door lock problem

[1sttimebmwowner]

This is one of many problems that I am facing with my 2003 325xi but it is the scariest one of all. My doors don't always unlock when I need them to and I worried that I or my children won't be able to get out if there is an emergency. And Yes, I've tried the remote entry, the interior unlock/lock button and the door entry via the key and it doesn't always work. Sometimes even from the inside.
Is this a common problem for the 3 series?

 

[cbigger]

I can't speak to whether it is "common" in 3 series, but can say that I have had similar problems with my 2004 330Ci. I only have had a problem with the passenger side - never the driver side. But when the passenger side "sticks", it really sticks. As you say, the remote entry and the interior button fail to open it.

Sometimes I can push the open button (remote or interior) multiple times and sometimes that will force it to open. Other times, I have pressed the button like 10+ times and it just won't open.

I had the servo/motor replaced under warranty about 3 months ago. That has drastically reduced the number of "sticks" - but it has NOT eliminated the problem entirely. Maybe one in 75-100 unlock attempts results in a "stick".

Anyway, that's my experience. Maybe others will share theirs.

-Cameron

 

[snowsedan04]

I recently had the same problem in my '04 325xi. Non-driver doors refused to open when using the open button in the interior. As quick as the problem surfaced, it went away and hasn't yet returned, but I'm keeping my a watch on it. I also had a problem with the NAV screen not opening/shutting properly, but that also seemed to resolve itself after a brief period.

Don't know how long these "self repairs" will continue, but my guess is that things start to break for good after 4 years plus a day.

 

[bmwrocks]

Don't know how long these "self repairs" will continue, but my guess is that things start to break for good after 4 years plus a day.

...or 50,000.1 miles, whichever comes first....

 

[codex57]

Mine sticks, but it's infrequent so I highly doubt it would ever happen when I take it in to show the dealer. I attribute it to yet another BMW electrical bug.

 

[William330]

I generally reach over, and pull the chrome lever, which unlocks the
passenger door. Not because anything is broken, but because of
BMW's brain-dead single power lock button, which was used instead
of having separate lock and unlock buttons.

 

[BMW NA Customer Relations]

I’m with BMW of North America, LLC. I’m so sorry to read of your concern about your door locks. If you and your BMW center would like our assistance, please phone us at (800) 831-1117 or email us at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com, and mention Reference # 200525201345 so that we can help you more efficiently.

 

[1sttimebmwowner]

Thanks for all the help. The dealership is unable to do anything at this moment because the problem has never occured when the car is in their presence. Still frustrating though.

 

[Iw84no1]

Don't bother contacting the Customer Relations on your own. I sent out an inquiry in reference to the post above and recieved a typical company redirection....

Thank you for contacting BMW of North America, LLC regarding your BMW. I was sorry to read of the concerns you have with the locking system on your BMW.

Regrettably, we do not have the ability to advise you in a technical matter via e-mail. I suggest speaking directly with the service manager at your authorized BMW center about the issues you are experiencing with your vehicle. The service manager at the center has access to BMW engineering and regional representatives who are in the best position to review your vehicle's concern.

If you have any further questions, please respond to this e-mail or contact the Customer Relations and Services Department at 1-800-831-1117, Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time. Again, thank you for contacting BMW.

Sincerely,

Customer Relations and Services
Representative

 

[jaime-330]

It has happened to me several times specially after it rains, I have taken it to the dealer here in Tokyo but they said they can't do anything about it unless they see it happening themselves and the most unfortunate is that there is not representative of BMW Japan monitoring any of these sites to assist me or tell me who I should contact or how to get this problem fixed.

 

[Average Jae]

I generally reach over, and pull the chrome lever, which unlocks the
passenger door. Not because anything is broken, but because of
BMW's brain-dead single power lock button, which was used instead
of having separate lock and unlock buttons.

if that fails, you have problems, but usually pulling the lever once will unlock it, then the door will open on teh second pull.

i suppose, you have to take you car directly to the dealer with everyone in tow when the lock sticks! i hate the BMW's typical "we have to see it" response, but then again, what else can they do? cept make a less problem prone ride?

 

[1jrowner]

I've had similar problems with my 2003 330. My problem has been that sometimes when I remote unlock the doors walking up it will unlock all the doors but the driver's side door. Hitting the unlock button again doesn't work. I have to lock the doors and then hit unlock again. I have inspection I in 5k miles so I'll see what the dealer says about it.

 

[Iw84no1]

I totally agree with Average Jae... about the only way to get this fixed or "seen" is for each and everyone of us to drive the car directly to the dealer the next time it happens.

You mentioned using the manual over-ride (lol)... interior door handle; however, when it happens to mine, the door handle doesn't work. Rather, it reacts the same as if the door is locked - with the exception that the typical two pump handle action to unlock the door manually doesn't work, either. I have to physically climb into the passenger seat to get out or go through some rather unique limb torquing to reach outside the driver's door with the keys and unlock the door with the key in the door's keyhole.

Being in the production business, I am totally unimpressed with this manufacturer's commitment to its product obligations. When you know you have a problem (and with this many of us having the same problem - I am sure they have witnessed it at some point for themselves), you have an obligation to correct the difficency, ESPECIALLY when it is safety related. Should any of us, God forbid, be involved in a wreck, I pray that the door won't pick that moment to malfunction, again.

Best of luck to all, and thanks to everyone who takes the time to post. You're all awesome.

 

[Kirby]

Must be the time of year??? This has happened before in my 330cic, and it happened 4 or 5 times in the past 2 days. I have not had it looked at, but I will talk to them about it next week. I have an appointment for a new "5th Window" switch (the "All up/all down switch"). It mechanically broke several months ago.