Re: '86 528e central locking system

["Mr. Dana Sion" <dana.m.sion@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello,
   I am new to the list and a new BMW CCA member, so hello every one(grin).
I look forward to a lot of fun, sharing and helping others with there BMWs.

I actually have a "simple" question, well every one makes it seam "simple"
but no one can give me a straight answer.  I have a 1986 528e automatic that
my father gave me as a gift last year.  I have put hours and hours of work
into in detailing it and taking it in for general service to the local BMW
center.  The car was in very good shape when I got it I just like things
spotless, I can be sort of a perfectionist when it comes to some
things(grin).
  My question is, does the 86 528e have a "ELECTRIC" central locking system
OR a " VACUUM " central locking system?  I looked in the Bentley manual but
it was rather "sketchy" in this area and referred to them as "ELECTRIC"(it
seams they where sketchy in a lot of areas like the antenna Etc. why I have
no idea(grin) )  I talked to the service manager at the BMW center and he
told me he would have to research it do to the year and model.  I spoke with
Tweeter Etc. ( a custom mobil install center) and one location said
"electric" the other said "vacuum".  Then Circuit City told me vacuum and
none of them looked at the car or in a computer Etc.  I need to find out as
I want to install keyless entry(no extra alarm Etc. if I can avoid it).
They told me if the locking system is "ELECTRIC" then its very simple to
hook up and even cheap but if its a "VACUUM" system then its a complete
custom retro fit and added actuators on each door PLUS the installation of
the keyless entry and labor, parts.  If that is the case I will most likely
just skip it as its more complex then its worth to any one.  If it is a
"VACUUM" system then it sure is a well responsive fast acting one that
sounds "ELECTRIC".  I know  a lot of Mercedes have "VACUUM" locks and when
they lock and unlock you know it, they are slow and make a "VACUUM" kind of
noise if you listen.  In my BMW the unlocking/locking is instant and it does
not make a "VACUUM" "whoosh" noise.
So I have no idea any more what the story is.  I hope some one here can help
me.

But it would be nice to be able to install keyless entry so I do not have to
fumble with the keys out side or stand and wait next to the door for one of
my friends to close his door so I can lock it.  It would also be nice when
my hands are full, opening the door is one thing but trying to get the key
in and turn it with your hands full is a bit tricky(grin).
 I have heard of people installing keyless entry into BMWs of around my year
with no problem.  If it is "VACUUMED" controlled why would the whole system
be
controlled by electric wires? If it was "vacuum" controlled and not
"electric"
why can't the install shop just splice into main central locking wires in
the drivers side door or trunk? I do not think the keyless entry module
could care less where its signal goes or comes from(grin).  It would say
"unlock" doors would unlock, it would say "lock" and the doors would unlock.
No mater if its "ELECTRIC" or "VACUUM" or my finger getting and electric
shock holding the wire and unlocking manually each time(LOL)!  I am just
trying to use common sense but maybe that does not apply with the central
locking system(GRIN).

     Sorry to go on for so long this debate has just been going on for a few
months and I need to find an end to it(grin)
                    Thank you for your help,
                                Mr. Dana Sion
                            1986 BMW 528e, black on black

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