Volkswagen: 1999 jetta key/remote question, fcc number, immobilizer system

Question
Hi there.  Thanks so much in advance for your help.  I recently bought a 1999
Jetta (newer body style) and it only came with one regular key (no swtichblade
feature, no remote, just a plain old key).  I would like to get a second key with
remote, etc., but the dealer will charge me $250! On ebay, I've seen
replacement keys that can be taken to the dealer to be cur (or recut) and
reprogrammed.  BUT, I have no idea what model or FCC number I need to
buy.  Everywhere I look seems to presume that you would still have the
original remote in order to find this info--is there any way to obtain this
information without being in possession of the old remote?  Also, do you
think trying to go this route is ill-advised?  Is it better just to bite the bullet
and go with the dealer?

Thanks,

--Stephanie

Answer
Hello stephanie.  Many people I have helped with this exact problem... the "code" for key programming is usually "pulled" from the ecm.(cars computer) I would then call the dealer and give him the digits and the vin # and he would give me the code to program the keys......   That is a thing of the past now.  VW has stopped allowing the dealers to access key codes in this manner.Plus, the keys are laser cut keys, (though they aren't cut by lasers?) so this must be done at the dealer.  Anyhow,... you may save some money on the key itself... the same amount of work needs to be done to make the key work in your car.  Remember, even though the key is cut to work in your locks...it must be programmed to actually start your car.  (this is called an immobilizer system) I would say bite the bullet.  Good luck, and let me know if I can be of any more help,
shad