Want the E90 LCI trunk upgrade but don't want to give up your external lock?

[whats77inaname]

Yeah, I didn't want to either, so I drilled out my own lock hole.

This is the lock assembly.


There are 2 screws that attach it to the underside of the trunk, and a finishing piece that clips into a corresponding surround on the lock itself. You can remove the finishing piece by using the trim removal tool (yellow in the picture) and pushing the clips toward the lock.

First I made a template of my non-LCI trunk lid's keyhole:


Then I transferred that template over to my LCI trunk lid. Unfortunately, BMW changed the shape of the trunks, so it didn't fit. That means I had to freehand it.


Fortunately, however, they *did* keep the mounting location intact, along with screw holes to mount it.

Too late to turn back now.


In this picture, you can see the screw holes into which the lock assembly attaches.


It took me about an hour and a half to get it cut and shaped w/a drill and some grinding bits and my Rotozip.

Lock is in:


I used some silicone around the hole to make sure no water gets in, and then I put the trim piece on. Looks just like it came from the factory.


So, if you're wanting to keep your key, know that you can, as long as you have the cajones to put a hole in your trunk.

[///mawana]

Looks good.

[W Cole]

Removing the lock is just two screws and some clips? I seem to remember reading it was much more difficult so I didn't transfer it over to my vorsteiner trunk.

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by W Cole

Removing the lock is just two screws and some clips?

Yep, two screws and a trim ring.

[SilentAttack]

I wanted to keep my key hole.... but not that bad

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by SilentAttack

I wanted to keep my key hole.... but not that bad

Looks like a factory install, so I'm good with it What I find interesting is that in this thread, he has a lock on the *left* side of the trunk, and it didn't look like any drilling was involved, as if it came with the hole already there.

[M3ANMACHINE]

Wait, so the LCI trunk has no keyhole?
Never noticed!

I just bought an LCI trunk off an '09 335i and it has the keyhole...

[bluehydros]

Originally Posted by M3ANMACHINE

Wait, so the LCI trunk has no keyhole?
Never noticed!

I just bought an LCI trunk off an '09 335i and it has the keyhole...

The 2009s have a lock cylinder. They were deleted on 2010s and up.

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by W Cole

Removing the lock is just two screws and some clips? I seem to remember reading it was much more difficult so I didn't transfer it over to my vorsteiner trunk.

I would imagine that it's b/c the Vorsteiner doesn't include the mounting location on the underside of the trunk, as seen in this pic:

[edwinm3]

LCI trunk also comes with the hole already there from the factory, just need to order the right one. I had it and sold it before I sold my E90

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by edwinm3

LCI trunk also comes with the hole already there from the factory, just need to order the right one. I had it and sold it before I sold my E90

I didn't order it. It was a $200 junkyard find