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

Hi All,

I know this is a relatively common thread around the web on E53s (I have an 01). But my question this morning, for not being able to open the drivers rear door either from the inside or outside (thankfully I was able to get the door panel off!!!), is:

Does anyone have a DIY or video explaining how the lock mechanism works?

I watched a video where someone banged on the outside and inside of the door - with the panel off - where the lock mechanism sits ...and it "shook free" a stuck lock mechanism. The issue came back and the person bathed the lock area with PB Blaster... I've tried this with no luck. I'm lifting up on the physical lock actuator knob/rod but it doesn't seem to "click" and unlock. Oddly, the button on the console of the X5, by the hazard light, is not doing anything. I will go out and try the key fob.

Just hoping, if someone can share how the actual lock mechanism works, I may be able to fix with that info. Thank you.

Jay

Can you open it from the outside, but not the inside? If so, there is a toggle on the door that allows you to disable the ability of a passenger (child) to open the door from the inside. If that's not the case, it's likely a broken door handle carrier. They break over time or when operated when frozen. It's a design flaw. Pretty sure there are Youtube videos on changing the door handle carrier. Not a difficult job. If you're doing it yourself I'd recommend you order a bunch of door panel fasteners. They are plastic and they break. Good luck.

I cannot open from either inside or out. I know the lock is at least actuating up & down; whether by the key fob or even the physical mechanism.

Check the toggle on the door. You could have two things going on, the toggle could be set to disable interior operation AND the door handle carrier cold be broken. If you flip the toggle and the interior still doesn't work, then I would take the door apart to see what's going on. The lock will function even if the latch part doesn't. Could be something internal in the lock box is broken.

Thanks Fifty. Forgive my ignorance, but what is the "toggle"? I have the panel off and can see everything moving, cables pulling, etc. I wish I could see or know or access the actuator that actually releases the door from being latched/closed. I am 99% sure the exterior handle is working as I can see the mechanism(s) moving internally. And when I yank on the cable that attaches to the internal handle, it is doing/actuating the same thing. But ultimately, nothing "clicks" and allows the door to open. I'm flummoxed!!!!

Near the edge of the door. See the photo.

From the owner's manual:
Attachment 82983

You need the door open to get to that button/switch. I can't open the door.

And not fer nuttin, but if it was the child safety lock - I should still be able to open it from the outside... I (appreciate the help/suggestion) but thinking it is not the child safety feature.

Is there some picture/video that shows someone actuating the door release from inside the guts of the door - with the door panel off?

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.

You might want to try pushing down on the lever with the cable attached as well as trying to pull up, if something is not allowing the lever to go down far enough (eg. cable casing jumped) the door will not open.