Apparently this forum really gets BMW’s back up, as it has cost them a lot of money in repairs etc.
So it's our fault their locks are shit.
09 GS1200 Adventure Topbox locks
- Thread starter Frankh
- Start date
So it's our fault their locks are shit.
Richard M
Registered user
Has anyone managed to get a positive result for this issue?
smartrider
Guest
got mine sorted today whilst in for a service. (Woolaston Nothampton) they knew what the problem was as soon as I mentioned it.
I understand they put and extra bit ( non technical term) in each of the locks.
Now all 6 locks only open with the key, they do not open with the plastic bit.
I understand they put and extra bit ( non technical term) in each of the locks.
Now all 6 locks only open with the key, they do not open with the plastic bit.
njbhorn
Registered user
WD40 fixed my 2 rogue locks. All lock and open as expected now.
dialdn
Registered user
I would be curious what they did. Typically the last tumbler is left out as the lock will not work if left in.
Mine are still a problem. No resolution. However, my dealer ordered some replacement dust covers and sure enough, they are shorter than the originals.
D
FatBob
Registered user
I might have a solutions, or at leaast a workaround. My dealer orderd some news locks but I haven't had them fitted yet. The new locks have a new key ie a different one to the ignition but it seemd like the only way. I don't really understand but the dealer said there are 6 pallets in the locks, which I think are the plates/tumblers or whatever. I was surprised there were only 6! With my old locks only 2 of the 6 were locking, with the new locks 4 of 6 were locking. Not sure what that means exactly but apparently the new locks cannot be opened with the lock cover so I guess that is the best I am likely to get. Still a very poor response from BMW Technical though.
I would be very interested to know what Woolaston did to fix the locks. If they know how to do it, why don't BMW know?
I would be very interested to know what Woolaston did to fix the locks. If they know how to do it, why don't BMW know?
smartrider
Guest
Well woolastons fix on monday has only lasted til Weds night. I was back to one of the locks opening with the insert.
However
prompted a sqirt of wd40 into said lock and hey presto back to normal function.
i will contact dealer again today if I get time.
However
prompted a sqirt of wd40 into said lock and hey presto back to normal function.
i will contact dealer again today if I get time.
Had my locks coded last week at the dealer. I tried the plastic with the dealer standing next to me and the locks will not open or lock. Ok with the key only. All seems working fine. The bike & locks are a month old. Don't know if that makes a difference??
freeloader
Registered user
Don't know if this will help anyone, but I bought a set of BMW's ally panniers for my F800GS a few months ago, and coded the locks myself. They won't open with the insert/dust cover, I've tried them all.
However the way I lubricated them on assembly was with a good spray of silicon lube, NOT grease of any sort. I have my suspicion that the lubricant used by BMW (or whoever does the coding) is too thick for the springs to overcome friction, the sliding leaves in the lock are sticking in the "unlocked" position, and there is too much play between the cam slot in the key and the internal "ears" in the leaves for the leaves to be forcibly returned to the "locked" position.
Unless the leaves are being left out of the locks, or your key for some reason has an absolutely straight (not wavy) cam slot, I can't think why you'd be having this problem.
However, I can't think why BMW wouldn't have come to this conclusion, either.
However the way I lubricated them on assembly was with a good spray of silicon lube, NOT grease of any sort. I have my suspicion that the lubricant used by BMW (or whoever does the coding) is too thick for the springs to overcome friction, the sliding leaves in the lock are sticking in the "unlocked" position, and there is too much play between the cam slot in the key and the internal "ears" in the leaves for the leaves to be forcibly returned to the "locked" position.
Unless the leaves are being left out of the locks, or your key for some reason has an absolutely straight (not wavy) cam slot, I can't think why you'd be having this problem.
However, I can't think why BMW wouldn't have come to this conclusion, either.
FatBob
Registered user
My dealer did initially tell me they had fixed my locks by cleaning up the grease inside them but since the locks still didn't work when I got them back, and BMW release a modified lock cover the "fix" the problem, I assumed the dealer was telling porkies. Maybe it is a combination of bad design and grease? If all it takes for the locks to stick open is a bit of grease or probably dirt, how long before the problem comes back even if you fixed it already?
Is it hard to disassemble the locks and how do you do it? I would really like to take one apart to see the problem for myself.
Is it hard to disassemble the locks and how do you do it? I would really like to take one apart to see the problem for myself.
toadylad
Guest
locks in boxes
working at a dealership selling bmw's, from, what i have seen, if when coding the locks on the boxes, if not enough slips/wafers/segments -call them what you willare used, then yes, anything will indeed open the boxes. this is not just confined to gsa/gs !!
so, there you have it. if the lock barrel is complete, only the keyt designed for the bikeshould work !!
cheers then,
Toadylad
working at a dealership selling bmw's, from, what i have seen, if when coding the locks on the boxes, if not enough slips/wafers/segments -call them what you willare used, then yes, anything will indeed open the boxes. this is not just confined to gsa/gs !!
so, there you have it. if the lock barrel is complete, only the keyt designed for the bikeshould work !!
cheers then,
Toadylad
Open the pannier and leave the key in...
If you look at the back of the lock you'll see a silver flat 'locking wafer' if you turn the key when looking at the back of the lock it should be evident...
I use a flat sharp knife to 'spring' that back in as I move the lock with the key.... that is what is holding the lock in place... once its been moved flat push the inner end of the lock out of the recess and the barrel should come out with the key still inside.
Don't remove the key. if you do the wafers fall out along with the springs
dave.b
Guest
hi ya i had this on my locks and my wifes boot undone the lock and the box fell off on the M23 it took bmw 6 months to come up with a solution they made the dust caps shorter it works on 7 of the locks but not all i modified 1 myself and now doesnot open with the dust caps , bmw are aware of this problem but wont admit it .BMW coopers at tonbridge sorted mine out ,but BMW germany draged thier heels and denied this could happen but coopers kept on and is now sorted.......
FatBob
Registered user
Just had my locks replaced by the dealer (under warranty) with a new set of locks and a new key. These locks seem to work ok. My ignition key is quite straight near the base, only has indentations nearer the tip of the key, so the shape of the key is muc hthe same as the shape of the lock cover. The new key has indentations nearer the base which I think is why the lock cover doesn't open the lock.
I saw the construction of the lock barrels before they were fitted, there are typically 6 tumblers with space for a 7th which wasn't fitted. Those 6 tumblers only cover about two thirds the length of the key so the shape of the key near the tip makes no difference.
It has taken since January to get this far. at least now my locks seem to work but I can't have them coded to my ignition key, and BMW seem to think we should just put up with these badly designed, and very expensive products. Well, I'm not done with them yet!
I saw the construction of the lock barrels before they were fitted, there are typically 6 tumblers with space for a 7th which wasn't fitted. Those 6 tumblers only cover about two thirds the length of the key so the shape of the key near the tip makes no difference.
It has taken since January to get this far. at least now my locks seem to work but I can't have them coded to my ignition key, and BMW seem to think we should just put up with these badly designed, and very expensive products. Well, I'm not done with them yet!
If I do not force the key right into the locked position I can still wiggle the key out and then open with the plastic "key".
Forcing the key (little force!) until it stops in the locked position seems to cure the problem.
It only moves a fraction more but definatly prevents it from being opened with anything!!
Forcing the key (little force!) until it stops in the locked position seems to cure the problem.
It only moves a fraction more but definatly prevents it from being opened with anything!!
Blues Boy
Registered user
Hi Guys, Having read about this problem I too tried my locks. I have an 08 model. When I got the bike, the exhaust side had the soft rubber insert, the top box and r.h. pannier was hard insert. I tried the inserts and hey presto I unlocked the top box and right pannier. I phoned CW's and they did not know anything about this problem! As I was going away on holiday, I dropped them off last Thursday week. I phoned yesterday on my return only to be told that even the new locks had the same problem! I was non too happy as you all were. Basically couldn't help. So, like alot of others I am left with insecure boxes. I am going to write to BMW and then look around for alternative boxes, checking the locks before I buy. If BMW don't come up with a solution then they can have the boxes back and I will have my cash back too. Looks like a visit to the small claims court is on the cards.
Richard M
Registered user
I have been to my dealer today to ‘have the lock problem sorted’.
They have replaced all 8 locks and fitted the new, shorter inserts.
As we would expect, the locks now do not open with the updated insert, but do all still open with the old one!
Can someone explain to me why they bothered changing the locks
Will be calling the service manager to ask tomorrow!!
They have replaced all 8 locks and fitted the new, shorter inserts.
As we would expect, the locks now do not open with the updated insert, but do all still open with the old one!
Can someone explain to me why they bothered changing the locks
Will be calling the service manager to ask tomorrow!!
FatBob
Registered user
I don't think there is a "fault" with the locks as such so changing them makes no difference if they are still coded to your ignition key. The only solution for me was to get a new set of locks with a new key which is different to my ignition key.
The problem is that the locks only "read" about 2/3 of the length of the key from the base and ignore the other third nearest the tip. If the shape of the first 2/3 of your key is similar to the shape of the lock cover then the lock cover will work as a key.
What disgusts me most is the response from BMW. They are aware of the problem and seem to think that changing the lock cover for a shorter one is a solution. I disagree!
The problem is that the locks only "read" about 2/3 of the length of the key from the base and ignore the other third nearest the tip. If the shape of the first 2/3 of your key is similar to the shape of the lock cover then the lock cover will work as a key.
What disgusts me most is the response from BMW. They are aware of the problem and seem to think that changing the lock cover for a shorter one is a solution. I disagree!
WindyChuffer
Registered user
From page 24 of the 2009 accessories catalogue available here on bmw-motorrad website
"These robust, all-new panniers with plain aluminium surfaces have
a capacity of 44 litres on the right-hand side and 38 litres on the left.
Waterproof and securely lockable, they can carry up to 10 kilograms of
luggage, and feature stainless steel lashing eyelets, so that extra items
can easily be attached to the outside. The top box offers an additional
32 litres (5 kilograms) of carrying capacity."
'nuff said.
Write to BMW, quoting P24 of said catalogue and point out that if lock can be opened by a blunt flat edge, it ain't secure. Point out that if their personal home front door could be opened like this, they wouldn't accept it...and likely, neither would your home contents insurer !!
"These robust, all-new panniers with plain aluminium surfaces have
a capacity of 44 litres on the right-hand side and 38 litres on the left.
Waterproof and securely lockable, they can carry up to 10 kilograms of
luggage, and feature stainless steel lashing eyelets, so that extra items
can easily be attached to the outside. The top box offers an additional
32 litres (5 kilograms) of carrying capacity."
'nuff said.
Write to BMW, quoting P24 of said catalogue and point out that if lock can be opened by a blunt flat edge, it ain't secure. Point out that if their personal home front door could be opened like this, they wouldn't accept it...and likely, neither would your home contents insurer !!
FatBob
Registered user
I did contact customer services about this (I think they are getting to know me by name!) saying much the same, and i also made the comparison with the lock on their front door. I just got the usual response about how any lock can be opened if you try hard enough, the cases aren't mean to be that secure etc. I did ppoint out that opening the lock with any old blunt instrument didn't require you to try very hard at all, but they weren't interested. Not the fault of the poor guy in customer services, he's just the messanger, none the less that's his job.
Sadly i have found in dealing with many companies previously that they will generally ignore your requests, however reasonable they may be and however obvious it may be that you are in the right, unless you have some threat to hold over them. In this case BMW already has a large wad of your hard earned so they aren't really too bothered. They make a token gesture fix to try and keep you happy enough that you might give them even more money at the next service. But they won't do anything that costs them real money if they can possibly avoid it.
My wife had a problem with a well known bank who lost an unreplaceable ISA transfer form, which meant her money was no longer in an ISA. No progress for months until we contacted the Financial Ombudsman then miraculously it got solved in a matter of days.
When I figure out what the BMW equivalent is for the Ombudsman, I will be contacting them about the locks issue and also BMWs refusal to do anything about the frame on my brand new GSA which was rusting in under 6 months...but that's another story.
have we got any solicitors out there?
Sadly i have found in dealing with many companies previously that they will generally ignore your requests, however reasonable they may be and however obvious it may be that you are in the right, unless you have some threat to hold over them. In this case BMW already has a large wad of your hard earned so they aren't really too bothered. They make a token gesture fix to try and keep you happy enough that you might give them even more money at the next service. But they won't do anything that costs them real money if they can possibly avoid it.
My wife had a problem with a well known bank who lost an unreplaceable ISA transfer form, which meant her money was no longer in an ISA. No progress for months until we contacted the Financial Ombudsman then miraculously it got solved in a matter of days.
When I figure out what the BMW equivalent is for the Ombudsman, I will be contacting them about the locks issue and also BMWs refusal to do anything about the frame on my brand new GSA which was rusting in under 6 months...but that's another story.
have we got any solicitors out there?
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