So what is the real deal about keys on these X308s.

I have a 2000 XJR and am seeing a bunch of different things about the keys, they "HAVE" to go to the dealer, I can buy one from Triple C, I can't buy one from Triple C they only do up to 1999, go to a locksmith. I'm confused. Who REALLY knows.

I called the local SF dealer today for a quote.

The key itself (including the blank and the key) is 154 or 159 depending on the VIN, there is supposedly a break in there where the part number is different.
The programing is a half hour billed at $94.00 per hour.
Putting the total for 1 key at $250ish, excluding tax.

Now I would gladly pay that if that were the price for 2 keys plus the Valet key which I am also missing but for 1 that is a lot. That's a 1/16 of what I paid for the whole car. hahahahaa

Just hoping somone can shed some light onto the subject with FACTs. Thanks guys and gals.

 

The "facts" are that a dealer is the only source that does not require research and judgment.

There are a number of cheaper alternatives and each one of them involves potential problems.

The particular key type is a "TIBBE" if you want to find the other threads that describe the alternatives.

 

Oddly, that makes sense.


But then, a car should come with two keys. As a given.

 

Ok so dealer if you want peace of mind. I wouldn't have paid $300 more for the car but still think I got a good deal Kitty. There is a bug difference between my money going to someone who doesn't deserve it because they lost the key and someone who is providing me a service making a new key. That's the way my twisted logic likes to think of it

 

True. Buyers should get smart and insist on a full set of keys and remotes as part of the deal. The days of going out and getting keys cut at the hardware store are long gone thanks to immobilser systems. So buyers have to start insisting on a full set to get the message across to sellers.

But then all the used remotes on ebay would dry up completely. Where do you think they get them from? They "disappear" at auctions and dealerships. The remotes have a value and the keys get tossed. The going rate is about $10 wholesale.

 

...and then there's me -- I have a drawer full of old keys and fobs from previous vehicles that I traded in and didn't have all the keys with me and was too lazy to go back home and get them. Since 99% of all trades go straight to the auction, they really don't care how many keys you have when you give them the car. Thus, lots of "lost" keys.

 

yup I also have just the one key and looked into getting another made...expensive. I did read where you can remove your transponder and send your key off and get one made from a guy on the forum tho...but if you havve just one key...you'd just be sitting and waiting lol

 

Yah called the dealer he said one key no problem with one key ill be out the door in 30 minutes.

 

I cut my own key, than had my buddy program it to the car.

 

you can buy genuine Jaguar Tibbe keys on ebay UK for around £12 or $17. The have the transponder in. They're very similar to Ford keys of the same era. They can be cut locally at a hardwear/key store without issue. The programming is where you have to hunt about, some key cutting guys have the right programming machines to clone to the original.

 

And it is not unheard of for some nefarious sellers to deliberately keep a key and return on a dark night to remove your newly acquired pride and joy.

As per the others, if buyers insist on the correct keys or no sale then things may change.

They already are in a sense, with keyless entry/go and software recognition systems.

It will start with high end cars, and gradually filter down to everyday cars.

So keys, teaspoons, screw drivers and such, will become a thing of the past.

Think 8 track to MP4/Sat nav/Phone/Home link......

 

The caveat to consider about cloning the transponder as opposed to programming the transponder is that with cloning the keys are identical electronically.

Let's say you have 3 locksmith cloned keys. If you lose 1 and try to disable it, all the keys are now disabled. If you have 3 dealer software programmed keys, you reprogram with the 2 remaining keys and that locks out the lost key.

So with a lost cloned key, you either put up with having a key out there somewhere, or get all new keys.