[darex]

My 2005 MC had a house key (?) broken off in the door's keyhole in an act of vandalism.

I've ordered a replacement key cylinder and it's at the dealership.

The part was $70, but they want $270 to install it ("labor"). I think that's outrageous!

I've searched and searched the Bimmer forums and here, and I can't seem to find a detailed description on how to do this myself. Lots about inside panel removal and other door issues, but not this.

I know about the two grommets in the edge of the door and the allen screws behind them. Does the inside door panel have to be removed at all?

Before I attempt this, I would like to know if anyone here has done it and can provide tips or cautionary information.

What I'm not clear on is this: Is the cylinder in a module that pops out from behind the handle once the door handle is lifted up, or after some clips are released?

It seems like it's fairly easy to do this. Is it?

How can my dealership demand such high labor charges for what sounds like a 15 min job?

Thanks for any help.

David

[darex]

So, I guess I'm on my own since no one seems to be able to guide me through this (hard to believe!)

Got the new key cylinder/module in-hand.

Wish me luck!

David

[ScottyBoy]

Your door card will need to be removed to remove the door handle.

Not sure what else has to be done to take the handle apart but there should be instructions on hear somewere to remove the card and handle.

The just take the handle to the dealer and they should reduce the labour costsif you cant do it.

Scott

[darex]

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyBoy (original)

Your door card will need to be removed to remove the door handle.

Not sure what else has to be done to take the handle apart but there should be instructions on hear somewere to remove the card and handle.

The just take the handle to the dealer and they should reduce the labour costsif you cant do it.

Scott

By "door card", do mean the interior door panel?

I was more or less expecting that.

Still, I'm pretty sure the door handle comes off easily from what I've read on the BMW sites, and, respectfully, it doesn't sound like you've actually removed a door handle yourself, so perhaps there's an easy trick to it.

I've read that it's very hard on the 2nd Gen MINI (R55+), but very easy on the 1st Gen MINI. However, nothing more specific than that, since it was an R56 thread that I was reading.

Sigh...

David

[ScottyBoy]

Yep i do mean the interior panel, I aint took any off this apart before so im no more help im affraid.

[darex]

Quote: Originally Posted by ScottyBoy (original)

Yep i do mean the interior panel, I aint took any off this apart before so im no more help im affraid.

After I wrote you, I went to North American Motoring and found some photos of the inside of the door (literally, the INSIDE), taken from the front aspect towards the back.

The topic was "actuator replacement", but It showed me all I need to know about replacing the door lock module on the driver's side.

My only unknown now is exactly how the door handle connects to the cable, but I will study the one that's in place now, and hopefully it will be obvious.

At least now I'm confident enough to proceed. I have seen the door from both sides now (apologies to Judy Collins).

David