Driver 's door key lock problem

[singring]

on my 1995 318i, I can only turn the driver's door key lock clock-wise, so the doors will lock fine. However, I cannot turn the driver's door key lock counter clock-wise, to unlock the doors. The key will only go as far as the "vertical" position. Luckily, the passenger door lock works fine, and I can enter the car, and unlock the driver's door from inside. I don't want to come to the situation where I cannot unlock the door at all, so I will drive my car, but I won't lock it.
Is this a case of replacing the lock cylinder? If so, can the cylinder be keyed to my existing key?

thanks

[Bear]

One answer is yes, you can buy a rekeyable lock cylinder from the dealer and then you will be able to use the existing key. have yu pulled the inner door panel and tried to rech up and move the locking rods to see if the locks will work manually. On my 1990 325ic I had to repalce the door lock motor on drivers door and the central lock controller (located behind and belwo the left front drivers side kick panel). I bought them used from Bavarian recycle in Sacramento, CA. and after installation all locks work, however, I still cannot lock the drivers door from the drivers door lock (I can unlock thpugh from drivers door lock). I am in process of rekeying the drivers side door lock cylinder and hope that works. Good news is that I can lock or unlock car using passenger side or trunk lock.

[supervisor1886]

First you will have to take out the lock. I believe that the unit from the left door is identical and can be swithced with the right one .Not sure thoug.(on other cars it is)

You can take it to the car locksmith and see if he can repair the damage or not.

If not you can go the more expensive way and take your lock to the dealer, they should be able to repace the cylinder and key it to your existing original key.

[Dudesky_E36]

The left and right sides are not identical. The actual lock cylinders are mirror images of each other, meaning they're exact opposites. They even have different part #'s. You can buy the cylinder repair kit from the dealer's parts counter for about $35, or have them do the job for about $150. I did the job myself last summer, and it took me about an hour. The pain in the a## is really the trouble of having to take your door apart . . . replacing the cylinder and keying it to your keys is easy. Those are your choices, your local locksmith cannot help you with this one

[supervisor1886]

See thats why BMW people should learn some things from GM. They use the same part number number , because evry lock has a little lever that can be turned 180. (smart). Locksmith can take the lock apart and fix the cylinder if theres damage in there or just make another key to it to make it work

[lemons111]

I have had some problems with the driver side lock also. It locked only so would have to unlock the car from the passenger side. But before attempting to replace the lock, you should try to add the powder that they sell for the locks. Just spray it in the lock. It worked for my car.