I have a 2004 GT with just one key (presently). The fob/housing looks like it has had a hard life... pretty beat-up and falling apart if it wasn't for the gaff tape holding it together. I'm thinking of sourcing a replacement fob and swap the guts and key... but am wondering first if this can be accomplished by a lay person like myself or if a project like this is in the realm of brain surgery?

 

2004 would have the early style VAG key fob. Open the battery compartment first. At the top of the battery area are two very small screws remove them. Carefully remove the Bentley insignia. This will reveal a tiny phillips screw, undo the screw. Open, this will reveal the printed circuit board. The fussy area is the little metal clip that holds the battery, it wants to fall out so remember how that went in. The other fussy spot is the panic button and little metal piece, remember their locations. The switchblade key is also fussy, examine it before disassembly. This is not brain surgery just be careful not to drop stuff.

A key fob for an Audi of the same design and era is interchangeable. There are excellent examples for $25 on eBay. The later style Bentley key fobs also work however the prices on eBay are ridiculous. After scouring eBay, finally found a mint new style for $60. My opinion, the newer style key fobs wear out quickly if using the buttons on the control. They are rubberized and eventually wear out. They look and feel nice, though.

The used key fobs are not re-adoptable. The eBay vendors use clever ways of suggesting that some independent locksmith or dealer could magically make these keys work. The magic is taking them apart and installing your existing printed circuit board in the donor fob and Wallah it works.

There is a more detailed forum posting on the subject with pictures. The instructions go over converting from the old style fob to the new style. The above explanation is essentially all you have to do. This is a common sense project.

Have fun learn.

 

I just did my 2005 FOB about 6/8 weeks ago. I bought one of the Ebay Chinese "shells" (which are plastic metal like the OEMs) and transferred the internals. $37 for the shell, takes close to a month for ship. There are 3 or 4 different vendors, all within the same price range and, I'm guessing all from the same source.

I did the transfer myself. My eyes aren't what they were. I took my time. About two three hours complete.

 

 

Check out revived posting on key fobs. Reposted the old thread on the Forum page.

 

Thank you! That's very helpful. I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I didn't first search for previous threads on this subject... I didn't envision that changing fob housings was as common as it seems to be.

 

I went on line to find a shell like you were talking about and I could not find one, just new and used bobs starting at $200.00. Do you have a link you could pm me or post. Thanks!

 

Just one caveat - these do NOT have the panic side button. It wasn't important or necessary to me but every other function of the FOB transfers over using this shell as you will be using your circuit board, and your security key. It will come with a key blank that I just threw away.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Best-Quality-Flip-Remote-Key-Shell-Fob-3-Button-for-Bentley-Continental-Mulsanne/262799716161?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid =p2060353.m1438.l2649