V50 Electrics : KeyFob Housing

[JamieG172]

I know it seems like a small aesthetic gripe, but I much prefer the back housing of the NEW style V50/S40 keyfob with the blue and silver volvo badge, it looks better than just "VOLVO" cut out in plain black on the older fobs (Mines an '06).

I know these fobs cost a fortune to buy a whole new key from Volvo, I had a quick look on ebay but is there anywhere you can but dead keys (so I can use the housing) or just a new key that isn't programmed/cut, for reasonable money? Not looking to spend a huge amount of money, just something I fancy doing......

[Daim]

A new key costs some good money. So I doubt you'll get a "used" one uncoded for a cheap price... Why not simply customise your key? I gave mine a good coating of paint

[Clan]

Originally Posted by JamieG172

I know it seems like a small aesthetic gripe, but I much prefer the back housing of the NEW style V50/S40 keyfob with the blue and silver volvo badge, it looks better than just "VOLVO" cut out in plain black on the older fobs (Mines an '06).

I know these fobs cost a fortune to buy a whole new key from Volvo, I had a quick look on ebay but is there anywhere you can but dead keys (so I can use the housing) or just a new key that isn't programmed/cut, for reasonable money? Not looking to spend a huge amount of money, just something I fancy doing......

A New fob/key is around £70 + programming .. but the electronics inside may not work on the older model ..

[iainmd]

Originally Posted by JamieG172

I know it seems like a small aesthetic gripe, but I much prefer the back housing of the NEW style V50/S40 keyfob with the blue and silver volvo badge, it looks better than just "VOLVO" cut out in plain black on the older fobs (Mines an '06).

I've recently split open and replaced the electronics in a newer style key but haven't tried to transplant the older style key electronics into the new one.

One thing I will say is think about this desire carefully. We have an S40 with the old style key and a V50 with the new style. The old style keys have seen my car through 90k plus miles in 9 years and they still look in good condition. The newer style keys have seen 50k plus of action over 4yrs and the main key looked dreadful. The keypads on the newer style keys do not last at all well and the older style key has a repair kit available for buttons if you ever want to refresh it.

Sure, the newer one looks more aesthetically pleasing but the quality is lost.

Iain

[JamieG172]

Thanks guys. I wasn't looking to upgrade to the new buttons/electrics, as I actually prefer the yellow button fob I have at the moment, and have also heard about wearing issues on the new buttons. Is just the back plate of new key that I like! Ah well!