Replacement Smart Key 2012 A6 -What is the Real Scoop on 3rd Party?

[Pearson10M]

I have done many searches and I am struggling with separating fact from hearsay on whether or not I can buy a replacement from a 3rd party and have it coded to work in my car. I am looking to save a few bucks and buy a fob from a 3rd party and get it programmed either through a 3rd party locksmith or dealer.

Was at the dealer yesterday and getting some Recall Work done on my 2012 A6 and inquired about a replacement/2nd key and was given a price of nearly $400, which I think is outrageous. Cost for programming was $135. Seriously, how much time and effort is it to flash a key? I asked if I got a used key from say a totaled A6, could they reprogram it. The answer is no, key has to come from Germany specific to my VIN. I find that hard to believe that a replacement key has to come from the Fatherland hard programmed to only your car. Another reason I find this hard to believe is that if you actually lose your only car key, you would have to wait for a key from Germany, which isn't a few hours.

I can get a replacement key from several sources for about $100. Even if I had the dealer reprogram, I save almost $200. If I can find a smart key auto locksmith, I maybe able to save more.

So, the $64,000 question is has anyone purchased a 3rd party OEM Smart Key for their 2012 or newer A6 and had it programmed successfully without issues? If so, how did you do it? I live in the Boston area, and would love to find a more affordable means of getting a 2nd key.

Thanks in advance.

[Laziebun]

I have done many searches and I am struggling with separating fact from hearsay on whether or not I can buy a replacement from a 3rd party and have it coded to work in my car. I am looking to save a few bucks and buy a fob from a 3rd party and get it programmed either through a 3rd party locksmith or dealer.

Was at the dealer yesterday and getting some Recall Work done on my 2012 A6 and inquired about a replacement/2nd key and was given a price of nearly $400, which I think is outrageous. Cost for programming was $135. Seriously, how much time and effort is it to flash a key? I asked if I got a used key from say a totaled A6, could they reprogram it. The answer is no, key has to come from Germany specific to my VIN. I find that hard to believe that a replacement key has to come from the Fatherland hard programmed to only your car. Another reason I find this hard to believe is that if you actually lose your only car key, you would have to wait for a key from Germany, which isn't a few hours.

I can get a replacement key from several sources for about $100. Even if I had the dealer reprogram, I save almost $200. If I can find a smart key auto locksmith, I maybe able to save more.

So, the $64,000 question is has anyone purchased a 3rd party OEM Smart Key for their 2012 or newer A6 and had it programmed successfully without issues? If so, how did you do it? I live in the Boston area, and would love to find a more affordable means of getting a 2nd key.

Thanks in advance.

Brining this back from the dead. In this position right now. And updates?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[V10Jon]

I had a 2nd key made for the RS and yes, it was about $400 total and it came from Germany.

[acruxksa]

2016 S6 $300 for the fob and key (two separate items?????) Programming is $80, but that could be because I've scheduled it during my 15,000 mile maintenance, may be more if it was the only service. $380 total.