Door Lock Cylinders - Frozen or Sticking

88BMW02

GROUP 51 Body - Equipment

Bulletin Number 51 13 87 (1503) Page 1 of 1

Montvale, NJ January 1988 Technical Dept.

SUBJECT: Frozen or Sticking Door Lock Cylinders

MODELS: All

Situation: Door lock cylinders must be properly lubricated to work correctly at all temperatures, especially during cold weather, as the lubricant also helps to prevent moisture from collecting in the lock.

Spray lock de-icers will thaw any ice in the cylinder, but they also act as a solvent to wash away the lubricant in the cylinder. This can cause locks that have been treated with spray de-icer to freeze more readily, and even to have warm weather operational problems, if not properly lubricated.

Solution: On vehicles used in cold climates, BMW lock lubricant (P/N 81 22 9 407 421) should be sprayed into the lock to prevent freezing in cold-weather and to aid operation in warm weather. This lubricant remains stable to approximately 40~F (- 40~C), which effectively eliminates the need for any spray de-icers.

Customers who use their cars in cold climates should be cautioned on the use of spray de-icers and, on models so equipped, should be instructed in the proper actuation of the door lock heaters.