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DISCUSSION => General Topics => Topic started by: Tractor Boy on September 30, 2011, 10:11:52 AM

Title: Locked Out
Post by: Tractor Boy on September 30, 2011, 10:11:52 AM

Hey Guys,

My driver's side door lock has been acting up of late.  The key has been  hard to turn.  This morning when I went to lock it, I couldn't get the key out unless I turned it all the way to the right.  I have been told that that is like a deadbolt.  However, I was completely locked out of the car.  I jiggled the door handle and the key and finally got it unlocked.  

My question is now what do I do?  Do I need to replace the cylinder, the handle or what?

Thanks for the help!

Title: Locked Out
Post by: monty23psk on September 30, 2011, 03:35:35 PM

Is this an e30? If so, just the lock cylinder.

Title: Locked Out
Post by: DesktopDave on September 30, 2011, 05:17:10 PM

The spring clip that retains the lock cylinder probably wore out the mounting groove.  BMW sells a repair kit cylinder...just pop off the door card, pull the old cylinder & swap your tumbler's pins into the new one.  I'll bet you could have it done in 2-3 hours if you take your time.

Pelican lists them for $27 (http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/catalog/shopcart/BE30/POR_BE30_INTpnl_pg2.htm) before shipping.  It's the 2nd one down.  I'd buy a few door mount clips while you're at it, they tend to break as the card comes off.

Title: Locked Out
Post by: monty23psk on September 30, 2011, 10:13:46 PM

Just make sure you get the driver door repair kit. There is also one for the passenger door. If you look at my profile thread, you can see pics of the the process. Also you can google it as other have a step by step instructions.

Title: Locked Out
Post by: lbreevesii on October 10, 2011, 09:28:29 PM

^ your diy is good btw.  

I did mine a while back,  haven't installed it yet.  Mine was working ok,  but I did it anyway.  Its one of those little things that you didn't realize how bad yours was until you replace it.  new ones feels like butta.

Title: Locked Out
Post by: LeeThompson on October 10, 2011, 10:57:21 PM

Save the money and just unlock and lock the car from the trunk. :-) Does not take anymore time. Its what I have to do, and I usualy do it in all cars anyway.

Title: Locked Out
Post by: ryanjv on October 11, 2011, 09:07:10 PM

i spent 2 years doing all my unlocking/locking through the trunk, but my only key was a worn copy.  i bit the bullet and got a new key from the dealer (~$70) and the repair kit ($30) here in canada and did the lock swap.  the swap was really easy to do.  the only tricky part was putting the lock U clamp back in. but that's because i have a 4 door and the frame cut outs are different.  i had to cut out sections of the metal under the door card to get my hand in enough to re attach the new cylinder

http://www.billswebspace.com/BMWE30DoorPanelRemoval-LockCylinderRebuild.htm
this is very helpful