E30: Lock cylinder replacement

[Chris Pawlowicz <cpawlowicz@xxxxxxxx>]

dave sez
> The drivers side door lock cylinder on my '88iX has to be replaced.
> BMW has a new cylinder but they say I would have a separate key
> for that lock alone.
> 
> When asked if there was a way to rekey the new cylinder to work
> with my old key, the person I spoke with was unsure.  I know there
> is a lock-rebuild kit that you can get that allows you to change the
> tumblers to match your existing key so why can't you change the
> tumblers on a new lock cylinder?
> 
> Of course, they said they could order a new cylinder from BMW
> n Germany but I think the time and cost wouldn't be worth it.
> 
> Does anyone know if I can rekey a new cylinder to match my
> my existing key?

drivers door lock failure is *very* common on E30 and E28

BMW sells a new 'door lock repair kit' which includes a *new cylinder*
and all tumblers needed to key the lock to any possible key (including
the special pick proof tumblers for certain positions)

kit costs ~$35 bucks US from a dealer (or should!)

to rekey a lock cylinder you will need the necessary tumblers (don't
know if a locksmith would have them or not) and to take apart cylinder
you need some small tools to punch out a pin which holds the whole thing
together

the lock repair kit is stamped 'NOT FOR RETAIL SALE' or something.. but
many many people have bought them from dealers with no problems

there is NO need to buy a new cylinder with a different key

I also bought a new ignition cylinder for my E30 (old one jammed/died)
and it took less than a week for a cylinder keyed for MY key to be
shipped from Germany.

I don't have the part numbers on hand, but can dig them out if you need.


Chris Pawlowicz
'89 325i
'74 2002

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