[sygazelle]

I'm in the drivers seat and pull the latch twice to open the door, and the lock just goes back down to the lock position. I try and try again with the same result. The only way I was able to open the driver door was to push the unlock button on the dash. Then, when I got out and tried to shut the drivers door, I hear a loud bang as the locking pin on the door hits the locking mechanism on the door frame. Apparently the locking mechanism is in the locked position and won't "receive" the door. I got around this by unlocking the door with my Fob and then shutting door.

After the first time, everything was normal for a couple of weeks. And then, it happened again yesterday.

Has anyone experienced this issue? If so how did you solve it? Thanks.

[chrislr]

Yeah, what you're experiencing is a known issue, its due to a faulty lock actuator (would recommend getting it replaced because its obviously a bit of a hazard). Just replaced my passenger side one for this exact issue. Theres a big thread about it here. A workaround in the meantime would be to turn off auto-locking when the car starts moving in your iDrive settings, so it stays unlocked and you can leave the vehicle without hesitation if needed.

[S.BMW23]

What year is your car?

[bimmer456]

There was another thread about this issue with video of the problem. Bring it to the dealer to have it fixed should be covered if you're under warranty.

[Ali Shiralian]

Originally Posted by S.BMW23

What year is your car?

It's. 2014...

[madmonkey]

I just went through getting this issue fixed.

Link to my thread..
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1361764

[DJsirkit]

I just had that happen. Took it in they replaced the actuator no questions asked

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by chrislr

Yeah, what you're experiencing is a known issue, its due to a faulty lock actuator (would recommend getting it replaced because its obviously a bit of a hazard). Just replaced my passenger side one for this exact issue. Theres a big thread about it here. A workaround in the meantime would be to turn off auto-locking when the car starts moving in your iDrive settings, so it stays unlocked and you can leave the vehicle without hesitation if needed.

Thank you.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by S.BMW23

What year is your car?

2014. Production date August 2013.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

There was another thread about this issue with video of the problem. Bring it to the dealer to have it fixed should be covered if you're under warranty.

Thanks. I'll do that.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by madmonkey

I just went through getting this issue fixed.

Link to my thread..
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1361764

I read your whole thread and I'm printing it out to share if I need to with my SA. I have no interest in going through the tedious and frustrating steps you've been through.

This is why the forum is so awesome. Thank you.

[madmonkey]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

I read your whole thread and I'm printing it out to share if I need to with my SA. I have no interest in going through the tedious and frustrating steps you've been through.

This is why the forum is so awesome. Thank you.

[rphz]

Take a video with a phone or camera when it happens so you can show them it malfunctioning...it may not once you take it to a dealer for repair. I have been having the same issue intermittently and so asked to have it repaired several weeks ago during routine maintenance. They were unable to reproduce the problem (of course) in my car and so did not change/repair anything as a result They requested a video even though they acknowledged that they are aware this is a problem

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by rphz

Take a video with a phone or camera when it happens so you can show them it malfunctioning...it may not once you take it to a dealer for repair. I have been having the same issue intermittently and so asked to have it repaired several weeks ago during routine maintenance. They were unable to reproduce the problem (of course) in my car and so did not change/repair anything as a result They requested a video even though they acknowledged that they are aware this is a problem

Great idea. I will do that.

However, I have another story about a video I took when my brakes were squeaking horribly. I'd complained about the brakes on the previous 2 service appointments so I decided to take a video. I showed the video to my SA on my next appointment and he said the technician would have to duplicate the event. It turns out my front pads and rotors were due to be replaced based on wear so I didn't have to get stinking about them not using my video as proof.

Thanks for the suggestion. It won't hurt to have the video in case they cannot duplicate. I'll bring up the safety issue of not being able to exit the car.

[M2Cmtl]

had the exact same thing happen to the driver side, now the passenger side is acting up.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by f31mtl

had the exact same thing happen to the driver side, now the passenger side is acting up.

I've been doing a bit of research. BMW is not the only company with door actuator problems. I wonder if they all come from the same source or if there is something in the general design of actuators. From a quality standpoint, it doesn't cut it for something so integral to the basic use of a car to be such a common problem, especially so early in the car's useful life. These parts should be designed and built to last. Makes me wonder if planned obsolescence is at play.

[Slalom]

I have been experiencing this issue over the past week. I will disable the auto-lock feature for now. It seems that the Bowden cable has been an issue - BMW now has a new part number.
Given the need to open a door in an emergency, this should be treated as a recall.

[ajob]

Make sure your doors open flawlessly.
Look what may happen if they don't:

X5M up in flames http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1325571

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Slalom

I have been experiencing this issue over the past week. I will disable the auto-lock feature for now. It seems that the Bowden cable has been an issue - BMW now has a new part number.
Given the need to open a door in an emergency, this should be treated as a recall.

My problem was definitely the actuator. BMW replaced it under warranty and it works perfectly now.

I've read that the Bowden cable can be a problem too but not in my case.

When reading about actuators, I found out that BMW is one of several car companies who have had this problem. You would think that in a world where they can figure out how to park cars automatically they could perfect a glorified on-off switch!

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

I'm in the drivers seat and pull the latch twice to open the door, and the lock just goes back down to the lock position. I try and try again with the same result. The only way I was able to open the driver door was to push the unlock button on the dash. Then, when I got out and tried to shut the drivers door, I hear a loud bang as the locking pin on the door hits the locking mechanism on the door frame. Apparently the locking mechanism is in the locked position and won't "receive" the door. I got around this by unlocking the door with my Fob and then shutting door.

After the first time, everything was normal for a couple of weeks. And then, it happened again yesterday.

Has anyone experienced this issue? If so how did you solve it? Thanks.

There's other lengthy threads on this. Do you still have warranty left?

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by tex2670

There's other lengthy threads on this. Do you still have warranty left?

You are right. I searched but probably didn't try hard enough before I started a new thread.

Yes, its under warranty. They installed a new actuator and it works perfectly now.

[WillSkill]

I've had the same issue. They didn't replace any parts for me and mentioned a cable was in the way... I haven't had the problem since.

If it happens again I'll guess I have to get the actuator replaced under warranty