Broken key: Solution?

[tbrduc]

Hi,

our ONLY door-ignition key for our '76 broke.

I have a blank but never got it cut. (shame on me)

A local dealer says he doesn't think I can get one made and I 'll need to buy new door-locks and ignition set.

(Of course he asked me what year and model it was when I told him it was a 1976 2002)

That seems a little extreme.

Any ideas? (besides making a second key next time)

Thanks.

[jhenard]

Never tried this so just a wild idea - may not work. Do you have both parts? The key cutting machines I have seen clamp from the side so might be able to hold both pieces together long enough to get a cut on the blank. Would try someplace like Ace or a lock place where they actually care about customers

[boseman]

For what it's worth my ignition key on my 76 will slide out of the ignition switch while the ignition is engaged. Maybe you can use a similar key for the ignition and fix/replace the door lock.

Boseman

76 taiga stock

[Guest Anonymous]

Hi,

our ONLY door-ignition key for our '76 broke.

I have a blank but never got it cut. (shame on me)

A local dealer says he doesn't think I can get one made and I 'll need to buy new door-locks and ignition set.

(Of course he asked me what year and model it was when I told him it was a 1976 2002)

That seems a little extreme.

Any ideas? (besides making a second key next time)

Thanks.

Idea no1: Go to a bleedin locksmith. A good one can make a key from scratch, even without a specific code. It is literally done all the time. It is, believe it or not, a locksmith's business.

Idea no2: Read the archives on this subject. The archives may tell you that if you have an unmolested vehicle with original locks, a dealer willing to do a little research, should be able to provide specific key codes. Had a dealer in Austin do that for my 74 a decade or so ago. All they had was the vin and their resources. Car was not purchased there.

Idea no3: Ask other 02'ers to borrow their key. We had two of the same cars in the household and the keys fit BOTH cars. Odds do not favor this, but it happened.

[jgerry2002]

If you can pop a handle, and I believe there is a code stamped on the lock. Either way bring a handle to a locksmith and you'll be set...

[tbrduc]

yes, I have both pieces but since it was a "torsion failure", there's too much deformation.

I thought about that.

Thanks.

[ClayW]

Here's an idea: I'll be parting out my `76 soon (a few weeks?). When I do, I'll sell you my steering column, door locks and keys. It won't be much.

[tbrduc]

let's talk. :-)

Parting out? See me with a list of available parts...FIRST!!!

BTW: I have an "extra" 32/36, Clay. You have a need for it? :-)

[Mike_R]

Absolutly no problem a good locksmith can copy the key with just the broken off end. I had the same issue at work, one day my key broke off. Rather than having to go home I asked the bus shop ( I work for a school district) guy try to make a new key with the end. Easy as pie, I had a new key in 30 min. No need to panic. My key was twisted and broken at the weakest point and still they had no problem duplicating it.

[ClayW]

let's talk. :-)

Parting out? See me with a list of available parts...FIRST!!!

BTW: I have an "extra" 32/36, Clay. You have a need for it? :-)

Email me at clay dot weiland at gmail.

I'm not sure what I'll need from my car until I get another 02, but I'm sure that I won't need the door locks or steering column. Email me a list of what you nee and I'll keep you at the top of the list. Additionally, You can look at my sunroof for reference on adjusting yours.

Otherwise, no, I don't need that Weber. I feel bad enough about mucking up yours while trying to help you fix it!

[Hammer03]

If it's twisted, you may be able to tap it flat again with a small hammer.

I found a local locksmith here who had blanks in stock, and he cut me 3 for under 10 bucks, while I stood there and watched (~5 min). I was worried about twisting another key, but now I have spares!

[im3crazy]

Ditto x2 on the good locksmith. two typical approaches: (1) the 4 digit key code "may" still be on a small white label stuck on the inside of the of the padded under-steering column cover. there are key-code books that show the key depths, (2) removing a door lock (yes number is also stamped there) and cylinder and inserting a blank gives a real smith enough info to cut a rough key with a triangular file, then clean it up to fit. It's not as sophisticated as you would like to believe.

Also ditto on the chances of other keys working. I bought a set of like new handles about a year back and started to swap out the cylinders. As luck would have it I tried one of my keys in the "new" locks and it worked!

[FunkyLaneO]

If you can get the number off of the cylinder (minor disassembly of the door) these guys can make you a new one (or two!)http://www.key-men.com/

They use steel blanks while many locksmiths not familiar with old BMW's will use brass.

[Mike Self]

either takethe whole handle and let the locksmith disassemble/reassemble, or take pictures/make a detailed diagram of how the lock cylinder, retaining screw, torsion spring and lever go back together. there are infinite ways to reassemble the parts wrong, and only one correct way. Ask me how I learned this...

That's the easiest way to have a new key made, unless you want todrill out the pin that hold the ignition lock in place. Removing a door handle is much easier.

mike

[Scott Sislane]

funny how everyone says a "good locksmith" can do it. I brought my keys to 3-4 locksmiths to have blanks cut, a couple years ago. Not one of them could do it correctly. Even the oldest guys who actually had blanks for our car on their rack.

I resorted to filing one that didn't work, to match an original, and it started to work. I must live on the wrong part of the map for "good locksmiths".