What the $&^@! is a "folding key" on a VW?

[DesignDawg]

Hey all,

I've noticed that a major selling feature of VW cars is a "folding key." WTF? Is it really a FOLDING KEY? Or is that some cute brand name for something that is actually useful? If it really does fold, which way does it fold? And if it really does fold, what could possibly be a good reason to ever fold your key?
Sorry if I sound overly-cynical about this, but I can't find any info online..

Thanks,

Ricky
DesignDawg

 

[DannyLove]

hey Design Dawg, havent seen you here in a lonnng time.

dont know what a folding key is, but hows the wifey

danny~!

 

The new VW keys look nothing like a normal key.

You get a little black plastic alarm thing with the flat key that flips out of that.

The key itself is flat with a single path carved out in the middle of both sides.

 

[vi edit]

Yup, it's a key that "folds"

Basically, the keyless entry transmitter is a big plastic "block" at one end, and the key is attached to it. When you want to use it in your car, you push a button and the key flicks out from the side of the keyless entry transmitter. When you take the key out of the ignition you fold it up and put it in your pocket for easier carrying.

It's nice because you don't have any sharp objects anywhere near your bits 'n pieces.

 

[StageLeft]

It's bleeding-edge folding technology built into the key!

 

[Amused]

Yep, it's my "switchblade" key. The key folds into the remote control key fob. It's spring loaded and flips out with the push of a button.

 

[Amused]

<<

It's nice because you don't have any sharp objects anywhere near your bits 'n pieces. >>



I take it this describes you accurately?

 

[Zenmervolt]

SammySon described the key very well. The main advantage that I see to it is that it eliminates the need for carrying both a key and a remote transmitter. The idea is interesting but my favorite keys are from late model Jaguars, the shaft of the key is cylindrical.

Zenmervolt

 

I like that design a lot. But they break fairly easily. So your warrenty will come in handy.

 

[worth]

Listen all y'all this is folding key!
Listen all y'all this is folding key!
Listen all y'all this is folding key!

So, so, listen up cause you don't know nothing,
It closes down with a push of a button,
But when you want it out,
I'll tell you to push a button and now it's on!

I'm telling ya it's a folding key!
I'm telling ya it's a folding key!
I'm telling ya it's a folding key...

 

[arigato]

What part breaks easily?

 

[vi edit]

<<

<<

It's nice because you don't have any sharp objects anywhere near your bits 'n pieces. >>



I take it this describes you accurately?

>>




<Tim Allen grunt> Uuughh??</Tim Allen grunt>

 

[Viper GTS]

Pictures, courtesy of images.google.com

Viper GTS

 

[MajesticMoose]

There really fun to play with, or maybe i'm just easily amused. The thing is is you lose one i think they cost about 250 to replace, and the normal keys cost 60-75 but they won't open the trunk.

m00se

 

[TurboQuattro]

Audi's have them too...My A4 is a 98 and doesn't have the cool flip key. Bummer.

 

[vi edit]

My '95 VW has a flashlight built into the key. Nice for finding the lock when it's pitch black outside.

 

[trulfe]

my 97 mercedes has this too. i think mercedes was the first to come out with this, then VW and Audi copied the idea.

 

[prontospyder]

It's a pretty cool key but according to my friend who has a Jetta, replacements cost $80 each.

 

[aphex]

i was quoted at $240 for a new one... They have to be shipped from germany or somethin...

Thankfully weve never lost one for the 3 vw's we owned... Its cool, my new 2002 one is a little slimmer and has a little led light on it so you can see when the battery needs to be replaced...

 

[DesignDawg]

Wow..

Thanks for all the replies. And thanks for the image. Kinda ugly, actually. Bells -n- whistles. Gotta love/hate 'em. I would rather not have some freak key. Hehe... I think I'd almost be embarrassed having a big toy for a key like that.
ANyway, I guess you have to see/hold one to appreciate. I'll be doing that soon. Thinking of getting a VR6 Jetta in the future....

As for the wifey.... She's great. We're great. Our one-year wedding anniversary was yesterday. MAN, I hate wedding cake. One-year old wedding cake is no picnic, either.

Yeah, haven't seen me in a while. I've posted a time or two. I don't really come here anymore. But I still know this to be the place to ask questions like this. --Any question for that matter.

Thanks again,

Ricky
DesignDawg

 

[worth]

Nobody liked my poem/song?

 

[RoninRXN]

<< my 97 mercedes has this too. i think mercedes was the first to come out with this, then VW and Audi copied the idea. >>



Mercedes has laser keys that have a pop out regular metal key to open the door if the laser runs out of power. You can't start the car with the regular key. It requires the laser recognition.

I have one for my 2000 E320

 

[Emulex]

My a4 audi has the blade key. It's convenient, the switchblade is pretty cool to flick, and the keys have immobilizer codes so you can't just make one up, they code has to match the ecu..

 

[Noirish]

i love my folding key.

all vw/audi has this kind of keys.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

I have a 2001.5 Passat wagon. If you have seen "Gone in 60 Seconds" you pretty much have seen these keys. (Similar to the Merc keys) You can't boost one if these cars without the encoded key. Gotta flat bed it if you want to steal it