Owners of German and British cars are often surprised by key prices. The reason is not the plastic. It is what is inside the car.
The key is tied to a module in the car
On most European cars the key is matched to a security module, not just the ignition. BMW and MINI use systems called EWS, CAS, FEM and BDC depending on the year. Making a new key means reading the key data from that module and writing it to the new key.
BMW and MINI
Older CAS cars and the FEM and BDC cars from about 2012 on can usually get a new key at the car. We read the module, prepare the key and program it in one visit. Newer BDC2 cars are possible too, with more steps.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes uses FBS3 on many older models and FBS4 on most newer ones. Many FBS3 keys can be made on-site. FBS4 keys usually have to be ordered through Mercedes. We check your VIN first and tell you which one you have before you pay for anything.
Porsche, Audi, VW, Land Rover
Porsche, Audi and Volkswagen share electronics within the Volkswagen Group, and many of their keys can be programmed at the car. Range Rover and Defender keys also need the data read from the car first. A few newest models are dealer-only, and we say so up front.
What this means for you
Expect the job to take longer than a Toyota or Honda key, and expect it to cost more. You still skip the tow and the wait, and you test the key before you pay.
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