Flip remote keys
The folding key with the HU66 blade appears on many A1, A3, A4, A6 and TT models. The blade is cut to your locks and the head is coded to the immobiliser.
Audi keys and fobs · Available around the clock
Audi Auto Locksmith and Key Programming Across Hampshire
Audi keys are expensive to lose and awkward to replace, especially when the car is an A4 at work, an A3 outside the house or a Q5 in a car park at night. I am Shane, a mobile Audi auto locksmith based in Eastleigh. I cut and program Audi keys at the car throughout Southampton and Hampshire, and I will be honest about which newer models need the dealer.
- Audi keys programmed at your car
- Flip keys and advanced key fobs
- 12 month warranty
5.0 on Google100+ reviews
Audi fobs programmedAt home, work or roadside
- Flip keys cut on siteHU66 blades on many models
- Advanced keyAudi keyless entry and start
- Immo 4, BCM2 and MQBSeveral generations covered
- 12 month warrantyOn keys I supply
About Audi keys
What Sits Behind an Audi Key
Audi belongs to the Volkswagen Group, so its immobilisers come from the same family as those in a Golf or Passat, but the premium models often carry more modules and more protection. An older A3 or TT typically uses the fourth generation immobiliser. Many larger Audis from around 2008 to 2016, such as the A4 B8, A5, first Q5 and A6 C7, keep the key data in a body control module often called BCM2. Smaller Audis built on the MQB platform, including the later A3, Q2 and Q3, use the fifth generation, and the larger cars moved to the MLB Evo platform with its own, tighter system.
In every case the car will only start once it has recognised the transponder in your key, and the remote or advanced key has to be paired too. I carry the key cutting and programming equipment in the van, so a replacement Audi key can be cut, coded and tested at the car. As a locksmith who works alone, I am the person you speak to and the person who turns up.
Where the dealer still has the edge
I would rather tell you now than after I have set off. On some newer Audis, particularly those built on the MLB Evo platform such as the later A4, A6, Q5 and Q7, I can usually add a spare while you still have a working key, but when every key is lost the key may only be available through Audi. Send your registration and I will tell you which side of that line your car is on.
Audi key styles
Flip Keys, Smart Keys and Advanced Key
Audi has used a handful of key styles, and the same model name can come with different keys depending on the year. These are the ones I handle.
Advanced key fobs
Advanced key is Audi’s name for keyless entry and start. The fob stays in your pocket, the doors unlock from the handle and a button starts the engine.
Emergency blades
Advanced key fobs and non folding smart keys hide a small metal blade for the driver door. I cut these to match, so you are never locked out by a flat fob battery.
BCM2 era keys
Keys for the A4 B8, A5, first generation Q5 and A6 C7 are coded through the body control module. Later versions of that module carry extra protection, which can add time on site.
MQB keys
The later A3, TT, Q2 and Q3, and newer A1, use MQB immobilisers. On the newest of these, adding a key through the VAG 5C/5D key programming route needs a working key.
MLB Evo smart keys
Larger recent Audis such as the A6 C8 and Q7 use a non folding smart key. Spares can often be added with a working key; all keys lost may need Audi itself.
Audi models
A1 to Q7: How the Keys Differ
This is a general picture of each model. The generation matters more than the name, so a 2010 A4 and a 2020 A4 need quite different keys, and I confirm yours from the registration.
Other Audis such as the A7, A8, Q8 and the S and RS versions are worth asking about too, as long as you send the registration first.
| Model | Usual key types | Help available |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Flip key on the first generation, MQB based key on the second | Spare keys, replacement flip keys and lockouts |
| A3 | Immo 4 flip key on the 8P, MQB flip key or advanced key on later cars | Spares, all keys lost on many older cars, advanced key coding |
| A4 | BCM2 slot key on the B8, smart key on the MLB Evo B9 | B8 keys from scratch in many cases, B9 spares with a working key |
| A5 | BCM2 key on the first generation, smart key on the second | Spares, replacement keys and advanced key fobs |
| A6 | BCM2 key on the C7, smart key or advanced key on the C8 | C7 replacement keys, C8 spares where a key remains |
| Q2 | MQB flip key, advanced key on some trims | Spare keys, flip repairs and programming |
| Q3 | Flip key on the first generation, MQB key or advanced key on the second | Replacement keys, spares and lockouts |
| Q5 | BCM2 key on the first generation, MLB Evo smart key on the second | First generation all keys lost, second generation spares |
| Q7 | Smart key, with advanced key on many | Spare keys where a working key is present |
| TT | Immo 4 flip key on the second generation, MQB key on the third | Replacement keys, spares and all keys lost on many |
Audi services
How I Help Audi Owners
Each service is carried out where your Audi is parked. Full details sit on the individual service pages.
Car Key Replacement
A replacement Audi key cut and coded to the car, whether it is a flip key or an advanced key fob.
Car key replacementLost Car Keys
No Audi keys left. On many older A3, A4, TT and first generation Q5 models I can make a new key at the car.
All keys lostCar Lockout
Locked out of your Audi, or the advanced key will not open the doors. Entry without damage to paint or seals.
Vehicle entrySpare Car Keys
A second Audi key while one still works. On newer platforms this is the route I recommend most strongly.
Spare keysKey Fob Programming
Audi remote buttons not working or an advanced key the car no longer sees. Fobs and chips coded on site.
Fob programmingIgnition Barrel Repair
Older Audis with a turning key can suffer a worn barrel that sticks or refuses to turn. Checked and repaired at the car.
Ignition repairsBroken Key Extraction
Part of an Audi blade snapped off in the door or ignition lock. Removed carefully, then a new key made.
Key extractionVAG 5C/5D Keys
Extra keys for newer Audi and other Volkswagen group cars on 5C or 5D immobilisers, added from your working key.
VAG 5C/5DBefore it fails
Clues an Audi Key Needs Attention
Audi keys tend to show some sign of trouble first. Catching it early keeps your options open.
Key not detected warning
The dash on an advanced key Audi reports no key, or the start button does nothing until the fob is held near the column.
Handles slow to unlock
You pull the door handle and wait, or have to try twice. A weak fob battery is the first thing to check, then the fob itself.
Loose or stuck flip blade
The HU66 blade on an Audi flip key rattles, will not lock open or will not fold away. The mechanism can break without further warning.
Immobiliser message at start up
A message or warning lamp about the immobiliser appears and the engine cranks but will not run, which can mean the key is not being read.
Only one key in the house
Not a fault, but on MLB Evo and 5C or 5D cars a single remaining key is the biggest risk of all, because losing it may mean a trip to Audi.
The process
What Happens When You Book
An Audi key job runs in four clear stages, and nothing starts until you have agreed the price.
Tell me the car
Your Audi’s registration shows the model, year and platform, which tells me the likely key. You can check the details on the free vehicle check on GOV.UK.
Confirm ownership
I see the V5C and photo ID before cutting or coding a key. If the V5C is lost, you can apply for a replacement V5C from the DVLA.
Cut and code
I cut the blade or emergency blade, then program the transponder to the immobiliser and pair the remote or advanced key.
Hand over and test
Together we check unlocking, locking and starting, I remove missing keys where the system allows and you keep the new key.
Pricing
Why Audi Key Prices Vary
There is no single price for an Audi key. The platform and the key style make a real difference, so I ask for your registration and then give you a fixed figure.
Get a fixed quotePlatform and generation
An A3 8P on Immo 4, an A4 B8 on BCM2 and a Q7 on MLB Evo are three very different jobs.
Flip key or advanced key
Advanced key fobs cost more than flip keys, and smart keys for the larger models more again.
Whether a key still works
A spare added alongside a working key is simpler, and on newer platforms it may be the only option outside the dealer.
Module protection
Later body control modules and newer MQB clusters carry extra protection that adds steps and time.
Recent work
A Recent Volkswagen Group Key Job
This one was on a newer Volkswagen group car. Audi uses the same group key systems, so the same method applies to many Audis.
Newer Volkswagen Group Key Added
The owner of a newer Volkswagen group car needed an extra key and still had one that worked. These later group systems, which are shared across Audi, Volkswagen and the other group brands, rely on that working key, so I used it to program the new key at the car and tested both before leaving.
You can read about more of my recent jobs from around Hampshire.
Where I work
Callouts From Eastleigh to the Coast
I travel from Eastleigh to Audi owners in Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth, the New Forest, Salisbury and the villages and towns around them, day and night.
- Southampton
- Eastleigh
- Chandler’s Ford
- Hedge End
- Winchester
- Portsmouth
- Fareham
- Gosport
- New Forest
- Salisbury
Other makes
Similar Makes I Work On
Audi is one of 30 makes on my list. Volkswagen shares Audi’s group systems, and the other premium German and British makes are here too.
Customer reviews
What Hampshire Customers Say
Every review below was left on Google by someone I have worked for. All my reviews are gathered in one place.
5.0
From 100+ Google reviews
Questions
Audi Key Replacement Questions
Have a question about your Audi that is not here? Call me or send a message with the registration.
Can you replace an Audi key if every key is lost?
For many Audis, yes, including the A3 8P, TT, A4 B8, A5 and first generation Q5. On newer MLB Evo cars such as the later A4, A6, Q5 and Q7, and on some of the newest MQB models, all keys lost may only be possible through Audi. I check the registration and tell you before booking.
What is an Audi advanced key?
It is Audi’s name for keyless entry and start. The car senses the fob near the doors and in the cabin, so you can unlock by the handle and start with the button. I replace and program advanced key fobs on many models.
Can you add a spare key to a newer Audi?
In many cases, yes, as long as one working key is available. That working key is what newer Audi and Volkswagen group systems use to accept another one.
Is it cheaper than the Audi dealer?
I do not quote against dealers, but I do give a fixed price before I travel, and the key is made at your car so there is no recovery or waiting for a booking.
My Audi A3 flip key has broken. Do I need a whole new key?
Not always. If the board and chip still work, the case and blade can be replaced and cut to your locks. If the electronics have failed, I supply and program a new key.
Does an Audi use the same keys as a Volkswagen?
Many Audis share immobiliser systems and HU66 blades with Volkswagen group cars, but the key shells, remotes and modules differ by model, so I always match the key to your exact car.
Can a lost Audi key be stopped from starting the car?
On many Audis, lost keys can be removed from the immobiliser once the new key is programmed, so they will not start the engine if found.
What warranty comes with a new Audi key?
Every key I supply has a 12 month warranty. Pay by card, bank transfer or cash when the job is done.
Need an Audi Key Sorted?
Send your Audi’s registration, plus a photo of the key if you still have one, or ring me. I will confirm what is possible, a fixed price and an arrival time, whatever the hour.