Central locking problems, best remote kit to get?

[benurminge]

Hi guys, have an e30 touring, all central locking does technically work but the problem is the only key I have to unlock it is a cut key which looks like a normal house keys if you get me.
It takes a while to jimmy the key and get it in the right location for it to unlock. In addition the drivers side door electrically works fine but when you get the key to turn the mechanism it is worn to much it won't hit switch therefore not locking.

So... I want to fit a remote central locking fob kit. I want one which hasn't got a key with it and only a open and lock button for the doors. Not boot etc etc. Also for the fob key not to look to modern for the car.

Can anyone suggest a good easy to fit system?

Cheers

[bab-91]

In my modest opinion id steer clear of any aftermarket add on's.

Rebuild your locks and get new keys cut by BMW.

[benurminge]

I would love to keep it all original and I am apart from this one thing as it seems the cheapest quickest option.
Rebuilding the locks I don't have a clue about? And getting BMW to cut original new keys will be very costly I imagen? I don't have a lot of money!

[bab-91]

You can get a kit from BMW to rebuild the locks. It's not overly expensive and there are plenty of step by step guides to do it.


I think to get a new key is about £30? either way it will be cheaper than a aftermarket kit.


Anything else that might be causing the problem can be replaced with 2nd hand parts. I'e Central locking module, actuators.

[pac1982]

I wouldn't fit an central locking kit to a car with central locking problems. Get the problem fixed first them fit a central locking kit.

As far as which kit to get, if you simply want central locking then even the really cheap ebay kits are OK, had one on my last E30 that never gave me a problem in 4 years and just fitted another on my current E30 which has been OK for the 4 months or so its been fitted.

As with anything in life spend what you can afford to, as for those saying to keep it standard thats just getting anal when it comes to things like central locking.

I suppose I'm what you would call OEM plus these days I like to keep the overall look as standard as possible but will fit things that make my car better such as better brakes, better suspension, HID headlights, LED bulbs, Remote Central locking, I have also fitted some discreet USB charging points and also have a head unit I can link my phone/MP3 too

[benurminge]

The central locking electrically works fine so I could fit a kit and it would work perfectly. Il have a look on eBay and buy the one with the best looking fob. I agree, looks wise mine is all standard but it will have a new head unit with Bluetooth for my phone, and now probably remote central locking. At the end of the day it's going to be my daily.
Cheers guys.

[Brianmoooore]

From what the OP describes, the problems he has are purely mechanical and associated with the driver's lock barrel and its fixing. If the alloy L shaped bit on the back of the barrel hasn't broken or isn't badly worn, then a bit of lubrication and tweaking can work wonders - I've restored many E30 locks to full mechanical working order, and haven't resorted to using a BMW rebuild kit yet.
An ebay remote locking kit should work OK in this case however, without doing any work on the lock. Search for an outfit called "Rightclick", who supply a unit that works fine, with a wide choice of fobs. I've fitted several of these to E30s and other BMWs, and never had a single problem with any of them, except perhaps their range is too great, giving the possibility of accidentally unlocking your car from inside your house.
All connections for the unit are conveniently positioned behind the glovebox area by BMW.

[benurminge]

Yeah i looked into it and messed around for hours but couldn't get it to work but yeah it's deffo the drivers side mechanical barrel. I think il just fit an eBay kit at the moment. At a later date if I had more money and wanted it factory standard I could always go back and fix it.
Cheers

[daimlerman]

This is typical lock damage;



I must be unlucky,every single door lock that I have stripped has had either this part damaged or the bit that fits inside it damaged!

Lock repair kit from your local stealer is about £20,until Munich run out and have them re-manufactured.....