Can't open passenger door either from inside or outside

BMC530i · #1 03-29-2010, 02:28 AM

2003 3.0i, 62K. I have followed BrianX54.4is detailed thread on how to unlock the stuck door by using a piece of wire.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-fix-pics.html

But after two hours and endless amount of frustration i had to call it a day. I was able to latch the wire onto the lock mechanism and press downward while attempting to open the door from inside, but to no avail.

All other remotely actuated door locks work fine either by pressing key fob or using the button on the center console. Only the front passenger door lock is inoperable and I'm unable to open the door by manually pulling on the release handle.
What other options do i have to get this door to open? Will local locksmith be able to open it with slim Jim?

Things done so far:
-disconnected and reconnected the battery,
-tried using other set of keys,

Argggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh this is driving my insane

On the other hand, every little thing on my fully loaded 13 year old Nissan Maxima with 165K works flawlessly. How come Japanese engineers can design water, windshield and fuel pumps, alternators, door and window actuators, timing chain tensioners, ac compressors, radiators and handfull others components to last well past the 150K mark and BMW designers put in parts that fall apart within 60K.

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Repoman · #2 03-29-2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMC530i

every little thing on my fully loaded 13 year old Nissan Maxima with 165K works flawlessly. How come Japanese engineers can design water, windshield and fuel pumps, alternators, door and window actuators, timing chain tensioners, ac compressors, radiators and handfull others components to last well past the 150K mark and BMW designers put in parts that fall apart within 60K.

I don't understand it either but I agree entirely. Almost scared to drive my X because it's got about a 3:1 drive:break ratio going. Every 3 drives something breaks.

youry · #3 03-29-2010, 06:08 PM

I had to pay the dealer $135 to remove the panel with the door locked. Once you have the panel down you can unlock it. If I recall it was here a guy that posted a DIY on how to remove the door panel.

driftingricegod · #4 03-30-2010, 07:30 PM

same thing happened to me... it sucks...

Anyways,my friend (former BMW master tech) un-did the door panel and it took him a while to get the door open...
Once he got it opened, the door opened and closed fine... i'm glad it was not an actuator because those list for $199.99
we did lube up the door lock afterwards... its F*cking stupid... I dont know why a BMW door would get stuck.

BMC530i · #5 03-31-2010, 12:41 AM

Thanks,

I would like to know how your friend managed to take off the door panel with the door closed without damaging it. I think this is the next thing i will try.

Quote:

Originally Posted by driftingricegod

same thing happened to me... it sucks...

Anyways,my friend (former BMW master tech) un-did the door panel and it took him a while to get the door open...
Once he got it opened, the door opened and closed fine... i'm glad it was not an actuator because those list for $199.99
we did lube up the door lock afterwards... its F*cking stupid... I dont know why a BMW door would get stuck.

driftingricegod · #6 04-01-2010, 12:29 AM

I didnt take pics but let me try to explain it...
first: drop the backseat and pull out the corner seat pillar.
Then pull off the window molding (runs up and down), mine thats the little corner shade on it. & pull off the fake wood trim. They are all held by clips (dont break the parts when you take it off)

POP out the window switch and unplug it.
Now, unscrew 3 hex screws. 1-under the window molding, 1- under the wood trim and near the door handle, 1 right below the arm rest

the door panel pops off then with clips, suggest you have rolled down the windows and have someone help u hold the panel while you unplug the DOOR LATCH, LED for door handle light, speaker, and the white light at the bottom of the door.

door panel is off, look for the latch mechanism, you can look at the side that works to try to figure out the height of the components because they are just mirror images.

BMC530i · #7 04-01-2010, 02:26 AM

The door unlatched itself !!!!

. Today, while i was getting ready to try again to unlock the stuck door and to my up most surprise the door opened simply by pulling on the outside handle !!!! Crazy

It seems that when actuator goes bad, it locks itself and the door can not be opened either from outside or inside.

I've managed to remove the door lock actuator, but it the process I've scratched the hell of out of my window tint. Honestly, I'd rather pull the auto tranny out of my maxima in the driveway than mess with that door again.

I'm getting ready to buy new actuator and I'm wondering which online vendor you guys recommend as far as the price and quality service.

Local dealer sells them for $306 plus tax. ECS tunning sells them for $194.

Lastly, is there a way to "bench" test the actuator to confirm that it is actually bad? I'm almost sure that it is bad. I've noticed that with the actuator removed, the car locks 3 functional locks when taking off from the stop. With the bad actuator still in the door, the car will not lock the lock while taking off the stop.

driftingricegod · #8 04-01-2010, 07:41 PM

mine works fine now... 3 days now...
i'm not changing it unless it happens again

driftingricegod · #9 04-05-2010, 10:22 PM

wont open again... OK I AM CHANGING THE PART!

faz · #10 04-06-2010, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMC530i

I'm getting ready to buy new actuator and I'm wondering which online vendor you guys recommend as far as the price and quality service.

Local dealer sells them for $306 plus tax. ECS tunning sells them for $194.

I just got my oil filters and air filter from Tischer BMW (getBMWparts.com). Good fast order and all look pretty good. It seems like they are listing the door lock actuators for $164 + shipping.

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