RE: Stranded BMW.. and owner

["Fadeev, Alex" <alex.fadeev@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Ron Buchalski [mailto:rbuchals@domain.elided] wrote:
> 
> When the driver's door lock cylinder on my E30 318i became 
> worn, it would not allow me to single lock the car, and 
> would only double lock it.  Of course, this can result in
> the situation that you describe, where no other locks can
> be opened with the key.

Same experience here: the regular 45 degree locking failed first and I was
double locking the E30 for a few weeks while the dealer was special ordering
a rebuild lock cylinder kit.
However, you CAN get into the car even if it was double locked and the
driver lock failed! Go the front passenger door and attempt to open the
double locked cylinder with the key _as_ you are pulling on the door handle.
Eventually you will hit the sweet spot and the door will open. This features
is there just for such a case: the car is double locked and the driver lock
cylinder is dead.

> Your ultimate solution is to replace the driver's door lock 
> cylinder, which is not a difficult thing to do, and will only
> cost you $30 or so for the parts.  Having a dealer replace 
> it will probably cost you at least $100 in labor, probably more.

I remember being quoted 2-3 hours of labor to re-key the new cylinder. Which
is roughly how long it takes for a DIY mechanic first time around (not
including getting the cylinder out of the door).

alex f
 
> >Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2000 00:07:04 -0600
> >From: Robert Phelan <centuri@domain.elided>
> >Subject: Stranded BMW.. and owner
> >
> >Damn it's turned cold in the last couple of days!  This may 
> >or may not be related to my problem.
> >
> >Returning to my car after class, I was unable to unlock the 
> >door on my 86 (2dr) 325es.  Suspecting it was frozen I 
> >borrowed a lighter and heated key.  After multiple attempts
> >at that I went and bought a spray de-icer. No luck there 
> >either.
> >
> >The cylinder seems mechanically jammed.. it doesn't want to 
> >give ANY. And since I double locked the car when I went into
> >class, I am unable to open it from the passenger side door. 
> >So I cannot for the life of me get into the car.  And it's
> >parked in a neighborhood with a less than great element 
> >running about.

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