Door will not open - 1998 e39 - BMW Forum

Raaid · 02-08-2012, 08:25 AM

Some months ago, after unlocking the car with the remote, I found that the driver's door would not stay shut, so I got out, operated the remote (lock/unlock) and on re-entering the car, the door shut properly. All seemed OK until I tried to get out - but the door would not open no matter what I did with it !!
We could only rip out the driver's door card, fiddle with the lock which seemed to work, then fit a replacement door card!!!

All went well for a couple of months but then on Friday, the car decided to lock me in again!!
As before, using the remote to unlock the car worked fine, all door plungers/rods responding to the remote, but the driver's door would then not latch closed. Using the remote once more, the door closed properly - but refuses to open now with the remote or key!!

I've tried operating the inside and outside door handles simultaneously, and also leaving the car for some time with the battery disconnected, but I still cannot unlock the drivers door.

Since the door rods move OK, does this rule out a faulty door actuator (67118352165) ?

Anyone had the same problem?

Jack Dabsy · 02-08-2012, 02:28 PM

Has to be the actuator... Try pulling the interior catch twice when locked inside, if this doesn't work then I am right... "If" I am, check the connections first, the connector blocks can sometimes "Need Wakin'-Up" lol

Raaid · 02-09-2012, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dabsy

Has to be the actuator... Try pulling the interior catch twice when locked inside, if this doesn't work then I am right... "If" I am, check the connections first, the connector blocks can sometimes "Need Wakin'-Up" lol

Thanks Dabsy - so am I wrong in thinking that the door rods are moved by the actuator?

I've tried pulling the interior handle a few times, so it looks as if there is no option but to break through the door card and see what is causing the lock to jam again.

Jack Dabsy · 02-09-2012, 01:33 PM

No, you may not be wrong !!
Best way is to get the card off and inspect the rods and nylon holders, if all seems fine then test the actuator.

Raaid · 02-17-2012, 09:47 AM

Still off the road, waiting to find a driver's door trim panel in black leather before I get the garage to break through the existing panel.

Anyone have a panel for sale?

Jack Dabsy · 02-17-2012, 03:07 PM

You should still be able to pop the door-card off while its closed !!

Lord Vader · 02-17-2012, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dabsy

You should still be able to pop the door-card off while its closed !!

It should be possible. The only thing in the way is the seat and steering wheel. The hard part is you would have to be carefull but replacement clips are available if you break them.

Their are replacement door panels on EBay. I found a set of four in biege for $250 + shipping.

Raaid · 02-18-2012, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dabsy

You should still be able to pop the door-card off while its closed !!

I didn't think that removal of the driver's door panel was possible whilst the door is closed.
When it happened before, the garage broke through the panel, which then had to be replaced.

Perhaps I took the car to the wrong garage!

Raaid · 02-18-2012, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Vader

It should be possible. The only thing in the way is the seat and steering wheel. The hard part is you would have to be carefull but replacement clips are available if you break them.

Their are replacement door panels on EBay. I found a set of four in biege for $250 + shipping.

Thanks, but if necessary I'll just replace one panel - which in UK will cost me around £25 ($40).