I really need to fix my locks! Help me

[BlackE30]

I've been driving around for a couple of months with my locks broken, its time for me to get it together and fix them.

The central locking units relay was going crazy the last time my locks failed. I could here it clicking back and forth. The drivers side door lock cylinder is free to move back and forth but does not lock or unlock that door. The passenger side door cylinder wont rotate at all. I dont recall if it was like that before as I never locked the car from that side.

The relay still works, when I was taking the door panels off today I heard it going off at random times when my drivers side door was opened.

Also the trunk will lock itself, although it will not unlock or lock any of the other doors.

My car is an 89 325is (2 doors)

Any ideas? I've searched to forum but still unsure of what to check.

[BlackE30]

I disconnected the red actuator on the passenger side door and can now at least manual lock that door.

On the drivers side, I found a small circular spring down at the bottom, not sure what it goes to but may have something to do with it.

Jeff

[reelop19]

Theres a lock rebuild kit on ebay for $40. Get one for both sides and you'll be set. I don't know whats up with the central locking though. They are however 2 seperate issues.

[BlackE30]

Update- I havent done much but wanted to post an images of the spring I found in the door -




The spring labeled as "spring" is the one I am talking about.

It appears to be apart of the lock as shown on this site http://e30world.com/body/BMW-E30-lock-cylinder-repair in the second picture.

Maybe thats all I need to fix to get the lock working in the drivers side door?

Jeff

[StereoInstaller1]

Jeff, keep in mind thay this is 2 related but separate systems.

The lock cylinders do not necessarily need to be fixed for the central locking to work.

Central locking gets its signal from the actuators and operates the 4 or 6 locks from that signal, via the central locking module.

What you are describing sounds like a bad module to me.

[BlackE30]

Yes, I understand what your saying.

Right now I really want to get my drivers side door working as the key can move 180 degrees but nothing happens. Once I fix this then I can worry about the central locking part.

[StereoInstaller1]

Yes, I understand what your saying.

Right now I really want to get my drivers side door working as the key can move 180 degrees but nothing happens. Once I fix this then I can worry about the central locking part.

Wait, nothing at all happens? The damn thing should at least unlock if you have that much movement.

Have you taken it apart and looked yet?

[BlackE30]

No I haven't taken the actual lock apart yet. I just noticed that the spring I mentioned above was in the bottom of the door. I believe that is the main problem with the lock. Once I get that fixed I can figure out the central locking issue.

Jeff