i am having trouble with the central locking, i have managed to dead lock all doors by mistake!!! and have to gain entry through the boot, does anyone know how to reset the system so it works normally??? or at least explain the strange series of operational requirements for the system so i can at least open the doors???.
many thanks daz
1994 318i touring central locking problems
Moderator: martauto
- Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 49358
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
There's no electrical dead lock on the driver's door, so this should open on the key. Try lifting the exterior door handle at the same time.
This should also release the rest of the deadlocks, so what exactly is happening? No electrical central locking at all?
This should also release the rest of the deadlocks, so what exactly is happening? No electrical central locking at all?
no firstly the electrical locking went! when i press the fob the indicators will flash either 1 or 3 times but doors do not unlock, then while i was trying to open drivers door i heard all the locks go and can no longer open them even from the inside! (except drivers door) the only lock that will now open with the key is the boot.
i assume i have dead locked the car but the key is very stiff in the locks now and none will open.....
i assume i have dead locked the car but the key is very stiff in the locks now and none will open.....
Well always pays to have one but the cause could be slight wear in your current key. So if you get one cut you could have the same problem.
Also just try turning the key anti clockwise and then clockwise ( I know that the dead lock setting as far as you can turn the key anti clockwise but there is a small amount of movement there). I have to also do this from time to time when it does not want to play ball. Hth
Also just try turning the key anti clockwise and then clockwise ( I know that the dead lock setting as far as you can turn the key anti clockwise but there is a small amount of movement there). I have to also do this from time to time when it does not want to play ball. Hth
- Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 49358
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Look up "black AND red" and my username, using the forum search function.
The driver's door probably won't unlock without assistance from the lock motor because of 20+ years of lack of maintenance.
The driver's door probably won't unlock without assistance from the lock motor because of 20+ years of lack of maintenance.
many thanks i really appreciate it. the car is such a work horse i'd hate to let her go, but some of these little tech problems can be a real pain. i really hope i can get her fixed. i would take her to bmw but its just so expensive!
thanks again
thanks again
- Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 49358
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
When you start to work on this car, you may find that the lock motors appear to be missing. The last of the tourings were fitted with lock motors built into the door catches, similar to those found on E34s and E36s, totally inaccessible and equally as unreliable.
big thanks to zaust you really sorted me out there
you are the king of tourers nice work fellah .
p.s your motor is the beanz. let us know when you next take her to the track would love to see it in action......
thanks again cheers m8
p.s your motor is the beanz. let us know when you next take her to the track would love to see it in action......
thanks again cheers m8


