What’s the difference between VAG MQB48, MQB49 5C and 5D?
MQB48, MQB49, 5C, and 5D refer to different generations/levels of immobilizer (IMMO) systems and dashboard types used in Volkswagen Group (VAG) vehicles on the MQB platform (VW, Audi, Skoda, Seat, etc.).
| Type | Chip/Platform | Generation / Year range (approx.) | Security Level | Add Key | All Keys Lost (AKL) | Typical Models / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MQB48 | NEC35xx (locked) | Older MQB (≈2015–2019) | Medium | Yes | Yes with sync data | Many Golf 7, Tiguan, Octavia, A3 (pre-2020) |
| MQB49 | RH850 / R7F (newer) | Newer MQB (≈2019.10+) | High | Yes | dealer only | Many 2020+ models, e.g. newer Polo, T-Roc, etc. |
| 5C | RH850 dashboard type (PCJ mark) | Same as MQB49 (newer clusters) | High | Yes | Very limited | Often overlaps with MQB49, e.g. some 2020+ dashboards |
| 5D | Newest RH850 dashboard | Latest (≈2021–2025+, e.g. Golf 8 facelift) | Highest | Yes | dealer only (ODIS + OEM key) | Golf MK8 (some), newest Audi/VW high-end models |
Key Points Explained
MQB48 – Classic / older system (NEC35xx chip).
Easiest to handle for add key with Xhorse VVDI/Keydiy/Yanhua ACDP etc tools — requires MQB48 adapter or MLB/MQB48 adapter.
MQB49 – Newer, stronger IMMO (RH850 processor). Introduced around late 2019. You can usually add a key if you have at least one working key (often needs online calculation, sometimes fee is involved. For example, Keydiy KD-X4 will add key MQB49 if you have MQB license activated. All keys lost is much harder — many cases still dealer only.
5C – Basically the dashboard/cluster type that corresponds to MQB49 level (you see 5C when you read the cluster). Almost the same as MQB49 in terms of key programming difficulty. Many people write “MQB49/5C” together.
It’s common on mid-cycle refreshes from ~2020 onward, especially compact/mid-size SUVs and hatches like the Tiguan facelift, Polo facelift, and T-Roc.
5D – Even newer dashboard/cluster generation (highest security). 5D is the even newer evolution (higher crypto/security), seen on the newest platforms like Golf MK8 (2020+ but especially post-2021/2022 builds) and some 2023–2025+ refreshes of other models.
Require OEM key to make dealer keys. Some tools can change mileage on 5D, but full key programming (especially AKL) is not widely supported yet by aftermarket tools in 2026.
The 5D key PCB features a different chip and also includes an additional acceleration sensor (keyless entry sensor).
It is not interchangeable with the 5C key. Commonly used in the VW Golf 8, ID.3, ID.4, and electric vehicle series.
Adding and generating keys can only be done using the original key.
The PCB comes with either a black coil or a white coil, depending on the production date, with the white coil being produced more recently.
In short (simple version):
MQB48 = older → easier, full support for add key & AKL (with sync data)
MQB49 = newer → harder, usually only add key (with working key)
5C = dashboard name for MQB49 level
5D = newest dashboard → hardest
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