There is a lot that goes into making a key for a late model Porsche (Smart Key). First know, that there is a procedural difference between Aftermarket Keys and those that are supplied by the Dealer.
When a Porsche is manufactured, it is assigned individualized Immobilizer data, unique to each car. It is encrypted and loaded into the Vehicle and a copy of the Data is stored safely at Headquarters. When you order a new Key from Porsche, they use the VIN to pull up the Immobilizer Data, load it into the Key (now known as a "Dealer Key", cut the blade based on the Key Code on file and ship to selling Dealer. From there, it just needs added to the Vehicle.
For the Aftermarket, we can order genuine Keys from Porsche with the Vehicle's VIN and add them to your Vehicle, but you pay a premium (whatever Porsche wants to charge).
The other Alternative is to purchase a completely blank Key from a major Key Supplier. Since we don't have access to Porsche's Immobilizer Database, we have to extract and decrypt that Data from the Vehicle. This involves removal of the Body Control Module and reading/decrypting the Data straight from the CPU. From this Data, we can generate a "Dealer Key" and add it to your Vehicle.
To cut a Blade, we can copy an existing Blade (assuming Customer has one and it works), we can cut a Blade from the Key Code (available at additional cost) or, we can pick the Lock and read the Wafer depths (known as "Biting"). Once we know the Biting, we can cut a new Key Blade.
Cons of an Aftermarket Key is that it can sometimes be labor intensive, as the BCM must be removed and there are several programming steps to get to final product.
The Pros, however, are quick turnaround and overall cost. Since we stock many Key/Remote Blanks, Keys can often be generated same day (dome dealers take Months to get a new Key). Keys from the Dealer, including price to program, usually range from $500-$1000. Aftermarket Keys are often half that.
