Heated Lock De-Icer

[AW8]

Anyone tried one ?

Seen these advertised on ebay & elsewhere

clicky

Main aim is to avoid damaging yet another door lock mechanism this winter........I have already had to replace two since owning my car & can do without the hassle involved.

Mindful when these freeze that mositure sits and runs down the cable so wondering if such a de-icer device would be any use or not.

[X5Sport]

My Dad always used to use graphite powder in his locks in Winter. Never seemed to have any trouble, but I have no idea where you get the stuff from. Probably only good for the driver's door as none of the others have keyholes to puff it in through.

[5wany]

Not sure how effective this would be as the cable snaps a bit away from lock, but for the cost its got to be worth a punt. If you keep it in the lock for a minute or so enough heat should transfer around mechanism to unfreeze it.

Had mine go last winter on drivers side, a real PIA, around £100 to replace, but in fairness it was really bad (-17+).

If I still had my e53 I think I might lube up mechanism with some grease, strip door on drivers side and do it. I wouldn't bother with passengers as once drivers in car they can open other doors from inside. It is a real weak point on e53 in sub zero climates.

You can always put warm water over door handle from kettle, though I would be wary, as if the temp did not rise much during the day any water than perhaps migrated into lock would freeze and perhaps cause the damage you are trying to avert. I think this was how I broke mine

It was one of the main reasons I've added aux heating to my car order

[AW8]

Thanks

Iirc the Bowden cable, (I think thats what it is called), collects mositure which then transfers to the lock mechanism. I too believe the part of the lock mechanism prone to freezing may be some distance from the key aperture.

Both new front lock mechanisms well lubricated but by no means immune from freezing. Some have reported that liquid lock de-icer can compromise any lock lubricant. I seem to recall that frozen moisture on door seals can also make the doors harder to open.

I often leave my car at work overnight & find it resembling an ice cube in the morning.

I may give it a punt for sake of a few quid.

In the meantime any positive experiences from using one of these electric de-icers would be appreciated.

My advice to E53 owners on an icy morning........lift the door handle gradually & stop at first sign of anything resembling increased reistance - then go for some warm water,(not boiling).