ZeHerman

Member
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 

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