old immo chip into the new B7 fob if I remember correctly and also I think swapping the blades.

[Pufftrees]

That write up involved swapping your old immo chip into the new B7 fob if I remember correctly and also I think swapping the blades.

No debate there. I dont remember exactly what that writeup consisted of but I thought it would be nice to have both writeups in the same place, get information stacked together

[MikeWire]

Ya, this is different where I swapped a B6 virgin IMMO chip (they are different that the B7) into a B7 key, so it would work on a B6. The other DIY just swaps a B6 IMMO from your existing key to a B7 key, so you lose one key for another. I did this so I could add keys, because I only had one, and didn't want to risk breaking my only IMMO chip swapping it into a B7 key.

edit: I can add pics, but there are so many around....

When I get some time I will put them up.

[NetLogic]

I did this so I could add keys, because I only had one, and didn't want to risk breaking my only IMMO chip swapping it into a B7 key.

Didn't think about it that way.

[manguyen]

That write up involved swapping your old immo chip into the new B7 fob if I remember correctly and also I think swapping the blades.

I'll do a write up once I find a b7 blade and virgin immo chips. The eBay ones advertise b6/b7 key blanks but in reality they are b6 blanks. I can't seem to find a true b7 blank. I have 2 ccms one from a 04 and one from an 06 , I wanted to test and compare between b6 and b7 ccms .

[MikeWire]

I think I took some pics of when I swapped everything out so let me dig and see if I can find them. To be specific you need B7 blanks and B6 virgin IMMO chips. I have no idea on the CCM's, but I imagine they will not work, but I dunno. Maybe Old Guy or Diagnosticator will chime in.

[MikeWire]

Ok updated with some pics.

[NetLogic]

I'll do a write up once I find a b7 blade and virgin immo chips. The eBay ones advertise b6/b7 key blanks but in reality they are b6 blanks. I can't seem to find a true b7 blank. I have 2 ccms one from a 04 and one from an 06 , I wanted to test and compare between b6 and b7 ccms .

How much were the ccms?

[MikeWire]

I'll do a write up once I find a b7 blade and virgin immo chips. The eBay ones advertise b6/b7 key blanks but in reality they are b6 blanks. I can't seem to find a true b7 blank.

Manguyen, I just told you where to find them. The key blades on eBay worked just fine and are B7 blades from the seller I got them from. I even have a link to keymam to get the IMMO chips. Am I teh suck with communicating?

[manguyen]

^^^ i saw it :-) ordered 2 key blanks already. 15.98 - 10% live.com rebate :-) im going to reuse my chip from my valet key.

[manguyen]

How much were the ccms?

i paid 100 for the b7 ccm

[MikeWire]

^^^ i saw it :-) ordered 2 key blanks already. 15.98 - 10% live.com rebate :-) im going to reuse my chip from my valet key.

Let's do a team DIY - needs more pics.

[manguyen]

A friend is coming to visit this weekend and he doesn't have an immobilized. So we are going to throw the b7 ccm In his car and see what happens. I have a b7 key fob that came out of the same car as the ccm ..... Will post up results tomorrow evening.

[ecbo0m]

Nice writeup. I'm in the one key situation right now. Anyone know of any other transponder chip suppliers other than the aforementioned one in China? It'll take 2-3 weeks for them to come - I'm hoping there's a US supplier somewhere.

[mtshank]

nice write up

[Frey7190]

Good DIY, but the difference between yours and mine is that mine doesn't require you to have to go and program the IMMO with the dealer. Its just involves getting an already programed one and swapping it. This DIY is good for people, like the OP, that only have one... But see if you only had one, you could have just as easily gotten a B7 or a B6 key from eBay with an already blank shank and already installed virgin IMMO chip.

.. And you got lucky, your dealer only charged you $80 bucks... Other dealers charge up the wa-zoo for the immo programming.. Socal dealers all average $150 bucks or so... BUT FOR ALL YOU AZ'ERS a tip for you guys is GOTO VW DEALERSHIPS! They program the same IMMO chip for Vw's and charge 1/2 the price. I got my Audi and MKIV Jetta done at my local veedubb dealer for $70, and that was for both cars!

[Frey7190]

Nice writeup. I'm in the one key situation right now. Anyone know of any other transponder chip suppliers other than the aforementioned one in China? It'll take 2-3 weeks for them to come - I'm hoping there's a US supplier somewhere.

No US suppliers, but Keymam works great, ive ordered from them 3 times (for me and other AZers) and if you chose there Express Shipping they come within the week..

I have one here, thats a virgin IMMO if you want it.

[MikeWire]

Good point Frey, but this isn't "how to buy an ebay key and take to your dealer" DIY. :) I just wanted to let Audi owners know how I got a B7 key to work with my B6, and it is possible to save money by purchasing each component of the key separately and putting it together to get a resulting B7 key. For right now, there's unfortunately no way to avoid the dealer for IMMO programming.

[BlaQ_B6]

Nice write up, question though:

Why did you buy the key blanks and Fobs separately? When I did mine, the dealer was able to copy my B6 shank pattern fine onto a blank B7 shank.

@manguyen Eager for your results, if you this CCM swap turns out successful would you mind sharing how you did it? I'd so be willing to do this so I don't have to carry around 1 and Half fobs anymore =/. Thanks

[manguyen]

^^ of course i'll share. i spent the money for the parts to research this for the community. Ive heard of people talk about swapping CCMs but no one has tried it. 24 hours in counting before results of CCM swaps.

[BlaQ_B6]

Ha, awesome. Hope this turns out well!

[DaSkorpion]

Nice write up, question though:

Why did you buy the key blanks and Fobs separately? When I did mine, the dealer was able to copy my B6 shank pattern fine onto a blank B7 shank

====

BlaQ_B6,

How much did the stealership charge you for the blank B7 shank or did you get it elsewhere - am trying to go this route because I can have my dealership program up to four remotes one time for $40.00....cant beat that.

[BlaQ_B6]

====

BlaQ_B6,

How much did the stealership charge you for the blank B7 shank or did you get it elsewhere - am trying to go this route because I can have my dealership program up to four remotes one time for $40.00....cant beat that.

I ordered a complete B7 Fob, shank and everything from Midwestkeyless on ebay. Paid $37+shipping for a fresh key, and it came quick too. Would recommend them again.

That's a great deal on programming, are you gonna have the dealer cut it too?

[manguyen]

Heres the news everyone wanted to hear...... It has been CONFIRMED that ANY comfort module from a 2003+ b6 and B7 CCM will work with the 02s. The CCM is located underneath the driver side front seat area (right below your feet), you will need to pull out the dead pedal, and the kick panel to lift up the carpet just enough. THe CCM is located inside a black box. Once you swap out the CCM, everything will get reset in the module, so you will need to vag com it to recognize your keys again. Use same procedure as listed at the beginning of this thread. I will make a formal DIY w/ pictures when i installed my CCM. Today we did it on CONDOs car. The two module we used had part number ending in "BB" and "CG". The ones out of the 02s end in "T". once again it is confirmed that it will work fine. REP ME!!! :-)

[BlaQ_B6]

~!!!!!

So this means your b7 Fob can unlock/lock your doors :O? How about roll down your windows!?

[F16HTON]

Heres the news everyone wanted to hear...... It has been CONFIRMED that ANY comfort module from a 2003+ b6 and B7 CCM will work with the 02s. The CCM is located underneath the driver side front seat area (right below your feet), you will need to pull out the dead pedal, and the kick panel to lift up the carpet just enough. THe CCM is located inside a black box. Once you swap out the CCM, everything will get reset in the module, so you will need to vag com it to recognize your keys again. Use same procedure as listed at the beginning of this thread. I will make a formal DIY w/ pictures when i installed my CCM. Today we did it on CONDOs car. The two module we used had part number ending in "BB" and "CG". The ones out of the 02s end in "T". once again it is confirmed that it will work fine. REP ME!!! :-)

Not worthy of a rep yet...you said you did it on Paul's car, does it have immobilizer defeat?

Whet kept you from trying it in your car? If it works in your car, then you are worthy of a rep.

[manguyen]

Why would the immobilizer matter? People are swapping their chips out of their old b6 keyfobs.

[MikeWire]

Why would the immobilizer matter? People are swapping their chips out of their old b6 keyfobs.

So, potentially, an A4 owner with an 02 can swap in a 03+ CCM and then do this dome to have a B7 key that works with the lock/unlock and IMMO. Nice work manguyen, rep given!

[misterjj2u]

Were any of you able to reprogram your B7 fob w/o a vag-com?

I had two B7 fobs cut and swapped my spare B6 immo chip into one of the fobs only to find out that I can't get it to remote lock / unlock.

It will start the car and run fine but no remote functions. :(

I tried the "unlock twice, turn engine one, click lock, unlock, unlock" dance but no luck. I would have tried to manually lock / unlock the door but my B7 key won't turn in the door (!).

[MikeWire]

if its just the remote part you need to remote match them to your CCM, thats what step 6 is all about, but yep you do need VCDS to do this. Maybe you can find someone local and avoid the dealer?

[Condo]

So, potentially, an A4 owner with an 02 can swap in a 03+ CCM and then do this dome to have a B7 key that works with the lock/unlock and IMMO. Nice work manguyen, rep given!

Not potentially. Manguyen and myself both have installed updated CCM's and are using the B7 FOB's. Works perfectly with zero issues.

[MikeWire]

Not potentially. Manguyen and myself both have installed updated CCM's and are using the B7 FOB's. Works perfectly with zero issues.

By potentially, I mean with the correct amount of $$ and effort

[manguyen]

yup, with enough money, the benefits to cost ratio isnt right to do this on an 02 unless you desperately need a b7 key fob.... all you need is the module and follow the steps in this thread to do it on the 02s... :-)

[Condo]

By potentially, I mean with the correct amount of $$ and effort

Very true. I was surprised how quickly the install went. I think it took about 30 minutes to swap out the CCM's and get the FOB's paired.

yup, with enough money, the benefits to cost ratio isnt right to do this on an 02 unless you desperately need a b7 key fob.... all you need is the module and follow the steps in this thread to do it on the 02s... :-)

You're forgetting about one benefit that I had. The range for my FOB increased from about 25-30 feet to over 100 feet. That alone was worth the cost