I recently got ahold of some malt brown seats for my R52. I was so excited to install them, they look great. I tossed the old black seats right away. Now I realize I needed to swap out the locks in the rear seats. But I don't have them anymore. Is there a way to rekey the locks? Or just bypass them? I don't care about locking things in the trunk when the top is down.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

I just saw a discussion on this same topic, maybe on FB? Anyway, people were saying that these locks are not key specific, if they don't turn then maybe try some lube in the lock. I too have changed out my original seats for a malt brown interior but did not get the key to go with them. My original key does not unlock the seat back and the lock does not feel sticky or bound up like they need lube. I did just try lubing up one side but it did not help. So, for me they seem to be keyed specific. I do still have my original seat set but have not bothered to try to change out the lock set.

I've been using the release lever on the seat back by reaching through the trunk when I need to put the seat back down. When I've taken the battery out for winter storage and have forgotten to release the passenger seat back before closing the boot/trunk, I've had to use the hook that is stored on the underside of the back seat bottom to unlatch the seat back or the trunk/boot latch. If I remember correctly, last time I needed to access the trunk when the top was up and battery out, I think I discovered that I could reach the seat back release by hand, without the hook. Once the passenger seat back is down, the trunk release can be reached.

 

I don't have an R52 but I'd spent some time at salvage yards and discovered something that might work.
Although, my experience only pertained to the locking glovebox - I inadvertently discovered that some of the key locks (mainly gloveboxes I've tried), have only 4 pin key-ways - "tumblers" as oppose to 8 pins for the doors.
On a (4 pin) glovebox, I inserted my own personal (unrelated) key into a salvage glovebox lock about 3/4 of the way and surprisingly it turned and unlocked. Did the same 3/4 in and was also able to lock.
I can't say for sure that it would work on your rear seat locks....but you might give it a try?

I should probably have emphasized = Be mindful/gentle - but try at your own risk.
I'd hate to have you break a key or the lock cylinder.

 

I gave this a try but it didn't work for me. I tried multiple depths of insertion and both back seats. If it works for someone let us know.

 

Argh! - Bummer.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-headrest.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...se-please.html

I dont think those lock were coded to the key, i think they just use the outside of the key and turn. Sounds like they are stuck and need lubed. then work the key quarter turn.