mk2 Tiguan Replacement Key

[daz32]

Hello Coolers,

Is there an alternative to a dealer in getting a replacement key for a 2018 Tiguan? It's push start (so proximity key) with the digital dash and so far, all the automotive locksmiths say only VW can do it...

anyone used a locksmith in Sydney that can supply and code a new fob?

[Guest001]

You can get a KEY cut but use the correct terminology You need a REMOTE FOB which can only be paired to the car by dealers or very few others. Last time I priced one was about $500

[daz32]

Finding those 'others' is proving to be difficult

VW quoted $583 for the part and coding varied per dealer ($99 to $199)

sigh

[DV52]

Daz: Hi.

Alas, MQB platform cars like this Tiggy use a fifth generation immobilizer! This means that ignition-key modifications must be "authorized" by the central servers on the VW mother-ship.

If you are not aware, VW maintains a copy of the complete computer set-up for EVERY MQB platform car that has ever rolled-off the production line on a centralized database at VW HQ (it's called FAZIT). Changes to the immobilizer (like authorizing a new key) require access to this database and approval by FAZIT. VW's literature markets this arrangement as necessary to protect its customers from the perils of the black-market for stolen cars/equipment.

The fact that the facility also cements the role of dealers in the life-cycle of the car is of course incidental (not!) and in Australia, the anti-competitive practice whereby independent workshops are NOT permitted to access FAZIT is an additional restriction for car owners

So, alas only registered agents of VW (i.e. dealers) have remote access to the central server and as I'm sure you will agree - the price for what should be a simple task in $/man-hour terms is akin to being somewhere close to the annual budget of a small African nation!!

Don

[daz32]

Hi Don,

Thanks for the reply. That context and background is super helpful

Understanding only VW can code the key.. what is the purpose of those ebay/aliexpress key fobs? are they simply for less-than-4th-gen immobilizers? they look identical to my key but i guess its the internals that differ..

[Lucas_R]

I needed a new key for my 2015 Golf GTI (same keyless entry and push button start as your car, but non-digital dash). VW quoted approx $500 for the key and it was about $300 for coding.

[Guest001]

Hi Don,

Thanks for the reply. That context and background is super helpful

Understanding only VW can code the key.. what is the purpose of those ebay/aliexpress key fobs? are they simply for less-than-4th-gen immobilizers? they look identical to my key but i guess its the internals that differ..

Often they are only the shell and you get a key cut but they wont start the car as no guts in them. You are lucky its not a MERC friend was quoted $1200 for same thing

[DV52]

Understanding only VW can code the key.. what is the purpose of those ebay/aliexpress key fobs? are they simply for less-than-4th-gen immobilizers? they look identical to my key but i guess its the internals that differ..

You need to be more specific - which particular "ebay/alliexpress key fobs"? There are a plethora of different non-OEM key/fobs from a range of third-party suppliers, each having its own unique "features" (I'm being kind - a better word is "problems").

Another option is a pre-owned key from a wrecker. These keys are true-OEM of course and at least they may provide a way of ameliorating the outrageous cost of a new physical key!

The second-hand key would need to be the same frequency as the factory key (most are 434.42MHz) - but I'm not sure whether your friendly dealer would agree to code a key that they didn't sell to the customer.

Worth asking the dealer (I think) and if they say no for no good technical reason - threaten to take them to ACCC. The argument being that VW refusal to allow independent garages access to FAZIT creates a monopoly service provider which is exacerbated by the VW dealer refusal to code a legitimate (albeit, secondhand) OEM key - the sole reason being nothing more than the fact that the dealer did NOT profit by selling the key

Don

[daz32]

I did propose the BYO key option to the dealer and the service guy was pretty adamant they would only code their own supplied key. Guess it comes down to liability? The line was around a dodgy key could result in in bricking the car. it sounded pretty scary (although could just be the intent). To your point... I wonder if a genuine key acquired from another source would be something they entertain

here's one ebay example of a guy in Melbourne selling keys and providing coding

[Sharkie]

Just remember that a key bought from a dealer is not simply a blank. It comes pre-cut (by laser) from the factory specifically for your car, hence the reason they need a VIN code AND evidence that you own the car that VIN code applies to.

On any post MY17 car, programming can only be done by some (not all) VW dealers and a few independent specialists approved by VW. Threatening VW with the ACCC won't work at all. They can (successfully) argue the security angle and the fact that independents with the correct tools and paid access to the VW servers in Germany can actually do the work.

It is VERY expensive to buy the necessary tools and access rights, hence the high cost of a replacement key. In Brisbane you can get 2 new keys supplied, cut and coded for about $700 from an independent (even if you lost all the keys to the car). From VW, the key alone (supplied and cut) is about $500 and then coding is about $200 (through VW themselves or $400 from an independent). In many cases, VW dealers actually outsource the coding to an independent...

EDIT: note that not even an independent will code your 2nd hand (which will need a new blade that also needs to be cut) or ebay/aliexpress key for you.

And finally, that Ebay guy will not be supplying OEM VW keys, the independents typically use their own suppliers for keys that they know they can successfully code through the VW system.