Rear door doesn't seem to unlock - can't open

[wpoll]

Here's the lever you need to reach... (borrowed image )



Pushing down on the lever end (with the nylon ball joint) should release the door latch.

[jpilk99]

Originally Posted by Fifty150hs

OK. You said you have the panel off. If you look in there carefully you should see the cable attachment point for the door handle carrier. That cable attaches to a little rod/lever on the door strike/lock box. You should be able to reach in there and operate that lever with your hand or a tool. You want to try that one because if the safety lock has been toggled, the one the interior door cable attaches to won't work. If you are able to lift up the one the outside door handle is attached to, it should open the door. If it doesn't you have something broken in the strike/lock box. I don't know of another way to open the door unfortunately. You may need to take it to a indy that is familar with BMW's as I can't believe this would be the first time this ever happened. I would also go on youtube and see if you can find anything there on opening the door in this condition.

Thx again. The door was working fine when the window regulator failed. Heckuva coincidence. And I've fixed a couple of broken exterior door handles and this one doesn't feel broken. I will try to reach inside and actuate whatever the outside handle actuates to get the door to unlatch. Searched youtubes but most of them focused on the front door. The one for the rear that I found did not cover my issue. (Ain't that always the case). Next step is Indy. Thanks again

[jpilk99]

I got it open!!! Thanks all. Not sure if the warmer temps may have helped. I reached up in and felt where the outer door handle actuated the latch release and ...helped it along and BAMM - she's open. I shot some graphite powder in the actual striker/latch where the door clamps shut hoping that may help.

Now onto the window regulator. Thanks again everyone for your inputs/help.

Jay

[80stech]

You didn't fix anything though (was child lock on?) so you should try to figure out what went wrong (maybe a stretched door handle cable) before you put the door card back on.

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by 80stech

You didn't fix anything though (was child lock on?) so you should try to figure out what went wrong (maybe a stretched door handle cable) before you put the door card back on.