Lock cylinders

[Jean]

My car's ignition lock key is different from the door/trunk key so I figured the ignition lock cylinder must have been changed in the past. I ended up ordering a new factory key by the VIN, picked it up today and of course it's different and doesn't work with any locks. DOH. I was hoping it would work with doors and I would just have to replace the ignition lock cylinder to make it match the rest....

So, my next step is to take the car to a good locksmith and have him rekey the car to the master key.

Are the BMW lock cylinders "re-keyable" ?

Thanks.

[aaron325ix]

i just got a coded trunk lock cylinder through Niello, and it didnt want to work at first. I guess it being brand new and the key being older. Are you sure the key wont work, it might be just really cranky, untill it breaks in.

[Jean]

i just got a coded trunk lock cylinder through Niello, and it didnt want to work at first. I guess it being brand new and the key being older. Are you sure the key wont work, it might be just really cranky, untill it breaks in.

How much was the trunk lock cylinder if you don't mind me asking? Was it with or w/o a key?

Thanks.

[aaron325ix]

I think it came out to like $75 w/ CCA discount. No key though

[Jean]

I think it came out to like $75 w/ CCA discount. No key though

Thanks, I wasn't sure if they can be ordered w/o keys. I might just pull a couple used cylinders and bring them to a lock smith. New ones are kind of pricey..

[Jean]

I am going to order/pick-up a couple lock cylinders today from a recycler. Wanted to confirm if locks from let's say 89-91 (since they will a little newer) will fit into the early car ok?

[Jean]

I think the answer is no. I called a local recyler, they said lock cylinders from newer e30s won't work in my car with manual locks.... and since they don't have any keys usually they can't remove the ignition lock.

Ghey.

[AlpineIS]

If you ordered a new key using your VIN and the door/trunk cylinders have never been replaced the key SHOULD work.

BMW sells a repair kit for door lock cylinders. You'll get the entire cylinder and tumblers (no key). Using a key, a locksmith should be able to 're-key' the new cylinder. The same must be applicable to an ignition cylinder.

I just had this done because one of my cylinders were binding.

It seems PN# 51219556313 works best for non-central locking cars. I used PN# 51219061343 but I have central locking. You should confirm with the dealer on the numbers before purchasing. I believe I paid $40-ish.

BTW, the only difference with regards to the igntion between the early and late cars is the ignition switch. The cylinders are the same. See for yourself:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1084&mospid=47302&btnr=32_0854&hg=32&fg=30

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1123&mospid=47309&btnr=32_0854&hg=32&fg=30