Author Topic: problem with keys (Read 3511 times)

sKunk · « **on:** September 07, 2010, 01:17:17 PM »

i have now broken FIVE keys. they have all broken in the same spot. its always happened when using it in the door (passenger door cause of course my drivers door locks dont work) and if i just happen to not put it in just right, it snaps like butter. ive used a couple different lock smiths, and theyve all done the same thing. does anyone else have this problem? its only extremely annoying...

is there anywhere i can get a decent key that wont break? i see there is blanks on eBay but $30 seems expensive, and are they actually right?

i just checked again, I see theres a few for around 10 bucks, that seems more reasonable. are they the correct blanks tho? anyone have experience?

i was just looking for a bit of input. thanks.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** September 07, 2010, 09:12:40 PM »

Mine's still original. I have both the light-up one and the regular one.

IMHO buy a real BMW blank. I spent enough time pulling a stub out of a lock a while ago to pay up front for a good key instead of bending or breaking one (in the only working lock I have left).

My real solution is just to never lock the car. That's one great reason for buying 20 year old cars.

dsm2002 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 08, 2010, 12:14:43 AM »

I have purchased an ebay blank and had it cut, and also a BMW one cut from the VIN. The BMW was a much better key and feels stronger. The end result was about the same price in Oz.

locknload · « **Reply #3 on:** September 09, 2010, 10:32:17 PM »

I just use the trunk lock to lock & unlock the car. Much smoother & saves on the keys. Somebody somewhere has a DIY to install a keyless entry bought on ebay for $20 or so. If your lock actuators still work, all you have to do is tap the control box into the circuit.

cheesebox · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2010, 04:19:03 AM »

Quote from: locknload;96376

I just use the trunk lock to lock & unlock the car. Much smoother & saves on the keys. Somebody somewhere has a DIY to install a keyless entry bought on ebay for $20 or so. If your lock actuators still work, all you have to do is tap the control box into the circuit.

Best suggestions in the thread, I'd say.

Also plenty of lube is never a bad thing

My front door locks got quite stiff on the clockwise turn, and got so bad I snapped a key. Spraying WD40 through the key slot will help for a while. For a lasting solution to the problem remove the lock barrel, give it a good clean with fuel or solvent and use a mineral oil to lube it up (WD40 will dry out after a while and it will stiffen up again).

You can get oil into the barrel without removing it, if you insert a thin screwdriver or wire through the key slot, tilt it up, and run a few drops of mineral oil down the wire/screw driver. It'll end up in the lock barrell.

Hold a cloth under the lock to stop oil dripping down your paintwork.

sKunk · « **Reply #5 on:** September 10, 2010, 10:17:03 AM »

my drivers door lock is weird, when you lock it, it locks all the doors, then just instantly they all unlock. lol. then unlocking, it turns, but doesnt do anything.

so it sounds like just getting OEM keys is the way to go, no real surprise there i spose. you guys actually getting them at the dealer?

i have a stereo in mine, so i feel a lot safer locking it up. my truck on the other hand, ill leave the windows down and everything i dont care haha.

cheesebox · « **Reply #6 on:** September 10, 2010, 11:55:11 AM »

Skunk - the problem you've described is an electrical fault in the central locking system. Unlikely to be key or lock related. Most likely due to corroded contacts in the plug near the door hinges - behind the rubber cover. Common e30 problem. Check http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Central_Locking_problems

sKunk · « **Reply #7 on:** September 10, 2010, 03:41:09 PM »

Quote from: cheesebox;96387

Skunk - the problem you've described is an electrical fault in the central locking system. Unlikely to be key or lock related. Most likely due to corroded contacts in the plug near the door hinges - behind the rubber cover. Common e30 problem. Check http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Central_Locking_problems

awesome, ill have to do that for sure. thanks a ton. i have never seen that.

i still need to pull my ignition out and fish out the broken key

DesktopDave · « **Reply #8 on:** September 10, 2010, 07:08:06 PM »

That door lock/unlock is also likely because one of the micro-switches on the lock barrel is dangling off. They're pretty easy to get at on the sedan doors, held on by a clip that gets loose after all these years.

On mine the lock spring was resting on the switch, as soon as I let go of the key it'd immediately unlock the car again.