Porsche vs Audi/VW ignition switch

[ettil]

Please accept apologies if this has been up before but searches didn't find it (I make no claim to being an excellent searcher).

So my iginition switch is bad (to the point I had to disconnect the battery as I could not turn off the accessory after more tries than I like to think about). Went from sticky on key removal to full on failure when not driven for 2 weeks.

Great DIY and I'm almost ready to attempt it.

However, what's the failure rate for the Audi/VW part (current piece) vs the full Porsche assembly? I'm under extended warranty (w/$200 deduct) and not sure which would be the best option at this point.

Help? Thoughts? $30 part that goes bad in 4years(?) or $400 at the dealer and it never goes bad again?

'01 996 C4 Aero w/52k (original owner)

Thanks!

[ByHook]

My experience; the Audi/VW replacement ignition is going strong after 4 years which is one year longer than the original on a 2000 Boxster.

[jl1252]

Please accept apologies if this has been up before but searches didn't find it (I make no claim to being an excellent searcher).

So my iginition switch is bad (to the point I had to disconnect the battery as I could not turn off the accessory after more tries than I like to think about). Went from sticky on key removal to full on failure when not driven for 2 weeks.

Great DIY and I'm almost ready to attempt it.

However, what's the failure rate for the Audi/VW part (current piece) vs the full Porsche assembly? I'm under extended warranty (w/$200 deduct) and not sure which would be the best option at this point.

Help? Thoughts? $30 part that goes bad in 4years(?) or $400 at the dealer and it never goes bad again?

'01 996 C4 Aero w/52k (original owner)

Thanks!

I just replaced the ignition switch in my 02 Boxster and I'm pretty certain the switch is the same. When I pulled the old one out it was an Audi part with Audi logo. The one I put in I purchased from a VW dealership and it was also an Audi part. For reference, the Audi/VW part number is 4A0908549B. If you go the dealership route, I think they no longer replace just the switch, you get a new steering lock with a newly designed switch for a lot more money. And the newly designed switch isn't comapitble with the old steering lock.

Jeff

[Tool Pants]

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1313

[ettil]

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=1313

I did read that thread and I understand the difference between the parts/service. All the pics are super helpful in knowing what I'm looking for. :notworthy:

But I guess I'm still not finding/seeing if those who went with the full redesign Porsche assembly are having the wear/breakage issue of the Audi/VW/OEM switch (maybe I'm reading right over it??).

I don't particularly want to be dropping a whole new ~$150 assembly into the car in 4 years if the Porsche "redesign" has the same issue (understanding that the replacement Porsche part is not interchangeable/fixable with the Audi/VW switch).

Thanks

-rachel

[Loren]

I have not heard of more than one failure of the re-designed switch/lock assembly. But I think you need to remember the original switch problems didn't show up for 3-5 years - so the redesigned switch/lock should be about reaching that soon.

[ettil]

I have not heard of more than one failure of the re-designed switch/lock assembly. But I think you need to remember the original switch problems didn't show up for 3-5 years - so the redesigned switch/lock should be about reaching that soon.

Thanks Loren. I was hopeful if the re-design did have the same problems it would be showing up on the early replacements about now and figured here would be a good place to check :notworthy: