doorlock removal

[tomtomiS]

i need to change the doorlocks on my touring as i cant lock the car using the key in the drivers door. passenger side works fine and the car can be unlocked from the o/s door. when i turn the key nothing happens. it worked a couple of times if you turn the key really fast but i dont want this to be the way as im sure key snappage might occur! took the door panel off and spent 20 mins or so looking for a way to release the barrel but i quickly lost interest and put it all back together. any help would be appreciated.

[cliffybabe]

try this mate

To remove the existing lock cyl:
remove door panel

peal back protective plastic on inside of door near the lock mech.

using a long screwdriver, pry the C clip holding the lock in place to the right. The C clip has a lip so it's easy to get the screwdriver in there and twist to get it started.

careful you don't drop the C clip

once the C clip is out, the lock cyl comes straight out, with a twisting, 90 deg pivot to clear the actuating arm on the end




You have two choices for the lock cylinder:
buy a whole new assembly with 2 new keys for approx $70.

buy a rebuild kit that you can create a lock cyl keyed to your car for approx $32. I chose to go this route as I hate carrying around a bunch of keys, and it was a heck of a lot cheaper!

To install:
insert the cylinder, revers of above.

be sure the actuating arm goes into it's groove

seat the cyl against the outer door skin

time for the C clip, you have to start it by hand

hold the cyl in place with your left hand

try out the lock action to insure it works correctly

get your right hand/arm all greasy inserting the C clip in place, just get it started, then use your trusty screwdriver to get it seated into place

re stick plastic

reinstall door panel

[tomtomiS]

excellent post neil, im sure i felt the clip there but i didnt wanna dig behind too much incase i disturbed the wiring behind the lock. will get out there tomorrow if i can get finished at work early enough. thanks very much!

[Simon]

Moved to the tech help section!

[cliffybabe]

excellent post neil, im sure i felt the clip there but i didnt wanna dig behind too much incase i disturbed the wiring behind the lock. will get out there tomorrow if i can get finished at work early enough. thanks very much!

let me know how u get on mate

[Brianmoooore]

This can probably be sorted without any new parts. This is a standard procedure on any E30 that comes my way.
First of all, to improve access to the lock, unscrew the single bolt that holds the bottom of the window glass guide in place, pull the metal part down a bit, and it will unclip just below glass level. You can then swing the bottom of the guide up out the way towards the middle of the door.
When you get it out, first make sure the swivelling bit with the over centre action on the back end of the key barrel is all working freely and is well greased, then slide the bracket for the dead lock microswitch into place on the key barrel and bend the middle of the microswitch arm very slightly to take up 15 years of wear, and get that part working properly.
If you look at the alloy arm on the back of the key barrel you will see it is worn by contact with the steel fork it engages with on the door catch.
Bend this steel fork slightly so that it engages with an unworn part of the alloy arm, grease everything, and reassemble.
Your driver's door lock should now work as new.
If the unlock/lock is still a bit hit and miss, then try adjusting the lock motor a little in its slotted holes.

[tomtomiS]

coolio. will print this page, cheers for the advice guys