Alpina Wheels that would rather snap keys than unlock! HELP!

[The Doggers]

Hi folks,

my 328i Sport has genuine Alpinas on it, but the locks on the centre cap are a bloody nightmare. It seems as though they prefer snapping keys than actually turning and unlocking!

Anybody ever had similar, and worked out a way to ease them up a bit?

[TheEnd]

yep, i had a couple of jammed ones as the tumblers in the barrels seized up.

first off, oil the key up well, i used engine oil, but anything should work, then i spent a while sliding the key in and out and shaking it (all about) until i could hear/feel the tumblers moving



the brass pins in mine had become gunked up and where not sliding down by themselves, you should hear 3-4 clicks as each tumbler falls into the key grooves.

once that was done, and i was sure the lock was free, it was a case of pushing in on the centre cap and turning.

once you have got it off, you might want to bend back the locking tab a fraction so it won't be as tight, and grease the rubber seals.

[The Doggers]

Cheers matey, I will give that a go!!