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Uncoded Lock Cylinders - Service Kits


91bmw05

TO: ALL BMW DEALER PARTS MANAGERS 3/91 I-28
Supercedes I-28
SUBJECT: UNCODED LOCK CYLINDERS dated 6/89


Since their introduction in 1987, uncoded lock service kits have proven to be a time saving, cost effective method of handling our customer's lock cylinder repair problems. These kits eliminate the need for direct shipment lock orders and subsequent return visits by the customer. BMW AG has responded to this by expanding the lock service kit program to cover all currently popular models.

Those not covered include 1502 - 2002, 2.5CS - 3.0CS, 2500 - 3.3L. For these reasons effective April 1, 1991, BMW NA will no longer accept orders for pre-coded door, trunk, and glove compartment lock cylinders. The only exceptions to this policy will be E21 trunk lid cylinders, and all ignition cylinders. Ordering procedures remain unchanged; i.e. via direct shipment order. The following cross reference list will assist you in selecting lock cylinder service kits:





Parts Information



Due to safety considerations, BMW NA is unable to offer lock service kits for the ignition/steering lock cylinder. Further, we assume no warranty for the assembly of lock cylinders. The listed lock service kits are complete with all the necessary parts to code the lock cylinder to your customer's key. They may be ordered from your facing PDC.

Coding of Door Lock Cylinders

There are several different door lock cylinder designs depending on the model year and application. The coding procedures for the cylinders remain the same for all locks.

All lock cylinders use a combination of four (4) different pins. Each lock cylinder repair kit contains enough pins to code the cylinder to any key.

NOTE: The E32/E34 lock cylinders use two sets of pins; the sets are numbered 11 to 14 and 21 to 24, because of the double key cut.

To code a blank lock cylinder, it is necessary to have the correct key for the car. If the key is worn or damaged, a new key must be cut from the key code.

Procedure for Coding A Cylinder

1. Starting with one side of the cylinder, place a spring and a number 1 pin into the first slot of the cylinder. Insert the key and check to see if the pin is pulled flush with both sides of the cylinder (neither side of the pin should protrude).

2. If the pin does not pull flush, repeat the procedure with pins numbered 2 through 4 until a flush fit is obtained.

3. Continue with the next slots until all slots on one side of the cylinder have been coded.

4. When one side has been coded, carefully remove the pins and springs recording the numbered sequence of the pins.

5. Turn the cylinder over and repeat the coding procedure for the other side.

6. When the coding is complete, lubricate the pins and spring holes with a paste type silicone lubricant. Reinsert the pins and springs and insert the key to retract the pins.

7. Insert the cylinder into the case and check to see if the assembly turns freely.

8. Remove the key and place the lock on a flat surface with the pins visible through the slot in the lock case. Complete the final assembly by installing the springs, locking pawls and retainers.

Illustration # 1:





8 Pin Door Lock Cylinder

Illustration # 2:





11 Pin Driver's Door Lock Cylinders (E30)

Illustration # 2A:




Illustration # 2B:





E32/E34 cylinders use two different cut pins:


Regardless of which side the tang is cut, the coding procedure remains the same; the only difference is which slot on the cylinder the different numbered pins fit into. Each side of the cylinder will have 3 each of the different cut pins. The pins are installed into the slots according to illustration # 3.

NOTE: The pin numbers for E32/E34 pins are located on the shoulder of the pins.

Illustration # 3:





E32/E34 Double Cut Key Cylinder


NOTE: 1. The supply of coded locks, with the exception of the ignition/steering lock cylinder, will be discontinued within
the coming year.