Driver door won't lock (Car has no central locking)

Post Sun Feb 22, 2015 11:28 am

I bought my E30 yesterday and all was good. Then later in the day the driver door lock stopped working!

The key locks/unlocks the passenger door and boot, but not the driver door. I can't push the pin down from inside either. The key in the lock turns to about the 11:00 position but then won't go any further. The pin looks like it wants to go down, but just won't. I don't wanna force the key as it already feels strained. Tried WD-40 - no joy.

I'm pretty sure the car doesn't have central locking, so as far as I can tell - that means it isn't an actuator problem? Does this mean it's likely a mechanical issue rather than electrical? Please say it is!

Post Sun Feb 22, 2015 2:09 pm

First thing to establish is whether you have central locking or not! Take of the speaker panel in the driver's foot well (one screw) and look behind the carpet on the inner sill, immediately below the speaker. If there are two cross head screws there, on a couple of inches above the other, then you probably do have central locking.
Don't force anything - things break.

Post Sun Feb 22, 2015 4:01 pm

This is now solved! Took the lock out and gave it a good clean. Job done!

Post Mon Feb 23, 2015 12:11 pm

Ah, I'll eat my words. Now the door won't unlock. When I took the lock out, it seemed to turn quite easily. I think it's the rod mechanism inside the door that's stiff. How could I go about fixing this?

Post Mon Feb 23, 2015 1:11 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:First thing to establish is whether you have central locking or not!

Post Mon Feb 23, 2015 1:18 pm

Sorry, my bad. I don't believe I do. It doesn't feel like a motor, although I haven't had time to check with your method. When locking the driver side door, the key sorta goes to the 10:00 position and then catches a bit, before going a full 90'degrees. Although it does feel a little odd - like it shouldn't go 90 degrees. It's not a smooth turn as I said - more of a clunky force.

I'll check with your method tonight when I'm home.

Post Mon Feb 23, 2015 1:40 pm

Maybe the locking barrel is worn?

Rebuild kits can be bought from dealer for around £30

Link may help
http://www.billswebspace.com/BMWE30Door ... ebuild.htm