Door latch won't work: HELP

[BMWMike]

My 1985 325e sat for about a month before someone wanted to test drive her. Unfortunately the driver side door latch won't secure so the door stays open. Does anyone know how these work and what could be "stuck"? Can the latch assembly be removed by the 3 screws or does everything have to come off?

[whunter]

Hmmm.
Lubrication and exercise work 99% of the time.
About 1/2 the time the door panel must come off to access the linkage.

[BMWJNKY]

Try spraying it down really well with some sort of penetrating lube like WD-40 or PB Blaster.

[RIIELLE]

ive had the same prob with my driver side door, sometimes when i close it , it will stay open, so i have to slam it! as for the wd-40...um, that doesnt work, it stops the squeaks if you have any, but i think it is actually the locking mechanism, i could be wrong,but that what i think because i have sprayed my handle and everything,but no success. if you find out what it really is let me know!!!