Lishi HU100 vs HU100R vs HU100(10): Which One?
Three tools carry the HU100 name, and only one of them is for GM. The HU100 v.3 is an eight-cut tool for Cadillac, Opel and Buick applications. The HU100R v.3 is an eight-cut tool for new BMW. The HU100(10) v.3 is a ten-cut tool for new Cadillac.
Same prefix, three different jobs. This guide explains what separates them and how to avoid the most common HU100 ordering mistake.
The three tools at a glance
| Tool | Cuts | Listed for | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| HU100 v.3 | 8 | Cadillac, Opel, Buick and listed GM models | 172.6 g |
| HU100R v.3 | 8 | New BMW 3, 5 and 7 Series with the small keyhole | 153.5 g |
| HU100(10) v.3 | 10 | New Cadillac | 95.8 g |
All three use internal milling with two tracks. The cut count and the listed vehicle family are what separate them.
HU100 v.3: the GM and Opel eight-cut
The HU100 v.3 is listed for Cadillac, Opel, Buick, GL8, New Regal, Cruze, Excelle, Malibu, Camaro and AVEO. It covers ignition, door and trunk locks, uses a 1–8 tool space and weighs 172.6 g.
This is the HU100 most people mean when they say “the GM tool”. It is not a BMW tool, and it is not the ten-cut Cadillac tool.
HU100R v.3: the new BMW eight-cut
The HU100R v.3 is listed for new BMW 3, 5 and 7 Series with the small keyhole. It is also an eight-cut tool, also internal milling with two tracks, but at 153.5 g it is a different body from the GM tool.
The “R” suffix marks a different keyway — do not read it as “replacement” or as a newer version of the GM HU100. If the vehicle is a BMW, this is the branch to check; if it is a Cadillac or Opel, it is the wrong tool.
HU100(10) v.3: the new Cadillac ten-cut
The HU100(10) v.3 is listed for new Cadillac only. It is a ten-cut tool with a 1–10 space and a much lighter 95.8 g body.
This is where the prefix becomes dangerous: it says HU100, but the cut count is 10, not 8. A key with ten cuts will not read correctly with either eight-cut HU100 tool.
Why the prefix is not enough
Lishi model names describe a keyway family, not a brand. The HU100 family spans GM, Opel, Cadillac and BMW because the keyways are related in name, not because one tool covers all of them.
The practical rule: read the cut count first, then the listed vehicle family, then the tool. If the key has ten cuts and the vehicle is a new Cadillac, you are in HU100(10) territory. If it has eight cuts and the vehicle is a BMW, check HU100R. If it has eight cuts and the vehicle is a GM or Opel product, check HU100.
Other GM tools you will meet
GM coverage is not limited to HU100. Depending on the vehicle, you may also see:
- B111 — ten-cut, listed for Buick door locks.
- B106/GM37 — ten-cut, listed for Enclave and LaCrosse.
- GM39 (37/40/41) — ten-cut, listed for Buick GL8 and Regal.
- CH1 v.2 (DW05) — listed for Chevrolet Malibu and Captiva ignition locks.
- DW04R — eight-cut, listed for Buick Excelle, Sail and Joy ignition locks.
These are separate keyways, not alternates for the same lock. Confirm the stamp before choosing between them.
Other BMW tools you will meet
BMW also uses more than one keyway:
- HU58 v.3 — six-cut, listed for BMW 3 Series ignition, door and trunk locks.
- HU92 v.3 — eight-cut, listed for BMW, Land Rover and other applications.
- HU100R v.3 — eight-cut, listed for new BMW 3, 5 and 7 Series with the small keyhole.
If the key has six cuts, HU100R is the wrong family. If it is an older BMW or Land Rover application, check HU92 before HU100R.
How to choose in four steps
- Count the cuts. Eight points to HU100 or HU100R; ten points to HU100(10) or a GM ten-cut tool.
- Identify the vehicle family. GM, Opel and Buick on one side; BMW on the other; new Cadillac on the ten-cut side.
- Check the keyhole. The HU100R listing specifies the small keyhole on new BMW models.
- Confirm the position. All three listings cover ignition, door and trunk, but the vehicle application still decides.
Common mistakes
- Ordering HU100 for a BMW. The BMW eight-cut branch is HU100R.
- Ordering HU100R for a Cadillac or Opel. That is the GM branch, HU100.
- Using an eight-cut HU100 on a ten-cut Cadillac key. That is HU100(10).
- Assuming the R means “revised”. It marks a different keyway, not a newer version of the same tool.
What the listings do and do not tell you
The vehicle lists on these product pages are a shortlist, not a model-year guarantee. GM and BMW both changed keyways across generations and markets, and a vehicle sold in two countries may not use the same lock.
Use the cut count and the listed family to choose between the three HU100 tools, then confirm on the actual key or cylinder. If the listing and the vehicle disagree, the vehicle wins.
Frequently asked questions
Is HU100R a newer HU100?
No. It is a different keyway, listed for new BMW 3, 5 and 7 Series. The GM HU100 v.3 remains the tool for Cadillac, Opel and Buick applications.
What does the (10) in HU100(10) mean?
Ten cut positions. The tool space is 1–10, and the listing is for new Cadillac.
Can HU100 open a BMW?
Check the keyway first. New BMW applications are listed under HU100R; older BMW and Land Rover applications may be HU92; six-cut 3 Series keys are HU58.
Why is HU100(10) so much lighter?
The listing gives 95.8 g against 172.6 g for the HU100 v.3 and 153.5 g for the HU100R v.3. Different body, different tool.
Which one covers ignition, door and trunk?
All three listings describe those positions. The vehicle application still decides which tool is correct.
Still not sure which HU100?
Use the tool finder to narrow the keyway, then compare the three listings. If the stamp is worn, send a photo through the contact page with the vehicle year and lock position. For the broader selection logic, read Which Lishi tool do I need.
