One key to fit them all!

Post Mon Jan 21, 2013 3:53 am

I'm actually looking to get around to sorting out my locks so that rather then two keys I only need one to open and lock my car. The drivers door lock is the one that opens on a different key and the passenger side just doesn't respond to either of them so possibly seized.

Seeing as the boot, ignition and glovebox are all working fine I'd rather keep that key.

What's the easiest way to resolve this, can I just get new barrels from BMW for either side (How much if anyone knows) and would that be easier and cheaper then a new set of barrels for the whole car?

Post Mon Jan 21, 2013 6:54 am

You can get a lock rebuild kit that contains a variety of locking tabs. When you dismantle the doorlocks you rearrange the locking tabs to match your key code.

That won't help if your passenger door lock is properly buggered rather than just seized.

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ck_Repairs

Post Mon Jan 21, 2013 9:25 am

Budget way to do this is to remove the lock barrels you wish to change, insert the key that you wish to retain into each of them, and then carefully file flush any part of a tumbler that is projecting from the barrel.

Post Mon Jan 21, 2013 10:40 am

Brianmoooore wrote:Budget way to do this is to remove the lock barrels you wish to change, insert the key that you wish to retain into each of them, and then carefully file flush any part of a tumbler that is projecting from the barrel.

Snag to doing this is that at a zone meet you will probably find that everybody else's key will open your door!

Lock repair kit that was mentioned earlier is only about £20.

Post Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:47 pm

Thanks for your input, I've ordered a pair of kits which'll be with me Thursday. Should have fun assembling them!

Post Wed Jan 23, 2013 1:34 pm

Green wrote:Thanks for your input, I've ordered a pair of kits which'll be with me Thursday. Should have fun assembling them!

Take one of your existing locks out and dismantle.

I wait until 'er indoors has gone shopping so I know I will have the use of the kitchen worktop for at least two hours!

Place newspaper on the worktop and with a pair of pliers on top,place the lock so that the roll pin on the inner end can be driven out with a thin nail and a large hammer.This allows the lock to spring apart,so take care to note just how it comes to bits.
As you need to match a key to your barrel,you can now have loads of fun trying different code numbered fingers into the barrel until you find a set that the key pulls all down level.
Note the numbers on the fingers to aid the building up of your second barrel!
This is not a task to be tackled after several gin and mixes!