Hello 939 and has anybody seen my keys?

[MattK]

Hi all,
After the terrible demise of my 156 I decided to buy a more recent and roadworthy car, and ended up with a 2011 159 TBi Ti . I'm very happy thus far.
Sadly it only came with one key - I know this topic has been discussed but I wondered if there were any new options for getting a spare, or if the price had somehow magically become more reasonable in recent years.
I'll follow with photos once I've given it a good cleaning and stripped out the window tint.
Cheers, Matthew.

[bazzbazz]

To my knowledge the only way to get a key for these things is still via dealership. I would be thrilled if someone would correct me with a better alternative.

[kaleuclint]

Nice choice!  You have what I have. Except for the second key fob

Can you get the steel key in the fob replicated?  Much cheaper than a remote but still enables entry if needed.

[bazzbazz]

I am sure you can, after all it's just a Key Tang, unfortunately it will only operate the following -

A/ Central door locking/unlocking through the driver's door lock (with run-down car battery only the driver's door will open)

B/ Windows opening/closing

C/ Switch (for versions/markets, where provided) for deactivating the passenger's air bag and knees air bag (for versions/markets, where provided)

D/ Safe-lock device (for versions/markets,
where provided)

E/ Emergency unlocking of electronic key from ignition switch.

It won't start the car unfortunately. (Just so there no confusion)

[MattK]

Thanks for that. Damn. So is it $400? $600? I have no idea why Alfa would treat their customers like that.

[bazzbazz]

No idea on cost, you'll have to check with your local Alfa specialist. Try your local independent specialists first before you go to dealership, they may have found a work around or can do it cheaper.

[Craig_m67]

Thanks for that. Damn. So is it $400? $600? I have no idea why Alfa would treat their customers like that.

It's not just Alfa. Kia/Ford etc. will charge you similar.   I'd be too scared to ask BMW, Audi or Mercedes without checking if my home content insurance covered replacements first

[Citroënbender]

It would be nice if replacement keys were cheaper, but consider the example of a misplaced smartphone - if you lose your iPhone or Galaxy does either maker offer you a cheap exact replacement to keep you cheering for their brand?

It's more that people don't initially apportion value to the keys commensurate with their replacement cost, and aren't up for putting a "$200 cash reward no questions" tag on them...

[kaleuclint]

...consider the example of a misplaced smartphone...

Indeed!

[bazzbazz]

...consider the example of a misplaced smartphone...

Indeed!

Sounds like the sad voice of experience. 

[Citroënbender]

Actually, I've been very fortunate in that respect.    Isn't it only people with naked selfies stored, and Hawthorn supporters, who lose their phones?

If I have less than two sets of keys for any car it gives me the willies. Three sets is ideal; one to use, a spare tucked away and a third set vested with a friend to express post anywhere on request.

[kaleuclint]

If I have less than two sets of keys for any car it gives me the willies.

+1!

Also goes for certain tools, a relatively rare motorcycle (!) and er, phones...

BTW I'm a Hawks supporter.  What am I missing here (not my phone)??

[Citroënbender]

Sly dig at an acquaintance who is both a chronic loser of stuff and a Hawks supporter.

Probably also has nudie pics on his phone too! 

[As the day goes]

HAWKS SUPPORTER. CHRONIC. LOSER.

Fixed. You're welcome

[MattK]

Sorry to drag it back to Alfas (and what a great idea to put a reward notice on the key, I will do that) - I'm just wondering if anyone can suggest where I could pick up a small piece missing from the side skirt on my car. It's an insert about six inches in front of the rear wheel - I assume it's a panel you remove to get to the jack point, or maybe covering a mounting screw. It's present on one side but not the other. Not knowing what it's called is hampering my Google searches.