Thanks for investing the time and effort to create this video mate. Somebody attempted to break into my R50 and damaged the locking mechanism. My key would just spin freely 360 degrees and do nothing. I found a replacement lock assembly with key on eBay for $70. I must admit this repair takes patience and is a knuckle buster working in very tight space with limited visibility, but watching this video gave me the confidence to try! It was a 3 hour job in all for me. I’m sure I could do it faster if I ever needed to do it again. I have total confidence in replacing the lock actuator assembly as well now (which I will likely be doing in a week or two, that will almost seem simple!) after having done the key lock mechanism.
Yes it always takes longer 1st time round. My advise, if you find yourself getting annoyed or frustrated while attempting repair. Step back for 5-10 minutes, have a coffee or tea break. Then go back to it, take your time & don't rush - WELL DONE mate :)
many thanks, very useful, especially identifying that specific screw near to the lock, inside the door as the one to be unscrewed (with the second easier to identify inside the door also) to be able to remove the for handle!!!
Its much more difficult than presented here, and putting the back back is as difficult again and needs you to loosen and drop the lock mechanism take it to BMW
How do you replace/repair this yet have your key still work? Mine will lock, but spins freely when trying to unlock and the door actuator is also bad, which means the key fob won't unlock it either!!
Worst design ever coming from a 15 year tradesmen thank god it's only my own. Just a reminder when trying to put handle cable back on you will have to loosen that Star key at 2:30 min in the video. Also reading comments online saying lock free turns or doesn't turn probably 90% of time it's the door lock cylinder itself and not the actuator as others state so don't go waisting money on a actuator. Also great video thank you.
eBay has them, both with and without a key. If you buy one without a key, a locksmith would be needed (or there is a RU-vid video showing how) to transfer your old tumbler into a new housing, so your original key will still work. I just bought one with a key included, so I now use a different key to unlock the door manually and my original key with fob to start the car and remotely lock/unlock.
believe you me, this job is a nightmare! there's a reason you don't see how it's reassembled...you have to be a magician to put it back together correctly! trust me, save up some coin and leave this repair to a professional.
its a very very difficult job my electrician gave up and gave me it back very difficult to get the lock out, and as difficult but different getting it back together
