Re-Key Ignition tumbler?

[Neildo11]

So I've read all the threads on rekeying door locks by moving around and replacing the pins to match any given key...

my question is can I do the same to my ignition cylinder to match my existing doors? 

I broke my only ignition key (I know... "GET A SPARE KEY") and would like to match my ignition to the door locks if at all possible. 

 

Thanks in advance for the help! 

- Neil

[halboyles]

Yes this can be done.  BMW sometimes offers a complete set of door and ignition tumbler keyed the same.

[Neildo11]

Thanks hal! I assume it's done the same way as the doors? Or would it be a task to leave to a locksmith?

[Mike Self]

Best way:  remove your ignition lock (a PITA but there are tutorials in the FAQ archives--or drop me a PM--I did a column on it) and take it, along with the door lock key you want to match up to a locksmith. He can remove the broken key and re-jigger (how's that for a technical term?) the ignition lock so the door key will work it.  

 

Cheaper than buying (and installing) a whole new set of door handles and ign lock.

 

mike

[Neildo11]

Thanks Mike, I have seen the turorials on drilling the lock pin, I should be good there and luckily the key didn't break in the ignition so nothing is stuck inside. 

If anyone can confirm the ease of moving around and changing out the pins (compared to a door lock cylinder) that will seal the deal on wether or not I tear into it myself or take it to a locksmith. 

 

[1974_Verona]

We used to take what ever key, insert it into what ever tumbler, then file the protruding latch pins flat- presto, rekeyed. Clearly more of a backwoods hack than a proper fix. The problem with this method is you may render a certain pin "useless" - meaning it will not function as a lock, taking your (as an example)  "5 bump key" and making only "3 bumps" actually DO something in the lock. 

 

Moving the pins around is fine, if you have a load of pins (your lock cylinder may or may not contain the correct pins to simply shuffle them for X key). Id guess that unless you have spare cylinders to take pins out of, its a locksmith or the backwoods way. 

Edited September 7, 2017 by 1974_Verona

[Simeon]

There is a quick and dirty solution. Get the lock out, insert the key that you want to use and then file any lock tumblers that are sticking out until flush with the lock body. This may well reduce the security of the lock but it should work. 

 

Use the mthod where the 'grab' the roll pin with a skinny self tapping screw and pull it out rather than tapping it in with a punch. Easier to then put the pin back in. 

[1974_Verona]

3 minutes ago, Simeon said:

There is a quick and dirty solution. Get the lock out, insert the key that you want to use and then file any lock tumblers that are sticking out until flush with the lock body. This may well reduce the security of the lock but it should work. 

I like your style Simeon  

[Simeon]

You got there just before me. 

[Neildo11]

Thanks guys, quick and dirty backwoods solution sounds easy enough! ??

[1974_Verona]

2 minutes ago, Simeon said:

You got there just before me. 

I just mean I like the practical approach to solving a problem, clearly, you have been there (as I have too) before. 

[halboyles]

I would second Mike's recommendation on taking it to a locksmith.  He will have new tumbler pins to do it with and, assuming he is good at what he does, you will end up with practically new components.  If you can't find a locksmith locally with the parts/expertise let me know as there is an excellent old-school one right here in KC.  The BMW set is NLA (32321113726) and the re-keying should be less than 20 bucks anyway.

[Neildo11]

Thanks again Hal, I'll take it to my local locksmith before attempting anything myself! 

 

Appreciate the help everyone! 

[Neildo11]

Quick follow up question... I just drilled out the lock pin and the tumbler slid out nice and easy... what length 1/8" selftapping screw do people use to resecure the tumbler into the ignition housing? 

[Simeon]

Sorry, should have explained myself better. The self tapper is to be wound into the roll pin to grab it and enable it to be pulled rather than drilled. You can then reinstall the same pin. 

 

Since you are are there I would get a replacement roll pin and grind it down in length. Find one that fits nice and tight.