E30 Zone

Evening all... 1989 2 door 318i
Seems my central locking system has locked itself shut and I can't get into the car. The passenger door has never been able to unlock the car since I've owned the car so I always use the drivers side. Went to get in yesterday and the key turns ok but doesn't unlock the car. Guessing the actuators are not releasing. If I can get a coat hanger to hook the door knob up would this open the door? I can get into the boot but that's about it. I'm an rac member but guessing you guys would know more. Any ideas..??
Cheers

The perfect thing for unlocking the door from the outside is plastic parcel strapping.
Form a loop in the strapping (and a strategically placed bend), gently prise the door open just enough to allow the strapping through the door seal, get the loop over the door knob, tighten it and pull upwards.
Ive done it a couple of times before so i know it works.
Does the boot lock not activate the central locking at all?

Will give that a go. If the actuators are stuck in the 'lock' position will the door be able to be opened this way? And no, boot doesn't activate the rest of the central locking, never has done. System overhaul required, bit late I know..

Rally200 wrote:Will give that a go. If the actuators are stuck in the 'lock' position will the door be able to be opened this way?

Depends if the deadlocks have been activated.
Have you tried lifting the driver's door handle at the same time as turning the key?
Force the top frame of the door out a bit, and stick something that won't scratch the paint in the gap to keep it there. It won't do any harm, and if you do find that you have bent it afterwards, it's easy enough to bend it back again.
E30s have mushroom headed lock buttons, so easy to lift up with something through the gap.

Thanks Brian, will have a go this evening. If the deadlocks have been activated what are my options...brick through the window..

Removing windscreen is the easiest way in, if all else fails.

Massive thank you, Brian. Managed to open the door after turning the key in the lock and fiddling with the door handle as you described.
Thanks again, Sir.

Now look up "red/black wire mod".

Done the red/black mod about a year ago after the thermal cut out failed in the c/l ecu. Wondering now if it's failed again...will check at the weekend. Thanks again.