[MrBeetleman]

I just bought a 2000 wagon. The main trouble I have is:
The drivers door will lock but not unlock with the remote or the key. I haven't pulled off the door panel yet, but I am looking for a heads up...
The other 3 door work fine.
Anyone have the diagram for removing the door panel?

 

[Solidjake]

Search "key reprogramming" or something like that

It's some steps with locking/unlocking the car, etc. My friend had that problem and it fixed it

 

[MrBeetleman]

Thanks

 

[My325XI]

May be the door lock actuator as well, or even the GM5 module.

 

[MrBeetleman]

Is it hard to remove the door panel?

 

[mcopenha]

I would rule out GM5 since the OP notes that the door will not unlock manually using the key. I could be wrong on that, so check the symptoms on http://bmwgm5.com/. My thinking is that the gm5 only works in conjunction with the center console lock/unlock button and the key remote. However, by inserting the key into the lock and turning manually, you're just operating something mechanical.

I would lean more towards door/lock actuator. Removing the door panel is easy to gain access and possibly replace this. Instructions are on this site as well as http://bmwgm5.com/.

 

[2003 325i]

I have the same problem... I know mine's not the actuator... If you're interested in an actuator I have one. PM if interested.

 

[2003 325i]

Is it hard to remove the door panel?

Not that hard, but hard to get to actuator if you don't know what you're doing. I could walk you through it for a fee... no REAL good DIYs on here but some exist that'll pull you through.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=600213&highlight=lock+actuator

 

[2003 325i]

Search "key reprogramming" or something like that

It's some steps with locking/unlocking the car, etc. My friend had that problem and it fixed it

Would this issue rear it's head for both keys or just one? Thinking if it's just the 1 then perhaps this is a fix, but if it's both (as in my case) and I've already tried other actuators then it's the GM5.

 

[moapys]

I just bought a 2000 wagon. The main trouble I have is:
The drivers door will lock but not unlock with the remote or the key. I haven't pulled off the door panel yet, but I am looking for a heads up...
The other 3 door work fine.
Anyone have the diagram for removing the door panel?

Did you ever determine the cause of the key not unlocking issue? I too have a "locks fine manually, but - despite button rising - won't unlock" situation. Seems it would have to be purely a mechanical linkage issue between cylinder and latch assembly? Thanks for any feedback!

 

[moapys]

Further observations - at least on my 02-E46: The cylinder must be good if it locks, right? and the GM5/electronics/alarm all seem working on all but the non-un-lockable drivers door (save for it WILL unlock from the inside latch handle).

It seems like linkage yet the button goes down and up with the lock/unlock sequence...it just does not *actually* unlock with the key. I'll tear into the door panel, but would love past experience leveraging!

 

[sperkins]

I have the same problem that the door will lock and will unlock sometimes and will not sometimes. I can hear the actuator making the sound when I push the button but it does not unlock. Also when using the key to unlock it can take several times before it unlocks the door. I installed a new actuator on the drivers door but it does the same thing.

 

[330iPilot]

It's not the actuator then, it's your linkage. You can get repair kits for cheap.