Audi Car Key Exeter — Replacement, Programming & Lockout
Mobile Audi key specialist covering Exeter and Devon — HU66, HU162T, MQB and MLB platform. VAG immobiliser, smart key and all-keys-lost. Fixed price, 24 hours.
Audi shares the VAG group's MQB and MLB platforms with Volkswagen, SEAT and Škoda — but Audi's premium positioning means dealer key replacement costs are consistently among the highest in the market. From an A3 MQB transponder fault to an A6 MLB smart key issue, a Q5 proximity key not detected or an R8 all-keys-lost — we carry Audi-specific VAG diagnostic equipment to resolve it at your vehicle, at a fraction of the Audi dealer cost.
Audi Models We Cover in Exeter
Key types and programming systems vary across Audi’s range. Every model below is covered across Exeter and Devon.
Don't see your Audi? Call 01392 925673
The models above cover our most frequent Audi jobs across Exeter and Devon. We cover every Audi model sold in the UK — all variants and older discontinued models.
Audi Key Systems — What You Need to Know
Audi uses VAG group immobiliser systems shared with Volkswagen, SEAT and Škoda, across two distinct platforms — the transverse MQB (A3, Q3, TT, A1) and the longitudinal MLB (A4, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, R8). The platform determines the programming protocol.
Audi VAG immobiliser — MQB vs MLB platforms
Audi shares the VAG group IMMO system with VW, SEAT and Škoda across two architectural platforms. MQB (Modular Transverse) covers A3, Q3, TT and A1. MLB (Modular Longitudinal) covers A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7 and R8. Each uses a different OBD communication protocol — the correct equipment for one platform will not programme the other.
Audi key system and platform evolution
IMMO2 / early VAG — ID33
IMMO3 — ID46 / Megamos 48
IMMO4 — Hitag 2 advanced
IMMO5 — MQB & MLB
IMMO6 / MEB (EV) / PPE
Key profiles we carry for Audi
- HU66 — standard VAG blade up to approximately 2013. A3 8P/8L, A4 B6/B7/B8, A6 C5/C6/C7, TT 8J, Q5 8R.
- HU162T — current high-security laser-cut blade. A3 8V/8Y (MQB), A4 B9 (MLB Evo), Q3 F3, TT 8S, Q5 FY. Platform-specific programming required.
- Smart key / KESSY — A6 C8, A7, A8, Q7 4M, Q5 FY higher spec. Passive entry, push-button start. Audi-specific seed/token OBD.
The DVLA registration is used to verify ownership before all-keys-lost work.
MLB / MLB Evo: A4 (B9), A5, A6 (C8), A7, A8, Q5 (FY), Q7 (4M), R8 — HU162T, MLB OBD
Pre-MQB/MLB (IMMO3/4): A3 8P, A4 B6–B8, A6 C6/C7, TT 8J — HU66, IMMO3/4 OBD
EV platforms: Q4 e-tron (MEB), e-tron GT (PPE) — EV-specific protocol
Audi dealer key replacement is among the most expensive of any mainstream brand. We use identical equipment at independent rates. MQB and MLB Evo keys are more complex than pre-2013 IMMO3/4 keys, which is reflected in the quote.
- › HU66 key (IMMO3/4, pre-2013 models)
- › HU162T MQB key (A3 8V/8Y, Q3, TT 8S)
- › HU162T MLB key (A4 B9, A6 C8, Q5 FY)
- › All-keys-lost (any Audi model)
Call 01392 925673 with your Audi model and year. Fixed quote before we travel. No call-out fee.
Common Audi Key Problems We Fix in Exeter
The most frequent Audi key faults we attend across Exeter, Devon and Somerset.
How We Programme Audi Keys On-Site
Audi key programming is platform-specific. Here is what happens when you call us for an Audi key in Exeter or Devon.
ⓘ For all-keys-lost Audi jobs, an all-keys-delete sequence is carried out before the new key is programmed as the sole authorised credential. Ownership verification required.
Audi Services Available in Exeter
Every service available for all Audi models across Exeter, Devon and Somerset.
Frequently Asked Questions — Audi Car Keys Exeter
How much does an Audi car key replacement cost in Exeter?
Audi key pricing varies by platform (IMMO3/4, MQB or MLB Evo) and key type. Pre-2013 IMMO3/4 models are the most cost-efficient. MQB and MLB Evo require seed/token OBD which is more involved. Fixed all-in price before travelling — always significantly less than Audi dealer rates. No call-out fee. Call 01392 925673 with your Audi model and year. See our pricing page.
What is the difference between MQB and MLB for Audi key programming?
MQB covers transversely-engined Audi: A3 (8V, 8Y), Q3 (F3), TT (8S), A1 (GB). MLB covers longitudinally-engined models: A4 B9, A5, A6 C8, A7, A8, Q5 FY, Q7 4M, R8. Each uses a distinct OBD protocol. Equipment for MQB will not programme an MLB model and vice versa. We carry dedicated tools for both platforms.
My Audi A3 8V or 8Y won't start after a battery change — is that a key problem?
Typically a MQB BCM key credential sync loss, not a key failure. We restore via MQB OBD seed/token exchange at your vehicle. In most cases no new key is needed. Call before ordering a replacement.
Can you programme an Audi key without the original?
Yes — all-keys-lost is available for all Audi models across IMMO3/4 (pre-2013), MQB (transverse post-2013) and MLB/MLB Evo (longitudinal post-2013). EV models (Q4 e-tron, e-tron GT) use MEB/PPE protocol — we confirm coverage on the call.
Do you cover Audi Q7 and A8 keys in Exeter?
Yes — Q7 (4L IMMO4 HU66 and 4M MLB Evo) and A8 (KESSY smart key MLB) are within our coverage. High-value vehicles attended with priority anywhere in Exeter and Devon.
Do you cover Audi e-tron and Q4 e-tron EV models?
Yes — Audi e-tron (MEB-based) and e-tron GT (PPE platform) are covered. EV platform programming uses a different protocol to standard VAG OBD. Confirm your Audi EV model and year on the call so we bring the correct equipment.
Is an Audi replacement key from you as good as an Audi dealer key?
Yes — the credential programmed to your Audi's BCM is identical whether programmed by us or an Audi dealer. Both use VAG OBD protocols (MQB, MLB or IMMO3/4 as applicable). Physical HU66 or HU162T blanks from the same professional supply chain. The difference is cost and on-site convenience.
How long does Audi key programming take?
IMMO3/4 key (HU66, pre-2013): 30–50 minutes. MQB key (A3 8V/8Y, Q3, TT 8S): 45–70 minutes. MLB key (A4 B9, Q5, A6 C8): 50–75 minutes. Smart key / KESSY: 60–80 minutes. All-keys-lost: 75–120 minutes. Accurate estimates confirmed on the call.
Audi Key Services Across Exeter & Devon
Other Car Brands
Need a Audi Key in Exeter or Devon?
Tell us your Audi model and year when you call. We confirm the platform (MQB or MLB), key type and method, then give you a fixed price — before we travel. No call-out fee, available 24 hours.