2002 X5 3.0 - Doors won't lock with key, or center button

[SaltLifeCI]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

Including the new ones. The e70 doesn't use rechargeable fob!

Did you try to sync your current fob? Did it used to work now doesn't?

The fob used to work, and hasn't for a few months. I'm pretty sure its gotta be the battery.

I gripe at the GM dealer about the MyCadillac app, not being able to start my Lyriq... First world problems I know... but to think BMW didn't learn over decades to make a replaceable battery in a fob is just insane to me.

[andrewwynn]

Just a certain range. The newer models pop open to replace the battery. Just did in my wife's f10.

I replaced one of the soldered in for my e53.

More often than not a bad solder joint causes e53 fob failure

[80stech]

As far as the lock cylinder and drive mechanism, it's once again a case of a few pennies worth of lube not put on at the factory. I replaced mine with the cheap EPay kit many years ago and made sure it was lubed nicely. I have a severely disabled son (very far end of autism spectrum) that I pretty much care for 24/7/365 and when I take him out I use the manual lock so I can leave the car running, so multiple times a day for many years so 1000s of times and never had another issue.

[andrewwynn]

Alao some sanding to make the parts move smoothly. Yeah after some proper prep the last repair lasted much longer but then i also got a new fob

[SaltLifeCI]

I replaced the driver door switch part. It still won't lock, no sound of mechanism moving.
Move on to replacing the actuator?

[getty150]

Originally Posted by SaltLifeCI

I replaced the driver door switch part. It still won't lock, no sound of mechanism moving.
Move on to replacing the actuator?

Best...yep

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[andrewwynn]

If none of the doors are locking/unlocking the problem should not be in the actuator.

I've rebuilt about 5 of these. Failure mode is always intermittent at first and usually also will work one way like lock, but not unlock.

he also will fill one at a time.

A door switch stuck in open position will prevent locking but also should show up on the dash.

[Salty B.]

My fob (new in 2023) ceased to work in November, so I've either left it unlocked or used the key.

I parked at the airport in heavy, heavy rain. Then the temperature plunged to well below freezing. When I got back from Japan the other day the lock was frozen. Good thing I remembered I had a little Bic lighter in my backpack and used that to heat up the key. Beep!

I still have not been able to determine why the fob no longer works. I've tried charging it with a toothbrush charger, nope. It's not even two years old, so I'm pretty sure the battery is OK. Something else broke.

[andrewwynn]

Have you tried to re-pair the key?


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[SaltLifeCI]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

If none of the doors are locking/unlocking the problem should not be in the actuator.

Currently, I think the issue was the door lock tumbler pin being broken.

That part that goes from the Driver door lock into the door actuator came out in 2 pieces. That pin with the round 4 point end was separated from the lock tumbler. I found the locking U shaped nut that holds that longer pin together split in half in the lower part of the door well.

One other thing I noticed before taking the door apart was the manual door lock was stuck and you couldn't press it down to lock the door.

I have ordered a door lock cylinder repair kit, and we'll see if that fixes the issue.