ZeHerman · May 19, 2022

So after I accidentally noticed that my letter box key also works for the doors of my 300 TDI, I think it's time to replace the locks for some ever so slightly upgraded security. I assume the locks are "worn", or are they so bad that a differently cut key could still work as long as it has the same rough shape?

Is there any more secure locks available, or will I just replace them all with as a set of 4 (front doors, rear door and tank lid) generic replacement cylinders? I am aware that it is incredibly easy to break in anyway, but I would be happy to get that extra bit of security. The ignition lock had already been changed by the previous owner.

mick the builder · May 19, 2022

I think getting in to your vehicle should be the least of your worries. At least with crap locks, the windows stay in tact

ZeHerman · May 20, 2022

I'd prefer a smashed window to be honest. At least that makes some noise and looks "wrong". Someone walking up with a random key and opening the door doesn't even look suspicious. A thief could be talking to a police officer while opening the door and there would be no way of knowing it's not his/her car.

Al2O3 · May 20, 2022

ZeHerman said:
So after I accidentally noticed that my letter box key also works for the doors of my 300 TDI, I think it's time to replace the locks for some ever so slightly upgraded security. I assume the locks are "worn", or are they so bad that a differently cut key could still work as long as it has the same rough shape?

Is there any more secure locks available, or will I just replace them all with as a set of 4 (front doors, rear door and tank lid) generic replacement cylinders? I am aware that it is incredibly easy to break in anyway, but I would be happy to get that extra bit of security. The ignition lock had already been changed by the previous owner.

That's how good the locks are. Most things that are thin enough to go in to the key slot will open the lock, so long as they don't bend! I don't know of an upgrade, but that doesn't mean there isn't one.

MJE · May 20, 2022

Optimill

https://www.optimill-uk.com/exterior-door-handles.html

Litch · May 21, 2022

I have Optimill handles with the interior pop-up buttons disconnected.
I am sure someone who knows how to drop a wire down the glass could have them open in seconds but at least they are unlikely to be able to use a random key or smash the glass and pop the button.

Is there a downside (apart from the cost of course)?
If there is then it is that you can only unlock the doors with a key, no reaching across to unlock the passenger door from the inside but I have had it like this for 23-years (Optimill handles a little less!) and it is something I am quite happy to live with.

ZeHerman · May 21, 2022

MJE said:
Optimill

https://www.optimill-uk.com/exterior-door-handles.html

thank you! Quite pricey though, and it still leaves the rear door with the generic cylinder. Might consider those if there is no other option to just replace the cylinders though.

mick the builder · May 22, 2022

ZeHerman said:
I'd prefer a smashed window to be honest. At least that makes some noise and looks "wrong". Someone walking up with a random key and opening the door doesn't even look suspicious. A thief could be talking to a police officer while opening the door and there would be no way of knowing it's not his/her car.

If you have a good alarm, it doesn't matter how they gain access.

ZeHerman

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mick the builder

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ZeHerman

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Al2O3

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MJE

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Litch

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ZeHerman

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mick the builder

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