central locking fault

[F17RAK]

Brought a new e30 yesterday, the central locking dont work which is annoying. So i went online and checked that the module is behind the speaker.

So...




Thats all that was in there, no module, the connection looks scaled up. I know im going to need a new module and new plug.

But is it likely that the wiring is faulty further down the line?? How do i check??
Also i can see someone has soldered into the wires for some reason, cant understand why.

Whats the black plug for???

[daimlerman]

There's a well know fault with the central locking system wiring.

It's fed by a red/black wire that also loops through the driver's door to feed a heated door lock,very,very few UK E30's have heated door locks!
So to eliminate problems caused by this constant live running through the door pillar socket we usually suggest that the two(three if you sre playing with a cabbie!)red/black wires are cut away from the door pillar socket and soldered/heat shrinked together to eliminate the loop through the driver's door.

From your photo's,you appear to be missing the c/l control unit as well...

[F17RAK]

yes i am missing the module, what is the black plug for?

[daimlerman]

I think that's where the c/l module plugs in.

[pud1]

Am in my car boot sometime today. I ll have a gander at my wiring diagrams. This has been a thorn in my arse for years on and off and plenty more owners as well. Looking at what you have in your hand, someone has been messing with it already. That looks like solder and non standard bmw pvc tape going up to the lock micro-switch. Cant remember where I got my drawings from but it may have been on here on the wiki.

[F17RAK]

I think someone has installed a switch in the dash to alloy lock & unlock like modern cars, thats why its soldered. Good for me, because if i want to install remote central locking i know the wires.

[Brianmoooore]

No one's answered your question about the spare plug. That's for the optional interior lights switch off delay module - nothing whatsoever to do with the locking.
There's something that doesn't quite look right about your wiring. Can you list the colours (main colour + stripe colour) of all of the wires which go to the plugs in your pic., plus which of these the two soldered on wires connect to.

[F17RAK]

will do, gotta strip it again when weather is better. But as i posted before, there is a non oem switch on the dash, im guessing someone wired this in to make a lock unlock button on the dash like modern cars.

[F17RAK]

managed to sort this problem, brought a new module & plug from bmw mad. Replaced it, the central locking worked from passenger only, and three doors popped up not drivers. So i took door card off & found the harness to the central locking popper had fallen off.
Re-connected & all is well. I also relocated the module to keep away from moisture.

[F17RAK]

Also what colour wires do i join onto if i was to fit remote central locking??

[BenHar]

I also relocated the module to keep away from moisture.

The "module" should be solidly fixed to the car so that the locks open if you crash.

Ben