My locks always freeze when it's cold. Common E30 problem?

[Andrew325is]

Last night I had to leave my 88 325is at work because the locks were frozen solid. It was just below freezing. I could get the key in and turn it a little but there was no way they were going to unlock. The trunk wouldn't turn at all. When I've left it unlocked in cold weather I know the trunk will NOT unlock the doors. I have central locking. I tried heating the key with a lighter and inserting it in there to warm up the cylinder but with no success. I don't think the cylinder is the problem. Perhaps something wrong with the actuators or the locking mechanisms? Any insight? Today my friend is going to take his generator with us and we'll try a blow dryer and hot water.

[jlevie]

If the cylinder turns part of the way, that probably isn't the problem. Either water is getting into the lock mechanism and freezing or the lube in the lock is getting too hard in the cold. Removing the mechanism and lubricating it with Lubriplate may help.

[hammer_e30]

Same thing happened to me the other night, but the lighter trick worked. I had to do it a couple of times though. I wouldn't do the hot water, it usually makes things worse.

[nomansland92]

Ive been through this before to, i always just spray tons of wd40 in the key whole to keep it lubricated. It seams to work fine

[mitch500]

always used to happen to me. no matter how much de-icer or anything they wouldn't open.

what i had to do is get about 3 blow dryers. then drape a blanket over the door(with some heavy things on the roof to keep it in place.. then plug up the space under the car, and power up those blow dryers..

i don't know how cold it is where you are... you save around freezing point. it was about -30 where i was so i kinds had to create my own closed environment in there for everything to melt.

anyways it worked! so good luck.

[rammstein]

always used to happen to me. no matter how much de-icer or anything they wouldn't open.

what i had to do is get about 3 blow dryers. then drape a blanket over the door(with some heavy things on the roof to keep it in place.. then plug up the space under the car, and power up those blow dryers..

i don't know how cold it is where you are... you save around freezing point. it was about -30 where i was so i kinds had to create my own closed environment in there for everything to melt.

anyways it worked! so good luck.

Jesus man- even growing up in Upstate NY I never had to get THIS crazy. Copious lube, and I used to have this thing on my keychain that was battery powered. A metal rod would pop out and you'd stick it in the keywhole and it would get quite hot. Never failed me, unless the batteries were out. I wonder if you couldn't get a portable butane powered soldering iron, use a spade bit on it, and stick that in your door when you are having trouble?

[weare30]

I had this happen to me in the winter I eventually got the passenger door open in all the snow lol