Re-Key BMW Lock Cylinders

How To: Match Luggage Locks to Fit Your Key

Have you ever bought a replacement or upgrade hard case for your BMW motorcycle? If so, you've probably been faced with the mismatched key dilemma. Or maybe even no key at all?

Depending on the year and model, the lock cylinders can be removed with varying degrees of difficulty. Older lock cylinders can easily be "re-keyed" by swapping the tumblers- those small shutters inside the lock. But later BMW boxes have a slightly different lock design that doesn't allow easy removal of the tumblers. In this case, or when you have no lock at all, there's a nifty repair kit available.

Offered under BMW Motorrad part number 51257698204, the lock repair kit comes with a new lock cylinder and a full set of tumblers. 

How it Works
The BMW lock cylinder uses a random combination of three different tumblers. Each kit includes a full selection of all three tumblers. These are inserted from opposite sides, thus increasing the number of possible combinations. By shuffling around the tumblers you can eventually "match" your bike's key. The slide on the very end is unique as it's actually the lock's retainer. 

There are a number of videos online showing the process. One notable caveat: leave the seventh slot empty! It is intentionally empty and will cause problems if you insert a tumbler in this location.

These repair kits are available from your local BMW dealer, or check for sources on eBay. They're often quite a bit less expensive!

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