Help with replacing ignition tumbler

[sKunkman]

Hey everyone, first time on here. Regular poster over at bimmerforums.

I'm looking at buying a 91 318i from a friend (m42, but you all know that). The car is fine except that he lost the original key he had with it. The door locks have all been changed, but the car still won't start. He tried ordering a key from the dealer with the correct VIN# but that didn't work either. The shop he took it to doesn't want to deal with it.

So I was wondering, I could pick it up for pretty cheap, and how much work is it to change the ignition lock? Where would I find an ignition lock with matching key? Could I get the lock custom built to the key he has now, since it unlocks all the doors?

Any info would be appreciated, thanks!

[rs4pro3]

Does the key cylinder turn when you insert the key into the ignition?

[sKunkman]

I don't know. If it does, does that mean it just needs to be programmed?


edit: just contacted my friend, he said it does not turn at all.

[FredK]

Just drill out the lock cylinder and pop in a new keyed one for $50 or so.

http://www.rmeuropean.com/BMW-Ignition-Tumbler-p/32321152474.htm

If you can't turn the key, I have no idea how you'll be able to extract the cylinder. You need to turn the cylinder to position 1 to remove it.

[rs4pro3]

Ya if it turns but the car won't start, then the ignition switch it self is bad. But if it won't turn you are going to have to drill out the tumbler or something.

[sKunkman]

That doesn't seem too bad...now I have to figure out how to get the car back to my house. It's about 40 miles away at a shop right now. Is there any way to hotwire it? Or would I still not have steering because the column is locked?

[Devil Inc]

Yes the column would be locked. You could break the lock not sure how and may not be worth it in the long run, but possible.

You could take off the column shrouds and take the actual ignition switch out and start it that way, but again that won't unlock the column.

[ethree]

What do locksmiths charge these days to make a key for the lock? $100-200?

[Devil Inc]

Not sure would probably have to call around. My local bmw dealership quoted $20 for a key. So I suppose a locksmith would be more.