For Volkswagen owners seeking a touch of luxury, the Bentley Key Fob offers an appealing upgrade. Known for its substantial feel and premium design, the Bentley key fob can be more than just an aesthetic enhancement. Many VW enthusiasts have discovered the satisfying weight and tactile experience of a genuine Bentley key, often preferring it to aftermarket alternatives. This guide will walk you through the process of swapping your Volkswagen key internals into a Bentley key fob, allowing you to enjoy a taste of luxury every time you start your car.
Why Consider a Bentley Key Fob Upgrade?
The original poster of this modification highlights the superior quality of a genuine Bentley key fob. Unlike cheaper aftermarket options that may use thin plastics and poorly weighted metal parts, a real Bentley key fob exudes quality. The rubberized backing behind the Bentley logo and buttons, coupled with the well-weighted metal components, provides a tactile pleasure that is immediately noticeable. The key is so well-balanced it almost naturally points towards the ignition lock when held correctly, showcasing the attention to detail in its design. This upgrade isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about enhancing the everyday experience of using your car.
Is the Swap Possible? Compatibility and Components
The good news for VW owners is that the internal components of Volkswagen and Bentley key fobs are remarkably similar. In fact, the VW group’s key design is shared across several brands, including Bentley and even Bugatti. This shared engineering means that the circuit boards, button placements, and key blade mount points are virtually identical. Therefore, swapping the internals is not only possible but also relatively straightforward. You won’t need to worry about complex electronic modifications, as the core components are designed to be interchangeable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing the Key Fob Swap
To undertake this modification, you will need a few basic tools and a donor Bentley key fob. It’s recommended to source a used, genuine Bentley key fob from eBay or similar platforms. This ensures you get a high-quality casing for your upgrade.
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Disassembling Your VW Key Fob:
Begin by removing the battery cover on your VW key fob, as if you were replacing the battery. This will expose two screws near the keychain strap. Remove these screws, along with the screw located beneath the VW emblem. Carefully separate the key fob casing. Important: Pay close attention to the spring mechanism for the folding key. To avoid losing or damaging it, gently wedge the plastic case slightly apart and allow it to rotate open, releasing the spring tension in a controlled manner. -
Preparing the Bentley Key Fob:
Depending on the specific models, you might need to make minor adjustments to the Bentley key fob housing. Phaeton keys, for instance, are slightly longer than Bentley keys in certain areas. You may need to use a cutting tool or Dremel to remove a small amount of material from the metal part that houses the folded key to ensure a perfect fit for your VW internals. -
Swapping Internals and Key Blade:
Carefully remove the circuit board from your VW key fob and place it into the Bentley key fob casing. Next, you will need to swap the key blades. The key blade is held in place by a press-fit pin. Push this pin out from either side to remove the VW key blade. Install your VW key blade into the Bentley key fob and re-insert the pin to secure it. Try not to lose this pin, as sourcing a replacement might be challenging.
VW key fob disassembled to show internal components ready for swapping -
Reassembling the Bentley Key Fob:
Reassembling the key fob requires tensioning the folding key spring. Position the top and bottom halves of the Bentley key fob casing approximately 180 degrees apart. Rotate them together to tension the spring mechanism, mimicking the original tension of your VW key. Press the two halves firmly together until they snap closed, ensuring all internal components are correctly positioned inside. You should be able to gauge the correct tension by feel, similar to how a stock folding VW key operates.
Final Considerations
With the circuit boards, buttons, and key blade mounts being the same, this key fob swap is a relatively simple modification. By carefully transferring your VW key internals into a genuine Bentley key fob, you can significantly enhance the tactile experience of your car keys without compromising functionality. This upgrade offers a subtle yet satisfying touch of luxury to your daily driving.
