E36 central locking issue...

[Paul_Dids]

Hi All,

I've got a really strange problem with my central locking on the E36 and I need some help!

Basically the passenger door has gone a bit funny and now doesn't unlock when you open the car with the remote. If you open the car with the key in the drivers door you get the same problem but when you use the key in the passenger door you can open the whole car !?!?!

very strange and I'm stumped. Any idea's what I could check?

Cheers
Paul

[< FORZA WEST]

The most common fault with E36 cental locking is the door lock solenoids.
Its a rectangle box that sits on top of the door lock mechanism.
To get to it you need to remove the door card,door membrane and lock mechanism.

[Paul_Dids]

Thanks for the reply mate - appreciated

Got loads of questions now

So is it a simply replacing the part or can it be fixed? Is it a specific M3 part do you know??

Cheers
Paul

[T-bagger]

As Forza quite rightly said door lock actuator/solenoid is most likely. They cannot be repaired, are a generic part from 316i to M3 and all those in between. Not too bad to replace but a little fiddly if it's your first one. Can recommend unbolting door catch assembly from inside of door and pulling it forward slightly to get a better understanding of exactly how it fits.
Most importantly ensure the sliding part of the new actuator is in the same position as the one you remove (it slides back and forth), if you get it wrong it won't work. Best to test it before you assemble the rest of the door panel etc, just remember to press the microswitch in on the body striker when operating central locking with that door open.

Best of luck.

[Paul_Dids]

Cheers for the reply guys.. much appreciated.

Going to source a new actuator out this week and have a crack next weekend. Relieved it sounds like a fairly painless fix (fingers crossed and touches wood!)

Thanks again