BMW E30/E36 Door Panel and Lock Troubleshooting | 3-Series (1983-1999) (2024)

ive got a 2005 bmw series 1 the battery went flat and i couldnt open it,the remote key fob doesnt work and my grandaughter managed to lose the manual key from the fob.Imanaged to pop the hood by taking out a D grill at the front and pulling the cable.So far so good I put jumpers on from another car and left jump car run for 1 1/2 hrs to get battery up.Result nothing .Next i borrowed a lock out kit wedged the passenger door to get a gap and put long reach rod through and pushed the power lock button between the air vents on centre console.Nothing so i managed to get hooked onto inside drivers door handle and pulled it twice still nothing.Would i be able to get in by drilling the barrel where the manual key goes for drivers door.Any help would be greatly appreciated im at my wits end.

I'm the original owner of a 2001 M Roadster. I have a few questions regarding doors. 1 The lock tumbler on the driver's door left rotates. Does that mean I need to by the tumbler repair kit and replace the tumbler or is there a retention mechanism that needs replacing? 2 my windows don't raise and lower like when the were new. Does that mean I need to replace the actuators/motors, or is there some maintenance I should perform while I have the door cards off while I work on the locks?

Bottom of door panel clips: The green fasteners. Bottom of door flaps a bit. I ordered 10. Can I replace clips without removing panel? 1989-325i How do I get old clip out of door panel?

1995 318i
1. main key - can close driver side, but does not open door on driver side. Can't open or close passenger side.
2. 2nd key - can open passenger side, but not close passenger side. can close driver side.
3. plastic key - does everything - wonderful!
4. spray WD-40.

Hello my 02 530i double locked both front doors. I was able to find a way to open the doors. I replaced both actuators and lock mechanisms. Now the central locking switch only unlocks/locks the rear doors, the emergency key dont have a fob wont unlock/lock anything at all. I replaced the LCM and GM for other unrelated issue. Any ideas

Hi. I have a 1997 bmw 318is e36. I have a problem with the center lock system. If I lock the door, it would lock and unlock again.
If I give it a push and lock at the same time, i would go normal

98 323IC with Ignition, doors,trunk and glovebox working erratically … meaning the driver door would not lock...ignition hung up. I tried the usual WD-40 . went to the Dealer bought the new $75 key. It FIXED EVERYTHING !!! think about it , the keys soft brass and it was very worn and the locks all wear differently. PLEASE try this first before you tear the panels out. btw only the dealer can cut them...

I have a '95 BMW 325I. When I lock the car either through the passenger side door or the trunk, the front door lock does not go down. It stays in the open position. However, when locking with the driver side door, the front door lock does go down. Sign of a bad door actuator?

I have a 99’ M3 coupe, just replaced the passenger side door handle/lock assembly because the old one was broken and wouldn’t open the door from the outside, the inside still opens the door, after replacing it with a known good one, the door still won’t open from the outside, I checked the actuator and according latch that moves with the outside door handle and it sounds like it’s not engaging inside of the actuator, just wondering if I can open the actuator up and fix it or do I just need to replace it with a new one?

Thank you for the response. I will open up the driver side door panel and work on it this weekend.

I have a 1989 325iS. The driver side lock will only move a tiny bit when I manually lock it from the outside. The key turns all the way to the 3 o'clock position fine, just doesn't hardly budge the lock. I can't push the lock down from inside with the door open, but with door closed from inside it goes down all the way with ease. I've been having to lock it by reaching over from the passenger side otherwise with the lock only slightly down you can just jiggle the handle some and it comes unlocked. I'd like to resolve this without getting new locks if possible.

I recently purchased a 97 318TI. The drivers dock lock seems to be broken. I can insert the key, but it does not move. The door will unlock via the internal lock or the passenger door or hatch. Any idea?

Hi, The passenger door on my E36 328i Sport Coupe won't open using either the key of the central looking. I think it could be an actuator problem but being unable to get the door open how can I tell and also how do I get to it being unable to open the door?

Hi. I have a 1996 318is. The door does not work with the door lock. Nowadays I can't even open it, as the interior push mechanism seems looked. Where you think the problem is?

I should note, the car is a 1991 E30 318i sedan. Thanks guys!

i just replaced the drivers door handle mechanism. I changed the lock cylynder, it turns, and I got the lock rod into it's clip in the latch. the locks operate from the knob, the key and the center console. I thought I was done and closed the door. now it wont open from outside or in. it feels like it should.

1996 e36 bmw with a passenger side lock that almost never functions but for a couple of times during wet winters. Any idea of where the lubricant should go?... or perhaps a complete r & r of actuator?

Hi! My 1989 bmw 525i is lock on all four doors ... randomly my windows where opening and closing on there own ... i manage to get my driver window down to get access into the car but i took the fuse out so it wouldnt close with me inside ... there is no way i can open the door to access the door handle i have tried all the tips like yank two times ... try the passenger emergency release nothing works can you help me in any way ??

Hi!
My back seat door on the Drivers side, has just randomly stopped unlocking. I can hear it try to unlock when I hit the unlock button and all my other doors will unlock except that one. It was working just fine and then just out of random it just hasn't been working. I have no idea what the issue is!

hey how's it going,
my question is about my 1998 323is. the passenger side door is having trouble staying shut. it will close but not entirely or properly. it's kind of hanging closed as opposed to being properly latched on. i was comparing both door latches and noticed that the driver side door's the working one latch seems to pull more when i used the door handle. and the passenger side door which is the broken one seems to not pull as much when i lift the handle. i figured it was just the latch was worn so i'm going to order a new one but then i was having trouble locking and unlocking the passenger side door. the door was like in a weird in-between position between opened and closed so i'm not sure if it was the door latch itself or maybe something was knocked loose or possibly the car being in a weird in-between position between open and closed that affected the center console from locking it. i just wanted to know if anybody could shine some light on the situation so i know exactly what to get. thanks

Hi, when using my key in drivers side door it locks&unlocks the drivers door and boot, however does not affect the passenger side door.
Just to add to confusion the locks have been changed at some point in the past, so I have separate keys for doors and ignition, the passenger side door clearly wasn't changed, so takes the ignition key, however turning this doesn't unlock the door.
Any advice on what the problem could be here? I've seen suggestions of drivers or passenger actuator?

I have a 1999 323is that has lock issues. The driver side lock turns infinitely in either directions without locking or unlocking the car. My trunk lock works sometimes but at the moment is stuck and won't turn at all. The only working lock is my passenger door. When I use the passenger side door, all of the locks function properly. Do you have any suggestions?

i have a 90 e30 325i. i need to re install door lock barrels after a paint job.
i have no access behind the barrels on the inside of the door except 3 small holes the size of a half dollar. useless to get into with hands or tools.
what do you reccommend i do to be able to insert the clip that holds it tight in place. i have tried everything, even the arms of small children up through the window motor...
any advice would be great. i am ready to cut a hole in the panel at this point...
thanks in advance.

Hi, i have a 99 m3 e36, and i replaced the driver window lift motor because it didn't work, now with the new motor it only goes up with the door closed, and only goes up and down 2 inches at a time, i have to press the button 10 times to get it to go all the way up and down. Also my hazards are on permanently when I turn my headlight or even parking lights on , and because of this the blinkers don't work. Please help lol

Hi, i have a 99 m3 e36, and i replaced the driver window lift motor because it didn't work, now with the new motor it only goes up with the door closed, and only goes up and down 2 inches at a time, i have to press the button 10 times to get it to go all the way up and down. Also my hazards are on permanently when I turn my headlight or even parking breaks on, and because of this the blinkers don't work. Please help lol

Hi, my door speaker's lip and grill has broken. The car is an E36 325i 1992. Would a post 94 speaker work or would I need to buy the 92 version with the earlier connector type? Pre 94 speakers are very rare, which is why I would like to know if they would work.

Hello - I have a question regarding a specific part. I have a 1996 318ti with a loose driver's side interior door panel. I pulled the panel from the door and realized that there are two screws attaching the door panel to the door besides the clips, both screws run through the upper and lower door handle. The screws don't fix directly into the door itself but seem to use plastic anchors that fit in the metal frame of door. These anchors cracked and came apart over time, I guess. What parts are the screws and the plastic anchors?

Hi there, I have a 1998 323i E46 and my problem is the opposite to almost everyone else it seems. The buttons all go up and down from the outside with the key and I can lock and they do the same with the central locking button inside. BUT whatever I do if I pull on the drivers door handle it opens.
The button stays in the locked position and the door opens and closes like it is not locked. The actuator does not hold it in the locked position.
This problem is only on the drivers door.
any help??? I cannot find anyone else online with the same issue.

1995 M3 passenger door. Window recently began to go into epileptic fit, riding up and down that little bit as it should to open and close the door, but would do this over and over with door open. Now, the passenger door lock will operate on its own with the key, unless the central lock is actuated from the trunk or drivers door. If the central lock is set, the key will not lock or unlock the psssenger door. Is this a dead actuator switch in drivers door?

hi i am having a problem with my e36 door if i lock the door with the keys i cannot open the door if i lock from the boot i still cannot open the key does not turn when trying to open any suggestions what could be the problem

I have the entire panel off and I can't seem to determine why my door isn't opening. Actuator is out of the mechanism. I can move both sides of the locking mechanism by hand. The handle rod also actuates the mechanism. I believe the latch has failed but I'm unable to inspect it for failure. Ideas?

Have a BMW 2005 e87 series it has no outside lock keys won't work remote won't work

I disassembled my door panel again to check if I left anything disconnected and everything seemed to be connected.no I do not have a spare key so I can't try another key to see if it's the original key with the problem.might need to do a further research on common problems if there's any

Hi guys- The outside r.rear door handle on my '96 328i does nothing: when pulled it seems like it's simply disconnected inside. But after taking off the door card, I cannot see a blessed thing in there, even with a bright flashlight. I don't know what it's supposed to look like when it does work. The shop manual has absolutely nothing on removing door handles. Do you have any info on how to see what is/is not happening?
Thanks!

hello I own a 2002 z3 and I recently replaced the driver side pull handle/arm rest after doing that I noticed my remote wasn't locking the car but if I insert the key it works fine
please help me out cus it's frustrating having to lock and unlock my car manually

I have a 93 325i. We had a bad storm with lots of rain and and my window was a bit off track. After the storm, windows wouldn't roll down at all, and my doors and gas panel locked up on me. Driver and passenger doors have to have pressure applied for them to open. Key won't work. And back doors simply will not open. Less than a week later, ac only blowing out warm air. Any idea about this?

HELP! 2006 330i drivers door will not open from inside or outside or with key or fob, stuck shut. I removed inner panel. Actuator makes sound like it's trying to open however it seems to be locked. I can move inner mechanisms by hand and both seem to work fine but won't release latch. Since door will not open I can't access latch screws to disassemble. I assume the latch is the problem. What next?

Hi guys, great site!
I have a 1996 E36 320i saloon with a passenger door lock that does not operate with the central locking. It locks/deadlocks with the key, just not as part of central locking.
What part would you suggest checking first? Fuses all ok?

I would like to have an idea on my 96 328i the driver doesnt lock unlike all my other doors through the trunk. I cant lock the doors from the driver door either. Only once in awhile the door will lock

I have a 1995 M3, the drivers side door sometimes locks and other times doesn't. I try to manual push in the lock and that also sometimes doesn't want to go down and other times does. It seems to get stuck. Also I cannot open or close the drivers side door with the key, it just wont turn. Any Suggestions?

I have a 2007 650i Coupe and the passenger door is stuck closed and cannot be opened from the outside or inside. I've been through every single fuse in the spare wheel area and also behind the cubby. The lock/unlock button in the centre of the dash works but doesn't help me trying to open the door. Any suggestions on how to remedy the problem would be greatly appreciated as I cannot find any thread dealing with this model.

I have a 2003 Bmw 745i and my rear door won't open from the inside or outside. what could this be? it use to work but now it don't.

My 1995 318ti only lock and unlocks from the passenger side. The driver side door cannot be lock or unlock using the key. The actuator on the driver side works.

I have 1993 320i E36 The rear door lock has failed with the door closed and locked. I cannot open manually or electrically.
How do I open the door to replace the mechanism?

I have a 318 IS The passenger side door lock does not work either electronically or manually. If you press the pin down it just bounces back up and will not stay down in the locked position.

I have a 1994 325is and both driver and passenger windows dont roll down or up it just makes a clicking sound every time i hit the button and the sunroof works perfectly other then if you close it using the forward arrow and it can also open using that forward arrow too which i dont know if its supposed to do that but anyways i need help with the windows not working i checked the fuses and my ac doesn't work so its really hot when i drive my car i only have a little crack on the passenger window to let air in and have to push it up to close with a suction cup thing to hold

I recently replaced my window regulators on both driver and passenger side door on my 2005 x5 e53, after putting everything back i noticed that both doors won't lock or unlock automatically with the remote or the switch in the center console. i took the door apart again to see if i disconnected something but everything was plugged in. how do i fix this problem?

I have an 1997 328i and everything was working. Until I drove it today and couldn't lock the car from the outside with the key. I took apart the door and couldn't tell what was wrong. The unlock works using the key, but to lock the vehicle after doesn't. What could it be, I need help thanks

howdy. I have a 93 318is so in thus case the microswitch is part of the door and not the strike plate column. The auto pressure up/down feature of the window doesn't work unless I manually apply upward pressure to the door lock latch when it is open, then the up feature works when I close the door. Is there a cleaning/lubricating method that could fix this or do you suggest a new catch mechanism or other part?

Hello,my 2002 bmw 525i, my remote key doesn't work so I replace the battery.then I reprogram it but only the trunk works on it. Not
The power door locks....even the button from the inside to lock/ unlock it doesn't work anymore...help pls,,,,,,

Hi, I have a 2006 525xi that had to be completely repainted. It took more than three weeks...they said there were 93 man hours just to prep the car...but it looks amazing. When the car came back I noticed that I need to be standing just outside the window in order to unlock the doors. Before the painting I could stand many feet away. The trunk lock is also slow to respond and the button needs to be pressed for approximately twice as long to open the trunk. Any suggestions on what could have changed? I tried the back up key with the same results.

I have a 540I BMW 2000. The remote will open the front doors but not the trunk or back doors. The button inside the car for the trunk and the button on the console for the back doors will not work. Do you have any suggestions?

Hi. my 323i 1997 boot will not lock with the remote can only do it with the key is there a relay in the boot that maybe needs to be replaced ?

i have a 96 bmw 320i. i had my windows rolled down bc it was a nice day outside, but when i went to park the car and roll the windows up, the windows wouldn't roll up. It's like the motor wasn't even trying. i looked at the fuse box and everything seemed in order there, but its just strange that both of my windows wont roll up now. My dad said theres a reset button on the inside of the door panel but i can't find it anywhere or dont know what this thing looks like. Any feedback is helpful thank you

1986 E30 320i
Car is raely used only 26000 miles. Drivers door lock has just stopped working. It appears a mechanical problem - the interior locking knob will not go down or up. I have inetrior panel off but cannot see what is preventing the mechanism from working. What should I check or replace?

I have e36. I change door handle and put there new one. Everythings is working But when i tryed lock the door its not open anymore. Lock button is come up but seems lock is not unlock. I tryed inside and outside but the door isnt open. How can i open the door inside of That. Panel is off. What i need to check

Hi friend
I have problem with my car
The issue is I want to lock the car remote when I lock it it's unlocked
Also when I locked it by door handle barrel mean mechanically all door locked then it refuse to lock
All door are closed
Don't know why it's doing this :
My car is bmw 525i model 2002
What could be the issue
I've tried to lock it then disconnect battery terminal then after 2 hrs connect the battery try unlock it's ok unlocked by remote then
I've tried to lock it's locked then once it's locked it's unlocked again really strange ???
Any help would be appreciated

i have An 02 bmw 320i and i stored it for the winter now i went to start it and drive it and when i press the door open on the fob or the inside it wont unlock i can hear them trying but it wont go the trunk still works the batteries awesome it starts it just wont unlock or open up its stuck with the doors shut the only reason i could get in was cuz the one window isnt sitting on the rail right and i could slide the glass down any help would be awesome

How do you manually open the door latch when the door is shut? Cant figure out how to open the door with a faulty latch.

I have a 1999 bmw 323i the lock botton don't work neither the control and they work fine,but i don't know what happen that it stop working, it does not want to open or close, what it might be?

The car locks it self when I close the driver side door and when I push the oppen buton in the car it locks again.
The key remote does not work, I took it to the BMW delar and they say that the signal from the key is ok.but they dont know what is wrong.Best regards Krissi

I just changed the window actuator on my 2002 BMW 325I, front driver side and now the locks don't work either manually or with key fob. The trunk opens with the fob though.

I have a '94 325i conv. The driver's side door won't open from the outside. it was getting difficult so I tried leaving the window down a 1/2" or so and that seemed to help, but it's back to not opening. I want to change the latch assembly but does the window glass need to be removed to do so? Any other thoughts will be appreciated.

hello there, i have acquired a 2000 328i and only the passenger front door does not lock or unlock with the key, door opens and closes fine though. i believe it may be a door lock actuator. any thoughts? thank you

Hi I have a 2000 bmw 323i sedan... I cant open the front passenger door from inside or outside... It was working before but now it doesn't open at all... Any suggestions? also every other door open and closes just fine

Hello I have a 1998 328i and the only key i have works for the ignition and the pass. door lock. recently the pass. door lock quit working. whats my best option can i order three lock cylinders for the trunk and both doors with one new key. ive looked olnine and havnt found much for coded lock cylinders

1999 750il The right front window motor was replaced and now my keyless entry fob does not work any chance these are related.

1997 318i rear drivers door actuator goes up up and down correctly from key or fob. However door is not locked when actuator is in down position and will open with handle from outside.

I have a 95 318 sedan. An aftermarket key less entry was installed on the vehicle. The Drivers side door does not lock or unlock via key-less. If i use the key in the cylinder it will unlock and lock the drivers door and the rest of the car. If i use the key in the passenger door the rest of the car except the drivers door unlocks. The key-less also unlocks all doors except drivers. I belive it to be the actuator. Am i correct?

Hi there, my E36 318is 1998 model rear passenger door is stuck and didnt open with key or remote,do have central locking but still dont open please help

Hello, I have the following issue with an '03 325xi:
I installed an aftermarket alarm and door locks do not work. I wired lock and unlock to correct pin at the GM, my alarm output is negative so I wired it directly to each pin. Key fob does unlock/lock, center lock button works as well. Weird part is, I applied ground directly to each pin 20 & 22 at GM and nothing happened, however if I applied ground for a long period, it would open/close windows/sunroof. I checked fuses related to door locks and all seem undamaged, if door locks and unlocks via remote and center button, why would the aftermarket alarm won't budge?

Hi, I have a 2005 530i and a few weeks ago the rear passenger door just wouldn't open from the outside all of the sudden. It will occasionally open from the inside but not often. Locking/unlocking from my fob or the button inside the car doesn't make the pin move at all. I've read other comments and I figure it's either a faulty switch inside that one door or the actuator. Any ideas?

Hello. I have a BMW 2006 325xi. I cannot lock/unlock the doors with the key fob. The auto-lock button inside the car also no longer works. Additionally, I cannot even open the driver side door from the inside. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have a 1995 525 that has an electrical problem that I believe is in the door locking system. As long as I do not lock the doors I have no problem. If I lock the doors the battery is dead in a day. Wiring, door lock activator, something else

My 98 M3 coupe has a factory remote alarm. The driver side door will not unlock/lock via the use of the remote but, opens freely by manually inserting key once alarm has been disabled. All other doors lock/unlock correctly. Any ideas?? Thanks

I have a 1998 323iC with a stuck passenger motor. I bought what a replacement motor and now it goes up and down nicely, but the polarity is reversed down on button lifts window, up on button lowers window. I thought if i could reverse the motor wires the button would be correct, but i don't know how to take the harness apart and can't find anything about it. Any advice on this? I'd rather not cut the wires if possible. THANKS!

I have a 1999 BM 740IL, the driver side rear door will not unlatch and cannot be open from exterior or interior. The passenger side rear door can be open for inside only. Any suggestion.

The door lock pin on my 2005 325CI driver door won't stay down in the lock position. When I press it down it pops right up. Any suggestions?

W reg e36 compact. My drivers side door lock has stopped unlocking the car, it is really stiff and won't turn to unlock the door, it will lock the door though. All other locks work, what could this be and how would I fix it? could I swap the lock barrel with the passenger side one? Thanks.

HI I HAVE A 1995 320I SOME TIMES THE BACK DOORS DO NOT WANT TO UNLOCK, AT THE MOMENT ONLY ONE IS UNLOCKING HOW CAN I GET THE OTHER DOOR TO OPEN TO HAVE IT FIXED AND WHAT CAUSE THE DOORS NOT TO UNLOCK

Just purchased a 2003 X5 4.4i and the key will not manually lock or unlock the doors. The key fob will lock and unlock the three other doors and the hatch, as well as set the alarm. Also, when opening the driver door, the interior lights will not come on. Is it the actuator? Thanks for the help!!

Hello, I have a 96 m3 and it is missing the door lock tumbler on the drivers side. Because of this I have been using the passenger side to lock/unlock the doors. I do plan on replacing the drivers side tumbler soon, but my problem now is that the drivers door no longer locks/unlocks with the rest of the car. Have any suggestions? Thanks

Thanks Nick for your answer to my question, The remote key locks the doors manually and arm the alarm. But cannot open the door automatically. Alarm sounds low and the lights flashes. Cannot detect the sound when I am in the house. I went to the dealer and was told I need new keys.

Hi, I have a 1994 e36 320i. There seems to be a mechanical problem with my door locks. When I lock them using the remote, the clicking/locking seems to be much fainter than beforehand. That would normally not be a big deal, however when I try to unlock it, it will not work. It makes a very muffled clicking/unlocking sound, and the lock switch lights blink as they normally would. But the doors stay closed, as if the locking mechanism is stuck somehow. I can then only open it using my key, but that requires much more force than it normally does, which seems to backup my idea of something being stuck. What would be the correct way to fix this problem? Thank you.

The remote key for my bmw330i2004unlocks the doors but does not lock them. It also automatically opens the trunk. My alarm sounds low and the light flashes. What could be wrong?

Hello there, 1987 325e 2 door. Passanger door will not manually lock or unlock and electircal locks do not work. only on passanger door. Any suggestions? Thanks

98 M3. driver door wont lock or unlock with key. The passenger door lock and trunk unlock/lock all doors. I feel no tension from the lock when I turn the key in the driver door lock. What is the problem? I do not think it is the actuator because the the other locks unlock the drivers door.

E36 318is coupe, drivers door won't close completely. Nothing is in the way, seems like door mechanism just isn't holding door closed properly. I'm out of ideas. Any help would be appreciated.

any reason why the door lock "pins" won't move up or down when locking with the key? I can hear the doors locking, and they do indeed lock and unluck but the "pins" don't move at all. Both driver and passenger door.

Hello - On my 2000 M Roadster, my key fob and my key both work to set the locks and unlock them as well. However, even once the doors are locked and the alarm is set, I hear what sounds like the doors trying to lock again. Any ideas what that might be? I've checked all fuses to do with anti-theft as well as remote locking. Huge drain on the battery...

Hi I have a 2001 BMW530i the doors are not locking or unlocking with the remote only with the key i have sent it to a bmw mechanice but he can not find the problem what could be the problem

Hi, my power door locks dont work in my 1996 328is, i was wondering what the problem is. The lock switch lights up and all but when i press it to lock my doors it doesnt respond. Can you help me?

I have an 89 325is, when I try to lock my driver side door, the passenger door and trunk will not lock and the driver side door immediately pops up again. When I lock the passenger door, the trunk and the passenger door lock but the driver side doesn't budge, any suggestions? I was thinking driver side actuator, but it could be a bad control module?

I'm really glad I found this. We have a '01 530d and two issues have come about. First, If I insert the key fob is dead to the left, it unlocks all doors, but then quickly locks them again. I quickly pull my handle, hop in and press the button on the center console to unlock the doors for good. Second, if I turn the key to the right, nothing happens. Is this the actuator?

We can not get into the boot. 523i BMW. Electrical. We can hear it trying to click open but it doesn't quite release. We can't get in through the back seat either to get into the boot.

I bought a uses e36 and it didn't come with the master key , and today like I would try to unlock the door , and I pulled the door Handle from the inside and it locks itself , is their a way I could turn that off ? So it won't lock when I try to open it

hi, i've just bought a 2003 E46 convertible and within days my drivers door wont unlock with the fob. Nor will it from the inside.. it will however lock with the fob.. I can excess with key manually but not ideal. Since wingling the door panel & trying some more I have got to work a couple more times so I guess nothings failed completely.. Maybe a pinched wire/locking switch/relay? Any suggestions, thank you.

Hello.Mine is 99 740iL. Driver door locks with remote or keys, but I can only unlock it form inside and only using the inside door handle. When I engage the remote, the pin comes up and down, but with no effect. I pulled everything apart,but could not "get it." It goes without saying, that I'll be in your debt for the advise and if I need to buy some parts, I'll place the order here. Thank you in advance.

hello we have a 94 320i E36 love it but we were using the boot to lock the car as my partner stuffed up the drivers lock then my son used the key to open the front passenger door now the back doors will not open at all not even from the inside???

Also, are the schematics in the Bentley for the doors accurate? I am not sure why there is a switch in series with the motors because the central locking module controls the signal to the door locks. What does the switch do? This is not the door strike switch or the key switch.

I have an odd issue with my central locking. '92 325i. They were working fine then started getting intermittent. For a bit they tried to work, you could hear the doors click like they were trying but they would not lock/unlock. It was like they were not getting enough. Is there a splice somewhere that feeds the door solenoids?

I have a 2000 Z3. Someone broke a key off inside my driver's door lock. Dissambled & removed the key tumbler/handle mechanism. There does not appear anyway to access the tumbler - seems to be all one unit. Is there a way to dissamble to remove the broken key? Key not where you can pick or grab it out.

I have a problem with my 98 318ti windows working. I cleaned the car this winter and sprayed some WD40 in the door locks to keep them from frezing and then a noticed the windows were not working. I have checked all the fueses and wiring and it is all aprears ok. I tryed to use the door key feture to roll up the windows and it did move the window a 1/4 of an inch up. The door locks work like they did before, I have to wigle the key some times to get them to work,it's like the key is whearing out. I only got the window to move once. None of the window switches do any thing. Do you think this problem would generate a code? what would I need to read it? Any suggestions would be vary mutch appreciated.

I have a BMW 325i year 1995 and the door on the right side passenger does not open I see it does not work the electric drive of the two doors on the right side, and I would like to know where is the fuses and

I have an E36 '93 740i. The driver's side door is locked in the lock position and does not respond to the remote or the key or the handles inside or out. The passenger side door also doesn't respond but that door is unlocked. The back doors unlock and lock using the remote with no problems. I checked the fuses and tried replacing the controller and the relays to no avail. Any ideas?

Hi, 2002 X5after my driver window actuator was changed, the alarm light stopped working, the lock and unlock button on the keys stopped working.the inside lock and unlock button too isnt working. I a can only use the key to open the trunk. What could be my problem? wiring during door reassembling?

I am having a problem with my power windows, replaced the arm and when I use the switch, the motor whirs and clicks but does nothing. I didn't buy a motor with the arm, is that THE fault?

I have a 97 318is coupe and I was having trouble about a week after I bought it trying to open the doors manually. Both doors and trunk wont turn left or right. Is it an issue with the tumblers in the lock mechanism. Could a faulty actuator cause the tumblers to seize up? Would appreciate some advise. -Mahalo

As for below comment. Sorry, when using the key in the drivers door, it will unlock the passenger door, but won't re-lock it again. Alarm/factory remotes won't lock or unlock

Hi, I have an e36 coupe and the passenger door won't lock/unlock with the alarm remote or the factory door remote. Using the key in the drivers door will not lock/unlock it either. It does lock/unlock manually from inside the car though. Ideas?

Disregard my previous request about my stuck door. I ended up pulling the door from the inside while applying pressure to the inside door handle and the mechanism finally unlatched.

I have a 2000 Z3 roadster. My wife closed the passenger side door when the seat belt was partially in the door. Now the door will not open from the inside or outside. The locking mechanism works the door lock up and down, I have tried the door handles both inside and outside but the door will not open. I tried putting hard pressure on the inside door panel while pulling on the handle but the door won't budge. How can I get my door open?

97 328is. When the outside temperature cools, the little black door button/latch moves slowly.
Sometimes only partially movingpopping up/down or not at all via alarm FOB.
Opening/closing door lock with the Keys, always works.
Thx for your input.

Hi there, ive got 97' e36 328i 2dr coupe! Ive been experiencing problems with my central locking and aftermarket alarm, you can press the lock button on the aftermarket button and the trunk and petrol flap will lock and sometimes the passenger but not the driver, and sometimes vice versa being the driver will lock and the passenger not. This also happenss with the key aswell, but recently ive lost both front doors and only the trunk and flap lock.. Ive repaired the notorious trunk wire failure too but clueless to what this could be?! Help!!! Cheers Jake

My 1999 BMW 328i 4 door locks are not working properly.
First, the key will not manually lock/unlock the doors.
Second, the remote key will lock/unlock the doors, but within seconds, the car relockes itself.
Third, sometimes the driver side window does not automatically go all the way back up on its own after closing the door.
Please tell me that there is one easy solution to all three problems!

I have a 2001 e46 coupe all locks work fine with the key but wen I push the button all doors and boot will lock but wen I push the bottom to open it all locks accept for the driver side open I've tried a new gm5 module which was no use also wen I drive the car the central locking will only lock the passanger side also wen I push the button to lock the car below the hazards only the pass side will open and close does this sound like an actuator failure as I have a replacement bt don't want to fit it for mo reason thank you for ur help it's much appreciates btw it's a uk model

Hello,
Have 2000 bmw 323ci. key doesn't unlock the car manualy but locks it, from drivers side. Keyless doesn't work or central locking alothough i hear them click when i press the button. On the spare key keyless works but won't unlock doors just the trunk and it won't start the car. What could be the problem?

I have a 1994 325is with framless windows. Recently since the cold weather has picked up my passenger door is not latching. Or if it does omce the drivers side is opened the window drops the slight amount as if the door is open and the door needs to be hit to latch into place. Is it just the latch that needs to be changed? We wd40d the latch and it loosened it because it was sluggish but it is not clicking into place. If u push the latch manually it just slides back up. Thank you.

i have a BMW E46 320i... when i leave my car parked for a couple of hours, with the doors locked it sort of disables the locking system as if the battery is flat... and so when i try to manually unlock the door that keyhole where the key enters just spins round and round.. i cannot use my remote as well... however i can manually open the boot door, get to the front seat.. when i put the key in the Ignition, the car starts and the locking system recovers and starts working.. I am confused what the problem could be..

Hello PP, I can't open the lock from driver side and I have to open the trunk to unlock the driver side. The door will only lock from inside by pressing the button next to the gears. it will only go down when the car is running. what's going on here? Any insight would be appreciated.

E36 318i trunk lock does not unlock/lock the rest of the car. But does unlock/lock with rest of car via any other method ex: driver or passenger door lock.

what is the problem if my door will not open at allfrom the inside and the door is stuck in half closed position ?

Wow, am I glad I found this! I have a classic 1980 320ia that my family bought fresh off the boat. She's a true thoroughbred and I've maintained her in excellent condition; but suddenly she's given me the cold shoulder and refuses to let me unlock the driver's-side door. The lock is manual, and at first the key would not turn without several tries, but now it won't turn at all; and, when I try to open the door from the inside, the button won't lift and squeezing the handle results only in the button raising just a bit and the door refuses to unlock. I'd like to get an idea about the most likely problem, since I'll have to remove the door trim with the door closed; so I'd like to know if there is any special way of getting the door open and what parts, if any, I might expect to find that need replacing. This problem is exacerbated by my being 6'4" and climbing over the center console to get into the driver's seat is no picnic. Good thing that shift lever has a T-shaped top.

Greetings
I have a 1997 e36 318is 4 doors BMW euro version.
On the driver’s side door the key will go into the lock cylinder but it won’t turn left in order to unlock and open the door, it will only turn to the right to lock the door. To be able to go into the car driver side I have to open the passenger side lock with the key or the trunk lock and then the driver side lock will open. When I am inside the car, driver seat, everything works fine from the inside; I can open the door, as well as, lock it or unlock it.
Please I need your help on what is damage? I need to know what part is damage in rank to place my order..
Advanced thank you for the broad help:
Richard

Just bought a 2003 525i and both front door locks do not lock automatically with the switch or the remote. I replaced one actuator and that did nothing. Also the windows do not go down when you hold the remote button but the back windows do.

I have a 1998 M3 convertible. The passenger side door will not close/latch completely... stays open ~1/4". I'm guessing I need to replace the latching assembly. I've never removed a door panel before, but I am handy with tools, and your article gives me hope I can do this myself. Can you help me put together a shopping list of parts and any special tools I'll need?
Thx,
Sam

My 94 530i inner door and window is off track. What can I do about it?

My daughter has a 325i and when it's cold below freezing out the drivers side door will sometimes not open. If you get it open it will not shut. It just slams against the post. Works great the rest of the year. Is this going to be the actuator or the actuator cable. Sounds like I will need to do some resealing as well. Just wanted to know what you think. It will be cold soon.

I have a 1995 325i convertible. The passenger door handle will not open the door. In fact, the outside handle is stuck in the "up" position. What should I buy for repair this? Thanks!

2004 Z4. When I use the key fob or central lock button, the lock on the passenger side pops three times when trying to open, and fails to open. When the temperature drops below 30 or so, it works perfectly. When warm out, there's no way to open the passenger side. Open the door when its cold and pop the panel? Why 3 pops of the electric actuator?

I have a 2001 BMW X5. The front passenger side window opens and closes slowly. It works okay during warm months, but in the winter its very slow and sometimes needs me to pull it up to help it. Does that sound like it is an issue with the motor or the regulator? Winter is coming and I need to address this.

Thanks for the immediate response, problem solved...1996 BMW 525i, left rare door was not completely closed. However I still have the issue not being able to open the right rare door. The door lock rod pops up and go down when using the key from the outside and the key switch from inside.
I suspect the actuator is faulty, just wanted some feedback from the SME before ordering the part.

After removing the front door panels to upgrade the speakers, I am unable to lock and unlock the doors from the inside. Unlocking and locking from the key at the drivers side still works. Is there a perticular connection I should be searching for?

my remote key will not open or lock the doors on my 2003 z4. I suspected that the battery was bad. Sometimes the remote key will open the trunk, so the battery must still good to some extent. Am I right? Is there a faulty sensor actuator? Any comment wil be appreciated.

My mini cooper s doors when locked keep trying to lock. If I leave the car open with the doors shut it will lock itself and repeatedly try to lock even though it is. When I got in the car today it kept locking and opening for around 15 seconds. Please help . It's a 01 bmw mini cooper s.

Hello just bought a 323i 2007 tourer. Drivers side door does not respond to central locking. Need to use Key to lock and open from inside when you want to get back in. You can hear the door trying to lock but it doesn't. Is there something simple wrong or is the central locking broken?

My bmw e36 325i has double locked on three doors and i am unable to get in as the drivers door lock is not in use/damaged. Is there any way of over riding th
e system?from Samuel Ntshole ,Botswana

Hi I have a 1999 5.2.8i saloon The near side rear door will not open with the central locking or manually ,how can i get inside the door panel many thanks ray

My problem with my 96 Z3 is that the door latch doesn't hold the door closed tightly enough to close the switch that tells the car the door is closed. Since the switch is part of the door striker plate, I'm not sure if moving this would even do any good. Am I looking at taking the door apart and tightening the latching mechanism inside the door?

I'm an auto tech and my friends 2003 X5 is having an issue were both front doors will not unlock using remote or key? I/we bought both front door lock actuators and I installed them but it did not fix the problem. Anyone have any suggestions or known fixes for this problem?? These issues didn't start until after it as broken in too.... Can someone please help me and I need a response as soon as possible

I have a 1996 328IS with issues on both doors. The doors will not open using the outside handle. The inside handle will open the door every time. I have found that if you push on the closed door it will open from the outside some times.

hi, I have a '04 X5 and I can not close or open my doors, not manual and not remote. Can anybody tell me what the problem is, my garage is telling me I need 10 different parts to get it working again, cost of parts $ 1300,-??????????? sounds absurd to me.

My 1999 318i is having lock issues! The locks work half the time usually with no passengers. One I have passengers they typically get locked in and have to crawl over the center console to get out. Very annoying!

97 e36 convertible. My passenger door window is stuck in the fully closed position. Striker switch working. I hear a faint click inside the door when I depress the switch. The window is jammed in the UP Closed + 1/4 inch position. Will not budge if I try a push down. Any Assistance?

After replacing door latch and actuator, my 04 X5 door does not turn on interior light, central lock works except driver door. Alarm cannot be set by the fob. any ideas the problem? Danke !

how to locating lock cylinder switch

I have a 01 325xi. My doors will not unlock. Have tried the door inside and out, the key fob, and the center unlock button. I don't know what to do... Can't do the dukes of hazards ways with me and the kids!!!

This should help everybody under the carpet driver seat splice bar door locks also WINDOWS.Mine damage from sandy salt water look at picture

I have a black 1997 E36 M3 coupe. While driving with my windows closed, there would be times when my dome lights turn on like the door was opened, & when this happens & I turn right, the window would go up & down as if someone was pressing on the door striker microswitch repeatedly. During this whole time, I cannot use my powerlock button to lock all doors. Usually this problem resoves by itself but if it persists when I park the car, I would not be able to lock the doors remotely & would have to use my key on the doorlock & turn it clockwise.

My bmw e36 325i has double locked on three doors and i am unable to get in as the drivers door lock is not in use/damaged. Is there any way of over riding the system?

I need to know how to remove and replace the driver's door lock & actuator assembly on a '96 750il. I have the door panel off, any plugs unplugged, and most of the linkage. The bolts are out too and the assembly is loose, but appears to be hanging up on the keylock assy. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

the display is saying door open when all doors are closed...will that kill the battery? what step should i take, there are 4 doors?lol

The black plastic pieces on my door panel were cracked and not attached to the panel anymore, so I glued them back in place and used gorilla tape to hold them and reinforce the pieces. it's working pretty well.

I bought part 51418122408 to replace the plastic strip on the top of the door panel that holds the door on 1996 BMW 328ic. I can see how these fit onto the metal clips on the door itself, but I can't see how they attach to the door card. Can you explain how to attach them to the door card?

Hi, someone tried to break into my 318 e36, they put a screwdriver in the lock, now the surround trim is broken and there is a hole in the lock, but the key still works in the door, can I get a lock cover or do I need to replace the whole lock, is it a big job and can it be done by myself??
What options do I have?

I have a 2004 325xi. I broke driver side mirror off. need help figuring out how to replace it. Already purchased mirror, just don't know if i need to take door panel off or not. any help would be helpful. Thanks

HI i have a BMW 1993 325i im having a problem with the radiator and door locks. the radiator has access pressure and sprays of from under the cap and the door locks do as they please i unlock then it locks right away and vise verse very hard to get in the car please help.

i have a 1998 323i that runs realy bad when warm and the drivers door handle seams to have come off its catch can u advise please

By 1998 pre sept. BMW 328i front driver door lock works off and on both manually and with remote. Also, passenger door only works with key only. What seems to be the problem and is the car e36 series?

My Z3 door key just turns around and around without locking ot unlocking. BMW fixed it awhile ago but it just happened again

have a BMW 750li passenger rear door is un locked but wont open from the inside or out. how can i get the door open ? cant get the door panel off without the door open . any suggestions ?

1987 BMW 325i coupe. The ignition key will not unlock the doors or trunk, it will fit and turn the tumbler but NOT unlock. The central locking mechanism works great and i found this out when the car wash locked the door and asked me to move the car forward. Both doors and the trunk were locked tight! Vice versa when I managed to pull up on the lock knob and all locks unlocked. What causes the key to discontinue working in the lock mechanism?

I HAVE A 2000 BMW 528I, I CAN NOT OPEN THE DOORS WITH THE KEY,THE CAR IS LOCK IS THERE ANYWAY THAT I COULD GET IN MY CAR

heater and temp gauge not working on 86 325e. front left headlight wont stay on and very tempremental, also there is an extra wire from light housing and seems to do nothing can anyone help

Hi, I have a BMW x5, last week i tried to unlock my door but couldnt, i had to call pop-a-lock and ever since he opened the door the button to lock and unlock the doors wont work, nor will my two back doors open from the inside or out, what is wrong? I'm having a baby next month and i need those doors to work properly.

HI, I own a 95 325IS Coupe with a broken pass. door handle. How do i remove,replace? Do i need to remove glass from door to access handle?? Thanks

I have a bmw e36 my driver door wont open how do i open it from the inside please help

2003 x5 drivers side front lock will not work
with consol switch or fob i replaced lock mech
still same problem

Hello, I have a 1994 BMW 325i coupe RHD. After returning from my vacation my driver window regulator motor clicks very loudly after the door closes. I opened up the panel and it seems that it is the geared portion of the raising and lowering assembly inside and not the regulator motor itself. Is there a way to reset the motor or the linkage?

2001 BMW 325I. Only one way to open all the doors, driver side. Keyless entry doesn't work. I put the key in, the windows dont roll up or down, and none of the doors will unlock. I can't get into my car, locksmith said that probably wont be able to get into it. They key just moves back and forth, no grab. Can't get in through the trunk, backseats don't go down. HELP!!!!

I recently purchased a door handle assembly from pelican parts, I had a BMW shop install it, when I went to pick up the car everything worked fine, door handles unlocked, and window fit perfect. A couple days later the new door handle lock stop working, when inserting the key it turns freely as if there is no actuator to unlock the door. When I go to the passenger side, all the doors unlock. Any suggestions???

Hi I have a 530d 04 Bmw and the back doors are making a lot of noise,when I put the windows down all the way it goes,help needed,thanks

While we were driving down the highway, the doors began to lock and unlock. Later after parking, the car won't start. Has the battery gone dead without any previous problems? Show we just replace the battery?
Any ideas or a solution?

325i 1994
HEY I CANT OPEN NONE OF MY DOORS :
The first day i bought this car i locked it from ther trunk.... ever since then i've tried opening it through the trunk and pullin up the inside lock... the lock won't release from inside nor outside... the ignition key is different from the door handles.. how can i open this???

5 series bmw battery flat cannot get into car with key so cannot get bonnet open

The driver's door glass on my BMW 328is is erratic. Sometimes the motor works fine, sometimes it stops. You can hear it turning, but it is not engaged. The auto feature will work, but the glass will stop at any point without being fully open or closed. I suspect a sensor is bad. Is there a way to disable the sensor?

I have a 1996 BMW 328is. After charging a dead battery and reconnecting everything, the tach, mpg, and temp gauges do not work. I have replaced the instrument cluster, checked all the connectors, and still have the problem. The gauge test with the ignition key cycles through with no indication of a problem. Any ideas?

Has anyone ever removed the lock cylinder from a 4 door e30 - 325iX? I was wondering if I have to remove the window and rails? I can't see anyway to get at the lock on the 4 door from the opening at the bottom, as I can not get my arm in to reach all the way up to the lock!

Hello, i have a 2006 325i that the drivers door will not open with fob or key. All other doors do. When I push button on fob or inside car, the drivers door just hums. In reading above, I am hoping it is just a blown fuse. Any ideas?

Hi,I have BMW730i 1997 the Broplem whin i want start it,very Difficlt start in some time the engine not operated,thanks

1993 BMW318i can't get into the trunk, need access to battery, can see inside between the seats, large opening with flashlight, where if there is one a latch or button to get the trunk open from the inside, need to somehow get the lock removed once trunk is open and have a new key made for it. But right now need access to battery as it is dead.

"99 e36 328is, the front interior floor light stays on, while driving 4 door. Help. All the door locks and works. What turns these off. Looks about the same problem as Jim in 8/11.

my x5 bmw has lock and i am holdind my key but i am standind out and the key is not able to open my car door

i own a 2004 330ci convertible. apparently there was a short in the door handle which caused to top to open up during a rain storm - soaking the insides. the dealer says it will cost $1000 to repair. i asked if i could have them disable the top lowering function in that door lock and still retain my remote door latching function. they say no but it seems to me these are 2 indepentent functions. your thoughts please?

my 97 740il is stuck in park.i replaced ignition switch and tumbler and my key still wont turn to start help

Hi, I have a feb built 1994 e36 convertible, My issue is that I can't get the double lock to engage with the key from drivers door or passengers door I have an aftermarket alarm with remote locking fitted if I lock from remote, Double locks work but don't engage auto window up feature anymore and I don't know if it's linked but passengers front window no longer auto up's from switch. I have tried re-sync no luck! Auto widow up after putting roof down still works. Any light you could suggest would be appreciated Ta Peetee7

My 2005 BMW back door will not close both sides

Hello, I bought a few months ago a 92'325i. I'm able to open all the locks through the driver's side but not lock them, the key doesn't turn to the right anymore. If I want to lock my car I have to go around to the passanger's side and turn left this side is working fine. Any suggestions?

I have a 1998 540i, and I recently replaced the window regulator on the driver's door,and was appently successful, but here's the thing now the drivers door won't open after locking it with the remote. The cylinder still turns and controls the other door locks, but it just won't open. I've tried diffrent approaches suggested by know it all friends and nieghbors, but nothing. Any suggestions?

hi i got a 328i convertible 98 and my problem is in the back of the door it has a black plastic the i need but i broke and the black plastic goes whit the white clips so i need it to put the door panel back into the door can u calp me

my 2003 e46 320d does not want to open manual with the key , the remote keys are lost and the car does not have a lock on the passenger side , other then breaking the window how can i open the car .

I have a 03 BMW X5, just replaced the right rear window regulator. Now my inside dor handle will not open the door. The door handle is moving the cable the full lenght and even when I work the other cable end at the latch mechanism, it still will not open the door. The outside handle stil works. What is wrong or any suggestions to fix this???

i have a 1990 bmw 750il and my locks will not lock neither will they go down on the passenger side nor the back will not go down. the trunck wont lock either please help? thank you

I have the 1995 318is Doors will not open Stock radio is missing, keyless entry will not do anything. How can I get the doors open to get at the acctuators? I cannot even get the doors to manually unlock or the key to unlock the doors. Any help here? Losing it....

interior lights keep coming on while driving and dash indicaites door open then it goes off and goes dark again, only to repeat itself again.

PROBLEM WITH CENTRAL LOCKING ALL BUTTONS GO UP BUT PASSENGER FRONT DOOR WONT OPEN HAVE BEEN USEING CAR FOB TO OPEN CAR RECENTLY COULD THIS BE THE PROBLEM KEY IS VERY OLD,ALLSO FRIEND SAID THERE COULD BE A RESET BUTTON FOR DOORS,TRIED TO TAKE PANEL OFF BUT COULD,NT ANY HELP WOULD BE WELCOME

In response to "sam has a stuck door", I had the same exact problem this weekend and was able to open the door not by working at the pins on the mechanism, but by pulling the hollowed rectangular-shaped lever on the top of the mechanism closer to the outside part of the door. The lever may be hidden from sight if you look at the actuator while it's still attached in the door but if you search for images of the e36 locking mechanism, you could see what I mean- and where it is on the top of the mechanism.

I have 1998 540i BMW and cannot get the hood to open. I tried the release on the inside but it will not pop out the latch in the grill to open it. I took the grill completely off but can't figure out how to disengage the latch. Can you help?

My 1996 328i driver front door is stuck shut and neither the inner or outer handle will open it; locked or unlocked, key in or out, or in any position. I'm sure it's the latching mechanism double locked?, but I can't remove the mounting bolts while the door is stuck closed. Is there a way to manually unlatch it to open the door so I can replace it? :/

i recently replaced the water pump on my 1993 e36 now my alarm flashes and when i try to lock the doors they just keep unlocking, the only way to lock my car is to unplug the battery and do it manually, not only that but the door ajar light doesnt come on even if the door is open, the interior lights flash randomly even if all doors are closed, and my SRS light flashes for a few minutes and then stays on... i find it weird that all this happened cuz i had to change my water pump along with the bands, are they related in some way? thanks for ur help

Hi there, ever since I bought my bmw 318 1994 there has been a locking problem that i cant figure out. The central lock works from the driver's door. When I try to lock it from there however the doors would become unlocked and this will take several tries about 7-8 until the locks decide to stay locked. Any ideas what is going on?

After more research I'm even more confused. My door won't latch. If I press the door hard enough the window rolls up, I can turn the key and lock the door, I can pull the interior lock up and down and see that it actuates, so my assumption is that my door lock actuator is actually good. I just can't get the latch to grab the strike plate. What do I do?

I have a 95 M3. I jacked it up to replace the O2 sensor. When I let the car down and reconnected the battery the windows would not work. Sunroof still works and the windows are getting power as you can see them bump when you press the window switch. Any suggestions would be helpful.

I have an 88 E30 M3 with a broken door brake. I have removed the brake from the door itself but the arm is still connected to the frame. Does the unit you sell include the brake and the arm also or would I reattach the new brake to the existing arm?

My door latch has broken cast metal on the frame itself and the door is getting hard to open. I believe it's part # 51218199923. It shows parts comes with key & latch. Can I take the key cylinder out and use my own so I can keep using the same key? When I order this new latch will I have to get it coded? Not clear about the coding thing and if I can use my own key cylinder. What to do?

Had a question about a door locking problem i've had. I've got a '98 328i that recently had more or less total power locking failure. One day everything was fine, the next nothing automated works. The locks still manually work with the key just fine, but the locks won't pop up for anything elseincluding the central locking button and i'm afraid that the security system is nonfunctional as a result. I've checked all the fuses can't find anything visibly amiss. Any ideas of where I should look next to troubleshoot?

Hello, thank you again for your help. The latch mechanism itself was completely broken. It has no ability to actuate the catch spring to release from the sticker bolt. Got lucky after playing with it for 3 days. Door open, new latch/lock on order. If your door is completely stuck get your hand inside door panel and manipulate the door release handle towards the car exterior until it pops. It may take a long time. If the car door latch has a few weird moments and is getting sketchy replace soon.

Hi Thanks for the tip, but alas, door still stuck. I can unlock the mechanism with a wire I have put in, but still no activity in the door latch. Also my central lock button has stopped. Window does not drop the quater inch when pulling on levers either did not prior.

Sorry my car is a 97 318 is 2 door

Hi, my door is shut, will not open. I have removed door panel and actuator switch. I can move the lock mechanism, move the interior door arm, outside is loose but connected. Still cannot get door to open. Whats next

how can I install my after market alarm 4x extreme to the locking and unlocking wiring that I can't find under the drivers dash. Also the side flashers wires I can't find. Do they run through a module away from the drivers kick panel. Do you know the exact colors and location. I would love to see a video. Should I check the passenger side for the wires.

Hi, I have a 1996 E36 and my remote doesn't word to lock or unlock the doors, as a result my alarm doesn't work either. I replaced the remote batteries but the problem persists.

i have a '93 325is. last week, while moving the car, i heard a steady clicking noise for a while, seemed to be in front of me under hood. finally it stopped. after that, no power locks or windows worked for a day or two. then, i had intermittent window operation, and passenger door, trunk, nothing yet driver side. oh, when they work, i get a double click-if i turn to open, they click open, then click shut, and i need to turn it open once more and it stays. same when i close. very puzzling. could it be a bad control module, or one or more of its ic chip freakouts, a bad ground, perhaps an actuator or microswitchalthough, i suspect not likely for more than one to go bad at once, but, who knows? i thought if an electrical or electronic component goes bad, it's kaput, so this is puzzling. is there a fuse that could be in play, or anything around the fuse box, where i thought the noise came from? is there any simple way to test, or should i begin with the most obvious central possibilities and work my way back?

I own a E30 1988 325I 4 door sedan. Central locking system question. I am able to unlock from both side doors and from trunk lock cylinder. I able to lock from trunk and passenger front door only. Not able to lock from drivers door cylinder. My actuators in door and trunk move up and down. I think the micro switch on the door cylinder is bad. It has 2 wires going to it. I tested my theory and jumped the 2 wires and the actuators all worked. How do I remove this micro switch part # 61 31 1 375 137 . Also there is a lever arm #61 31 1 368 987 also to remove. Tough spot from within door. Do i need to remove window to access?

Key wont turn in lock or wont grab at all on driver side :/.its a 2001 325.help please?

Hello. just changed my water pump with the information from this site. broke a pulley and had that overnighted. wasn't supposed to get it till mon., got it fri. ordered thurs night. love it. anyway.. drivers door window will come down, but won't come back up. off to tear into it tonight. is a 99 323i, e46 body. interior door locks don't work anywhere. key in drivers door will lock/unlock all doors from outside. no interior door locks will work. also, rear door window switches don't work. lockout is not engaged window controls in center console work all windows properly. including drivers when it worked. any words of advice are appreciated. thanks for the technical info and the great parts.

Hi there
I have a 1997 e36 318is 4 doors BMW euro version.
On the driver’s side door the key will go into the lock cylinder but it won’t turn right or left in order to open or close the door. To be able to go into the car driver side I have to open the passenger side lock with the key or the trunk lock, and then the driver side lock will open. When I am inside the car, driver seat, everything works fine from the inside; I can open the door, as well as, lock it or unlock it.
Please I need your help on what is damage??? So that I can order the proper part from you.
Advanced thank you for the broad help :
Richard

The drivers door on my 1997 528i is locked. the electric locks seems to open but when you pull the door latch both from the outside and inside the door will not open. How can I get the door to open?

Hey the door sensors on my 1996 m3 don't sense the door closed. Previous owner put loose zip ties arount that works but they shift then the door is not seen as being closed,
How do it fix for real?

i can only open and lock my bmw 328i 1996 convertable fromthe boot the key wont even turn in both front doors please could someone help

To replace the door locking mechanism are there special tools required to remove panels/locking parts? If so, are they sold by pelican parts? can you provide a list?

I have a 98 328i and just recently when I went to open the driver's side door from the inside interior something broke from the handle inside the door. The handle now swings freely without tension and is useless. I have to roll down the window and use the outside handle to open the door. What broke off inside, a cable? Can't seem to find any info on it.

need scmematic for 325is bmw instll/removal door handle and lock mechanism 1995

bmwmarko, are you certain that someone jammed a screwdriver into the lock cylinder? If not, I would check that your key is not starting to get worn out. Try a newer spare key to see if problen persists. Most locksmiths can take the door apart and replace the lock with matching key.

hi there i have a e36 compact 1998 and unfortunitly someone tryed to break into it the other day and they must have jammed a screwdriver in the lock and now when i put the key in it wont turn, it turns now and again but i was wondering how do i get the handle out and can i just get a replacement lock to fit my key or is it all new locks and keys i need

Your comment to BMW12345 stated that it was the mechanism that was bad and that you sold it. I have the same problem. Do you have a specific name for it so I can buy it. Is it the actuator, assembly, or something else. Thanks for your help.

I need to order a new actuator for my front driver side door lock on my 98 E36 M3 sedan. What is the part number? I can not find it on the website. Thanks

I HAVE A 97 BMW 528I, I CAN NOT OPEN THE DOORS WITH THE KEY,THE CAR IS LOCK!

I ordered a rear door actuator from you for my 1997 M3. I got the old one off finally, but I cannot for the life of me get the new one on. I can get everything lined up but can't get enough leverage to snap it on. There is not enough space to maneuver around with my fingers. The opening are quite small. I could barely get the actuator in so I can't see how I could get the locking assembly out. Can you give me any tips?

I'm having a helluva time putting my door panel back my 92 E30 318ic. I can't seem to get the lip of the door panel down into the top metal clips. Is there a trick I need to know about here?

hi,
additional for below ..I'm looking for driver side...right door...thanks

hi,
My 318i E30 having broken door lock mechanism, as mention in your new part list,that the repair kit sold separately.
I need it to replace my broken one...signed with red circle mark.., my car is 318i year 1991 E30 M40, right hand drive with manual trans.
kindly advice the picture since I cannot find it in the list and please let me know the price also.
I'm looking for driver side...right door...thanks
Thanks in advance

I just wanted to know my 1990 bmw 325i convertible interior seats,door panel and etc. can be upgraded with another model bmw.

im trying to take the latch out of my 1992 318is and i have everything dismantledinner and outer door handle/wires but the latch is hooked around a bar from the outer door handle and i cant figure out how to unhook it...how do i?

I have an '03 Z4 that i need to get the door panel off of. My door wouldn't open from the inside or out. I did discover a trick that may help others... put the key in the door turn and hold to the unlock position and then reach in and pull the inside door handle. The door opens! Need to figure out how to fix it though. Can anyone tell me how? Thanks

After talking to several mechanics, there is another item in the central locking circuit to check. Especially if you live in a northern climate. There is a connector under the driver's seat where the whole system is inter-connected. The salt and moisture tend to leach along the carpet and rot the connector. Turns to a green powder like a trailer connector. My one mechanic just cut the wires and used a waterproof heat shrink. Voila! Central locking now works like new.

I have a 1994 e36 325i vert and the drivers door window stopped dropping down. the alarm works fine as does the door locks eith with the key or with the keyless remote. the passenger window works fine. I pulled off the panel I have your 101 projects book and the wires are fine and clipped into place. Is there a switch or sensor that just controls the window drop mode or is this part of the actuator in the door. some sites suggest there is a sensor in the latch on the body of the car.
tks
Les

i have a 1994 bmw 525I the drivers front door will not open I can't get the door panel off. how can I get it open ?

'New'owner of a 95 e36 318 is coupe with window electrical gremlins as described above.[the car is RHD.Japan assembled]
The L/h [pax door]window works as I expect it should,but the drivers window has a mind of its own. I know I will have to open it up and fix it, but can you tell me why the window does that drop when the door opens and closes when the door is shut, The pax window doesnt do that. I know that its for the convertible,-but why on this coupe and why only on the r/h door? Can I bypass the lock switch to prevent this?--Thanks, Bob

our last ice/snow storm in TEXAS go figure froze the door handles on my 2001 X5. The key opens all locks now but the drivers door handle will not open that door. Seems I tried too hard. Remote faub has not worked in a while so forget that. Now I have 2 more expenses just to get IN my SUV. The dealer wants an arm and a leg and being a plastic part...extwarranty doesn't cover. Am I doomed to pay the price of driving such a luxury or does anyone have another suggestion on the fix, other than crawling across seats. Please help....

It seems that over time the lock cylinders on my 97 328is coupe have one by one gone kaput! i.e I can stick the key in the hole but either it is really difficult to turn have to wiggle it back and forth until it "lets go" or it won't turn at all and I can't unlock the car! Is there anything I can spray in the lock cyl graphite, WD40, etc. to maybe unstick it? What are my options?

If you are getting water inside the car you need to replace the sound insulation and "black sticky goo". I paid $24 for each of the rear doors and the "goo" is 3M Windo Weld Ribbon. BMW calls is butyl tape but it's the same stuff, trust me. Use anything else and you may as well use silly putty. And don't forget those neoprene seals on the door panel clips. I did and had water pouring in through that same hole.

how do you remove the outside door handles? my back doors won't open from the outside, only from the inside. it seems to be the actual door handle that is broken. thank you for your help.

I can't open either front door on wife's '95 740i
rear doors work fine, locks all move up & down with
remote, with key in lock & from console. How can I
get drivers door open? doors both opened this morn.
when I wanted to start car to warm it up for wife while
cleaning snow. It was 9 degees this morning. Can anyone
help please?

my left hand front door will not open or unlock ,electric windows and mirrors dont work either ,is there a way to get this door open so as to get the door trim off the inside ,any one.

I have a 1995 325i bmw sedan and the driver side outside door latch is not working. The latch on the inside still works so I can open the door by reaching in through the window. What may be reason that the outside door latch is not working? Thanks for the help!

My 1996 328I driver side door lock will not work with key, but from inside I can lock/unlock by pushing/pulling door stick. Do I need to replace either left door lock mechanism or door lock actuator front or both parts? Thanks

where is this write up for the e30 door panel, the e30 and e36 essentially look the same, but Im just wondering, besides the speaker configuration if there are other differences. I have an e30 and im starting to get problems with opening the passenger door from the inside. the outside works fine but this inside is where the handle is not opening the door mechanism fully, without pushing on the door to open or almost breaking the inner door handle to open the door. I like this site just found it today actually, will probably use this to purchase my parts from now on.

i have a 1994 e36 325i 4door the right rear door latch will not latch. i tried to take it out bit i cant the window track that goes all the way up to the top off the window frame i cant remove

my 92 325is door lock will not engage to close the door what should i do???