I've got an '85 K100 RT with the Touring panniers that have the flat locks. These take a short key and don't have the replacable lock barrel.
Does anyone have any experience of finding keys to fit? The lock is so shallow that the key can't be more than a single 'bump', like a cheap suitcase key.

Cheers

If I recall correctly, there is a number stamped on the latch. If you find this number you will be able to order a new set of keys from the dealer.
I posted this sometimes ago and you will have to find the specific post (not easy to sift over 15,000 posts )

CF

hi paul ...i have just got a key for mine too ...at last .

the profile of the keyblank is resonably hard to find ...but i was able to purchase 1 x only key so far....from our local bmw dealer .(second hand i suspect ) didnt cost that much actually .

the key itself is desceptive with a number of bumps and stuff along its length ...but only the first about 5 mill is used for the "coding" of the lock cylinder ....
i have noticed when in the locked position the whole assembly has less movement and i think will bind the tongue to the panier retainer -bracket much better than in the unlocked position ..
im restoring my paniers seals etc and intend to fix some hook and loop fastener to the frame part/ panier to stop / reduce movement if possible .

im going to play around and see if i can produce a keyblank in the future (.as a spare) ..lots of filing and stuff but should be possible

cheer mate i hope you can find one ...or at least have one of the locks in the open position to read the code stamped inside it

i think motobins had some spares available in their website

There will be a three digit number on the lock near the lift-up flap. That's the key code. About five or six years ago BMW discontinued them. Some dealers had a few left over in stock. BMW announced via a bulletin (BMWNA in North America, at least) which ones they had left in their warehouses. South Sound BMW in Fife, Washington, where I worked once upon a time, had a stack of them...dunno about these days. With luck your 'local' will be able to supply the correct key. Or, perhaps, Motorworks in your neighbourhood still have a bin load of them floating round...

I lucked out with my keys. Got a new filler cap and lock & Keys from motobins and the new key fit and worked straight in my cases and ignition.

Alby, you might wanna have a squiz at the 'side pocket lock' thread that's going on now then. The locks are easily modded to accept a number of keys. Somebody's been there before...?

I was able to order new keys to match the key code as described by TWB. Alby's locks are the 2nd gen panniers with the lock that accepts the ignition key. The OP has 1st gen bags with the flat luggage type key.

I call it dumb luck as no re keying was needed!! The new fuel key just went straight to work.(YAy) TWB may well be quite right.. Will try someone elses key soon then.