Nothing in the archives on this, so maybe it's new. My 99.5 A4 Avant came with four keys --- two remote/"switchblades", one mundane plastic and metal key --- the "valet" key --- and a an all-plastic key, which the manual cryptically refers to as an "... emergency key ... only for temporary use to stay mobile it the vehicle key should be lost or misplaced."

That lightweight, all plastic, non-corroding key would be terrific to carry when sea kayaking, and I was wondering if anyone had any experience with actually using the thing on an occasional basis. My assumption is that it's just soft plastic, will wear out with use, and can't last too many cycles. But how many? Anybody ever try?

Jack Martin

I know he uses his plastic key for his A6 avant when he goes surfing. Hopefully he will see this
post, otherwise, I'm emailing you his email, so you can ask him yourself.

Hey Jack,

You're probably right. The plastic key will probably wear out pretty fast if it is used regularly. I carry the plastic key with me in my wallet at all times. I use it to lock the car doors while I do a quick run to a bank machine or for a Slurpee. Especially useful for those highway pit stops when you don't want to shut off the oil supply to that glowing hot turbo. I do need to be careful when using this plastic key as it is soft, and I wouldn't want to break it off in the door. I've never used the key in the ignition however.


James Wu
<a href="http://vancouver.a4.org" target="_top">Vancouver A4 Club</a>
1998 Black/Onyx 1.8tqa

<a href="http://home.mdi.ca/james561" target="_top">James' Audi A4 Page</a>

Fits nicely in the little pocket on the backside of my wetsuit...