How to remove lock cylinder without drilling the roll pin out. Tools required:
1/8“ drift punch or pin punch Hammer Flat blade screwdriver OK, I posted long ago about this, I heard of how to do this from a BMW independent mechanic long ago, after I had already drilled out one or two. I have done it once or twice before, but decided to take my time & document it this time with pics.
It is much quicker, easier to do, then using a drill, IMO.
Other reasons: less mess, no chance of drilling into the lock and ruining it. The lock is not damaged either, it was designed for this to be done this way. Maybe someone with the blue books can verify if it is mentioned there. All I did: 1. Insert key, turn it to fahrt. 2. Line up 1/8“ punch, tap the hammer 1 to 3 times, you want the pin to go in barely 1/8" took me 3 light taps, & I emphasize “light” and only 1/8", no more. The pic that shows the punch through the hole is only to show the 1/8" size fits. Don't go that far with the punch to remove your lock. 3. Take flat blade screwdriver & pry lightly but firmly and pull lightly on key or other side/edge of cylinder, it should come out, with only little resistance in first 1/4“.
Note the pic of the lock cylinder once removed, the pin is just flush with the cylinder.
I still need to address the issue of the pin, it ends up inside the lock mech. If you are installing a new lock cylinder, this is not an issue. If you want to reuse this lock cylinder, you need to either drill the lock pin out, which should be much easier now that it can be done on a bench, using a drill press and a vice to hold the lock, or at least a vice to hold the lock & a hand drill. There are other ways to remove it, but that is the most obvious.
Also the last pic shows where you can find your Key Code sticker if you need to order a factory key.
I blacked out my last 2 digits, because I am cool :-)