Alfa 156 Key Issue!

I know this has been done a few times, and got as much info from the search as I could...but just need to clarify with people here before doing anything!

Called up my local dealer (about 25 miles away!), who advised the usual: £200 for replacement key...but also went on further to advise of people getting keys with the black central locking button (like this one: ALFA ROMEO 146 147 156 157 REMOTE ALARM KEY FOB GOOD on eBay, also Car Alarms Immobilisers, Security Electrical, Car Accessories, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 27-Mar-08 16:06:49 GMT))
getting key cutters to clone as mine, and then take it to dealer for £80 reprogramming!

So really, all "should" be well if I get the key from the above link from ebay, get key cutters to alter and copy my current key, and dealer to reprogram?

I don't think thats a 156 key, doesn't look like any i've seen before. Does the blade look like the key you have?

Originally Posted by LooseCannon

ALFA ROMEO 146 147 156 157 REMOTE ALARM KEY FOB GOOD on eBay, also Car Alarms Immobilisers, Security Electrical, Car Accessories, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 27-Mar-08 16:06:49 GMT))

Originally Posted by Rockhopper

I don't think thats a 156 key, doesn't look like any i've seen before.

It is the key for an early 156

Fair enough David.

Same as my key..

Bah, i headed over to a keycutters, who said because of the type of code it uses (something like, it changes everytime it is inserted into the ignition and turned) which means the replica key would only work once?? So yeah, they've advised I need to just ask the dealer to do the whole key job...which means £200!

As the remote central locking doesn't work on my current one, I think I may just get an aftermarket alarm installed instead (which will obviously have remote C.L. included) and leave this new key business