1995 BMW 318 door locks

AIRBORN

MEMBER
1995 BMW 318
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
105,756 MILES

On my '95 318is I replaced the driver's side door handle/lock assembly with one from my totaled '96 318ti.
the 'ti key, of course, fits the lock, turns both ways, but does not engage. The passenger lock is operable with the original 'is key but does not activate the driver's side lock. It is probably to to do with the coding of the keys.
is there any wire I can snip, or fuse to pull, to disable the inter-connectivity of these locks so that I may be able to use the two keys, each on its respective lock? Or, is it possible to have the 'ti key re-coded to match the 'is key?

1 Reply

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

This isn't a coding issue, there is something that was overlooked during the installation. The parts should interchange and the only difference will be that the drivers door will need a different key or remove the tumbler from the original lock and install it in the newer unit. So my recommendation is to go back in there and inspect for the actuator arm that did not get reattached, and dont feel too bad about this, I have done the same thing. And careful with the door panel, they can become fragile with age. Send me a PM if this continues to be problematic for you.