Instructions for removing and sending the BMW door lock cylinder in for repair
Last updated March 4, 2019

Does the keyhole on the driver's door not work correctly? It might be the lock cylinder is broken or something else.

Below are some parts numbers I found on realoem.com for the lock cylinder. According to pictures on the ECS Tuning web site it seems like the CATCH WITH KEY CODE version is with the lock cylinder only and CATCH WITH KEY version is the lock cylinder with a pair of full service (non remote) keys. The former says Coded and the latter says Uncoded so I think the one to get is the CATCH WITH KEY CODE. The prices are the same $90.86 so I'm not sure if it really comes with a pair of keys. LEFT for left hand drive cars (U.S., Canada, etc.) and RIGHT for right hand drive cars (U.K., Australia, Japan etc.) For the 2001 model year the door handles changed. Up to 09/2000 cars have a door handle that pulls straight out. From 09/2000 cars have door handles that swivel up a little bit when pulled. Make sure you get the right one. The lock cylinders are not interchangeable.

These instructions are for removing and installing the door lock cylinder on a up to 09/2000 E46 4-dr. It probably applies to may other cars, but, beware there may be differences.

1) Open the door and remove the oval cover with a small flat blade screwdriver.

2) Using a 3/16" hex wrench loosen the lock cylinder retaining screw about 10-11 turns. If you loosen it too much it might come out and fall to the bottom of the door.

3) Insert a key, turn it slightly wiggle the lock while pulling straight out. If it doesn't come out you might need to loosen the retaining screw another turn.

4) Once the lock is removed look down the hole. You'll see a white screw. Insert a wide flat blade screwdriver and turn it back back and forth so that it sitting in the detent.