Mechanical key system broke

[Fried_Chicken]

-_-

come on BMW.

A key. A key that barely gets used ever.

A key I wouldn't even have to use if my keyfob worked reliably.

And now it's broken. Insert key: move freely left/right. I need this fixed if I want to lock my car, else I risk getting stranded while murderers are after me.

how do I fix this?

I suspect it's going to be 1. expensive 2. horrible.

@#$%@

[johnrando]

So the key moves the lock but it won't unlock the car? But the remote does? Cuz could be a module or mechanical.

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[John in VA]

Replacement lock parts are $6-7 on eBay - I bought from a vendor in TX. Easy to remove broken mechanism & repair using YouTube videos. Only one part of mine was broken, but I used all the new parts that came in the kit.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=bmw+e46+lock+repair&_sacat=0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-f-rkejtuY If you look to the right for "Up Next" videos you'll find more.
https://www.youtube.com/user/olaf2046/search?query=E46+lock

[Fried_Chicken]

Replacement lock parts are $6-7 on eBay - I bought from a vendor in TX. Easy to remove broken mechanism & repair using YouTube videos. Only one part of mine was broken, but I used all the new parts that came in the kit.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=bmw+e46+lock+repair&_sacat=0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-f-rkejtuY If you look to the right for "Up Next" videos you'll find more.
https://www.youtube.com/user/olaf2046/search?query=E46+lock

HALLELUJAH! Thank you so much!

[Fried_Chicken]

Holy shit I just got done.

I was right and wrong.
1. It is not an expensive repair, contrary to what I thought, however 2. I was right, it was horrible.

There are a few things that I would recommend for anyone who wants to fix this issue.

1. Have a nice work area where you can sit and work in peace. You don’t want to do this on a cluttered workbench. There are many pitfalls that you can easily fall into that will leave you confused and frustrated. I had a nice workbench, however the constant buzzing of insects drove me insane.
2. You don’t need it, but if at all possible USE A VISE! This will save you physical and mental exhaustion.
3. DO NOT STICK THE KEY IN UNTIL THE VERY END. This will leave the tumbler mechanism secure in its main position.
If, however, the tumbler mechanism does come out with the key, take the entire thing apart, and stare at it for a good 5-10 minutes to figure out in what orientation it should go back in. This will also give you the opportunity to clean out the innards of the entire thing and apply a LIGHT amount of grease.
4. Before sticking it in the door, get a large flat-head and make sure the actuation mechanism in the door is oriented correctly. With everything in place, it should slide in very smoothly.


Anyway, because everything is now fixed, I can once again lock my car. Before this I had to leave my car unlocked b/c the remote mechanism was/is being wonky on me.

Thank you John in VA for pointing me in the right direction. It was the exact steps I had to take.

[johnrando]

Glad that worked out.

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