Someone stole my e39 now I have to change the locks and ignition tumbler

[Sircaz34]

Dose anyone have any suggestions on how to drill out the factory E39 Ignition lock cylinder because the person who stole my car took the key and the police have not found them yet but I don't want to buy $300 key to just to throw it away when I change the ignition cylinder

[JimLev]

You only had one key?????

[BimmrMeUpSnotty]

How the heck did they get the key???

[rdl]

I guess that the one key is water under the bridge now.

Rather than a $300 master (remote) key or drilling, I'd buy either a "valet" key or a plastic wallet key. Either will be much less expensive and should suffice for ignition cylinder removal without risk of damage trying to drill.

[ross1]

There is a tab that is released with a tool (paper clip will often do) when the cylinder is turned to a specific position. All this assume a key of course. IF yu can drill a small hole in the housing in the precise location of that tab you can depress it and extract the cylinder without a key. There were posts about this in the E34 forum long ago.
Having the replacement cylinder before you will give you the picture as to where that tab lives.
Even if the police catch the thief I don't expect he'll be carrying the key so might as well buckle up for a bit of work.
If the parts from a '00 will work, I suspect so, I have a complete lock set available. PM if that interests you.
At least you got the car back. Good luck

[Qsilver7]

If you only had one key...you can do what has been suggested above and just order a NON-REMOTE key (can't really make any good suggestions since you didn't give any model year information). There are several choices depending on what model year e39 you have.

Once you have at least one working key (again), you can have your local BMW dealership DEACTIVATE the key. If you do have other working BMW keys, then take them with you so that they can just eliminate the one missing key from the "line-up"...it will no longer be able to start your car (thanks to EWS).


http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/EWS%20Key%20Activation%20Deactivation.jpg

And just tossing this out there because it might apply (but don't know for sure since you left no model/model year info)...if you have the high cluster/high Mid or Nav...you can use the OBC CODE feature until you get things figured out. You can set any code number between 0000-9999 and the only way to start the car is if you enter the correct (same) CODE that was entered. After 3 failed attempts by someone that has a key that can start the car, the siren and lights will put on a show.


{how to set a code if you have the high MID}

http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/E38%20OBC%20CODE%20PROCEDURE.jpg

{how to set a code if you have the Nav screen}

http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/OBC%20CODE%20Instructions%20for%20Nav%20Monitor%20 1.jpg
http://bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/OBC%20CODE%20Instructions%20for%20Nav%20Monitor%20 2.jpg

[JimLev]

I've posted pics a few times how to pull the ign lock cylinder out with a key in it.
If you can't find them I can post them later. Let me know.

[Santaclaus4]

I agree with Q, have the old key disabled so it can't be used and maybe put in the "pin code" so only you can start the car.
Just for gee whiz, I can understand how someone could get the key. Perhaps a teenager who wants to take dads car for a spin while he's taking a nap, etc.
Ask me how I know...

[rdl]

I've never see any great advantage to disabling a key. That key would still open the door and trunk so I wouldn't be able leave so much as a nickel in the car and be certain it would still be there when I returned. If my car was recovered after being stolen and the key went missing I'd bite the bullet and re-key the car. I suppose I'd disable the missing key while rounding up replacement keys, lock cylinders, EWS, etc. (while keeping the glovebox and trunk empty) But I sure wouldn't consider it a permanent solution.

Or am I missing something?

[Sircaz34]

Sorry guys for taking a long time to respond
It's a 1997 540i

Yes I only had 1 key for it because my bmw dealer is stupid and will only sell me a new master key and no wallet keys when I call and ask they hang up on me

And I was helping my neighbor jump start some cars and I got out to pull the jumper cables off and a young punk decided he was going for a joy ride backed up ran me over and took off down the street cops found my car ditched in a parking lot of a small hotel and the kid and the key was gone

A big problem to just disabling the start function is he still can access the doors and steal my aftermarket head unit and subwoofers and amps and thing of that nature
I went to a junkyard today and got this list of things
1. EWS
2. Ignition lock cylinder with key
3. Driver door lock cylinder
4. Glovebox lock cylinder
5. Trunk lock cylinder
So my only problem should be getting the old ignition tumbler out without purchasing a key

JimLev would be very helpful to have pics

[cnn]

Youtube has a tumbler video for E39.

[JimLev]

Tumbler removal with a paper clip. The key needs to be in the lock.
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