lock is getting stiff

[Incantation]

and my key is kinda hard to pull out. this is for my e31 but i'm sure it's the same deal for the e34..

what's the problem.. and how do i fix?

thanks..

[Alexlind123]

Graphite?

[gale]

Door, trunk, or ignition key? If it's the ignition, they fail completely with little notice, time to fix it soon. I just went thru this with mine. It's parked until the new barrel comes which should be early this week. Here's a link for removing the old barrel:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/331655

[rickm]

Graphite?

Mine was getting pretty bad last summer so I hit it with some graphite. No problems at all since. I hit all of the locks on my car, they've been smooth as butter ever since.

[Incantation]

it's the door

so what is graphite? some sort of spray?

[RallyD]

dry lube. ground up pencil lead.
available at almost all auto parts stores.

[Incantation]

nice.. i'll try that
thanks!

[Ross]

"Wash" it out with lots of WD40 or similar running the key in and out, wipe it off a few times, then after a day or so for the oil to run out the bottom of your door use the graphite in the lock.

[RallyD]

wait as long as you can after cleaning with wd40

i only waited a short time and then there was black crap all over the key, then clothes, hands, etc.

[AngryPopTart]

Just giving a painters opinion on this matter: Like ArmorAll, you should not get WD40 anywhere near your automobile. It is a nightmare to get off of paint should the panel ever need to be respayed. Get it the heck away from your car and keep it to oiling your yard equipment.