Door lock cylinder replacement

[PrestonR]

Long story short, my drivers door lock cylinder broke a few months ago. I’m just now getting around to the repair process, but I cannot find my broken lock pieces anywhere. I put them in a ziplock bag and probably put them somewhere where I’d know where they are.

What cost am I looking at for a coded replacement from the dealership?

Are there any reputable 3rd party stores that could get me a coded replacement for cheaper?

Or should I get a new cylinder and carry around 2 keys?

It’s for a 1998 TDI Beetle that I’m finally getting around to fixing the little stuff.

Thanks!

 

[WolfgangVW]

Long story short, my drivers door lock cylinder broke a few months ago. I’m just now getting around to the repair process, but I cannot find the pieces anywhere.

What cost am I looking at for a coded replacement from the dealership?

Are there any reputable 3rd party stores that could get me a coded replacement for cheaper?

Or should I get a new cylinder and carry around 2 keys?

It’s for a 1998 TDI Beetle that I’m finally getting around to fixing the little stuff.

Thanks!

I've had mine break a few times. What I did was get another lock cylinder ( or two ) from an auto wrecker. I then took those along with my broken one to a lock smith and they were able to use the parts in my broken one along with the one from the wrecker to basically make one that works with my original key. This I guess depends on how yours is broken and if the parts are usable. Good luck!!

 

[PrestonR]

I've had mine break a few times. What I did was get another lock cylinder ( or two ) from an auto wrecker. I then took those along with my broken one to a lock smith and they were able to use the parts in my broken one along with the one from the wrecker to basically make one that works with my original key. This I guess depends on how yours is broken and if the parts are usable. Good luck!!

I’ve edited my post because I wasn’t very clear. I don’t have any pieces from the old lock! Really kicking myself over that now!

 

[P2B]

Does a Beetle have a locking trunk lid? If so a locksmith might be able to work with your trunk cylinder and a couple of junkyard door cylinders.

 

[WolfgangVW]

Does a Beetle have a locking trunk lid? If so a locksmith might be able to work with your trunk cylinder and a couple of junkyard door cylinders.

This is a great idea ! I don’t know much about locks but I assume they just need the tumblers or whatever to get it to work with your key …..

So it’s worth a shot. Drop by your local locksmith and see what they say!

 

[benmarks]

To answer your original question re dealer price, it's probably around $150 for the part. That's assuming the dealer can still order it from Germany. I'd call your dealer and give them your VIN and see what happens.

 

[tgray]

Or you can do what I did to one old beetle and just find one in a junk yard and remove the tumblers. you can then use any key. Not the best security I know but you have to physically try the door lock to know. With a 25 year old car I don't think it is high on the list for theft and from what I have seen is the thief wants in they usually just break a window. To remove the tumblers though I think I remember you do need a key that works in the lock. Once you pull the tumblers out it may be you can leave one or 2 in (move them around)and find the original key will still make it turn with the lock function.

 

[Nuje]

I feel like I read a how-to, or saw a youtube on how a Mk4 door tumbler came apart and basically how you could re-create it with an assemblage of parts and working key. Maybe try a search of youtube for videos (?).