Volkswagen GLI Lost Car Key Replacement – All the Information You Need to Get a New Volkswagen GLI Key. Tips, Costs, Your Options, and More.

Volkswagen GLI car keys replacement
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In this article:
Volkswagen GLI replacement car keys – Introduction

Automotive locksmith coding a Volkswagen key
Have you lost your Volkswagen GLI car key? – How do I get a replacement key? What options do I have?
Volkswagen GLI key replacement near me – things to remember before calling a locksmith
Volkswagen GLI car key replacement cost

Key coding and programming machine for Volkswagen GLI keys
Can I get a replacement Volkswagen GLI key by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
Keyless entry information Volkswagen GLI

Remote key fob for a Volkswagen
Introduction:
Volkswagen GLI model was introduced in 1980. This model has three types of keys.
Transponder chip key: 2008 to 2011.
Non-transponder keys: 1980 to 1998.
- Please keep in mind that while some keys or key fobs may look the same, they have different capabilities/frequencies/keyways. Therefore, having the right key or key fob is essential.
- Already have your key? Need information to guide you through programming your Volkswagen GLI transponder key? Click here for more information.

Automotive locksmith cutting a new VW key
Quick access or go to FAQ
Click on the type of key you had or your year model below to get the most accurate information:
2008, 2009, 2010, 2011: (HU66T24)
Already have a key? Click HERE for programming information.
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998: (X203/V37)
1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987: (X9/73VB)

1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 Volkswagen GLI non-transponder key replacement (X9/73VB)
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FAQ:
Q: I lost my Volkswagen GLI car keys. I don’t have a spare, so need a replacement. How and where can I get a replacement key?
Generally speaking, you have three options:
- Call an automotive locksmith that offers a mobile service for Volkswagen GLI cars. We can help you with that.
- Tow the car to the dealer.
- Order a key online and have the dealer or locksmith cut and program it for you (if necessary).

Automotive locksmith cutting a new VW key
A word of caution: The type of key you need depends on the year and model of your Volkswagen GLI. Therefore, the options for getting a new key made and programmed depend on whether you need a remote, an intelligent fob, push to start button, a transponder, or a regular key.
A: For a more detailed explanation, including tips on SAVING TIME AND MONEY, please visit our blog post: How to get a replacement key.
Not ready to call for service just yet? Click here for some GREAT ideas on how to find lost car keys.
Q: Volkswagen GLI key replacement near me – How to find a locksmith or dealer and what should you tell them?
First, make sure you have the exact year, make, and model, e.g., 2010 Volkswagen GLI.
In addition, write down the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of the car located on the left side of the dashboard near the mirror (Click here for more information). The VIN helps the locksmith or dealer verify the year, make, and model of the car and determine which key you had.
Also, keep in mind that many locksmiths offer mobile service and travel up to 30 miles radius from where their store is located. Therefore, depends on your location, it might be a good idea to expand your search and call for a few additional quotes, even if on the map, these locksmiths seems to be far from you.

All Volkswagen GLI transponder keys must be coded with the car on-site
Remember,
Their distance as you see on the map, is their business address, not their physical and current location. All you have to make sure, is that they carry the right equipment to cut and program your Volkswagen GLI key.
You can also try and call a few Volkswagen dealers near your location, but remember that you will need to tow the car there.
Finally, make sure you can show ownership of the car by having the necessary documents – title, ID, insurance card, etc.
Q: Volkswagen GLI key replacement cost – How much does it cost to replace a Volkswagen GLI key without the original? What is the average price?
In short, replacing a Volkswagen GLI key can cost between $125 to $190. The cost depends on a number of factors:
- The type of key you need
- The car’s year of manufacture
- Time of day & your location
- Where you get a key replacement (dealer, automotive locksmith, online, etc.)
- Availability of code to cut a new key
- Original ignition or not
The type of key you had and the year the car was manufactured are the most important factors for identifying if you need a chip, intelligent fob, “push to start”, remote, regular “non-transponder” key. The newer the car is, the better the security features the key has. On later models, you can therefore expect to pay more than $250 for a replacement key. Click here to see the model and type of key you had for a more accurate price and additional information.
Also,
the price depends on where you get a key replacement. Did your replacement key come from the dealer, or an automotive locksmith? Or did you get it online? Click here to get a more detailed explanation of how to get a replacement key.
The dealer usually charges about 10% to 15% less for the replacement key than a locksmith would charge. However, you will likely have to tow the car there to program the new key or remote. Therefore, the total price is usually higher.

High-security key coded with a special machine – Volkswagen
Furthermore,
consider that if you have a locksmith come out and make you a new key outside regular business hours, the price may increase.
Finally,
If you have previously had your ignition cylinder replaced, which is quite common in older cars, this probably means that the code for the key may not be useful. In such cases, the key will have to be cut manually by a locksmith, or you will have to change the ignition again, and here the dealer can’t help.

On-site service for new transponder and key fobs – VW
For a more detailed explanation and GREAT TIPS on how to save money, please visit our blog post: Car keys replacement costs
Q: Can I get a Volkswagen GLI key replacement by its VIN?
A: That depends on the year of manufacture of your car and the type of key you had.
The VIN gives dealers or automotive locksmiths the option of accessing the key code on file – i.e., to cut you a replacement key by code which makes the process fast and easy. There are however two things to consider:
- If your vehicle is older than 10 years, Volkswagen dealers will no longer have its key code record, so an automotive locksmith will be your only option to get a replacement key.
- For vehicles equipped with a transponder system and/or a remote/intelligent key/fob key, the codes should be available. However, as coding is required, you will have to either tow the car to the dealer, or have an automotive locksmith come and code the key on site.
For more information, click here
Q: Volkswagen GLI key programming – which keys can you program yourself? Which keys require a programming tool? & more
A: Volkswagen GLI has different types of keys. Some require programming, and some don’t. All transponder chip keys and/or smart key fobs need to be programmed. This process requires a special programming machine that only an automotive locksmith or the dealer has. There is no need to program non-transponder metal keys.
To make things simple, we divided all Volkswagen GLI keys into two categories:
- No programming needed (Non-transponder keys).
- Keys that need to be programmed (Transponder or remote keys). These keys required the expertise of an automotive locksmith or the dealer.
No programming needed:

Car key cutting machine
Volkswagen non-transponder keys are metal keys that have no chip in them, so no programming is needed.
X203/V37, X9/73VB.
For Volkswagen GLI keys that need to be programmed, you will need an automotive locksmith or the dealer:

Car key coding machine for Volkswagen key fobs and transponder keys
These keys, also known as remote smart keys, intelligent keys or key fobs, and transponder keys, have a security chip. Programming is needed. Also, a special machine is needed to program them. An automotive locksmith or dealer should do it for you. This process must be followed for most models made after 1998.
HU66T24.
Keyless entry information for the Volkswagen GLI:
There is no available keyless entry for this model.
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