Basic Driver's Lock Question

[coldweatherblue]

surprise surprise, my new E30 has lock issues. The driver's side lock does not work, when turned it makes a sound (like compressed air leaking out = central locking?), but won't turn the lock. The trunk lock works (but no central locking) and the passenger lock works. So to get in my car I have to unlock the passenger side, then reach over and unlock the driver's door, etc..

Just want to make sure that this is the part I need to rebuild the driver's side lock:

pelican door lock kit

I'm not worried about the central locking right now, just want to get the driver's lock fixed. If I turn the key in the driver's door and the door doesn't lock/unlock, it's the LOCK, right? not the central locking? If the lock worked the door would still unlock, even if the central locking is broken, right? I just don't want to rebuild the lock only to find out that it's the central locking I should have focused on..

Thanks

[Mallard]

I think you're right about the lock v. Central lock issue. I just did the driver's door lock rebuild last weekend. It's fairly straightforward if you follow the rebuild thread. The written instructions that come with the kit are not helpful.

[palimuin]

i used to have similar problem..spray some wd40 into the lock and keep spraying every once in a while it shud help

[dogsbark26]

I agree with Mallard and yes, that looks like the correct part/kit.

Here is the best rebuild instruction I've found: http://www.billswebspace.com/BMWE30D...derRebuild.htm

[Mallard]

That's the thread I used. Very helpful. Rely upon the pictures when I doubt about what goes where. Good luck.

[coldweatherblue]

Update:

Tried some lubricating spray in the lock tonight.. and now the driver's door will UNLOCK! really surprised, did not expect that to work..

however it still won't lock. When I try to lock it with the key, the door lock knob goes down a little bit, but there's too much resistance and it won't go down all the way and lock completely.

So.. is this a central locking issue? Where the pressure in the dead central locking system is preventing the lock from turning? or is the lock just dead and able to unlock but not lock? Any way you guys know to disable the central locking mechanism pressure?

Thanks

[dogsbark26]

It sounds like you need to rebuild that lock cylinder. There is no pressure from the central locking system. Just a couple of link arms connected to the back of the lock cylinder.

Rebuilding the lock cylinder is easy and inexpensive. Just do it and it'll be good for another twenty years.

[lbreevesii]

The lock rebuild isn't difficult..worst part is putting the lock back in.

The new one feels butta smooth too.

[coldweatherblue]

Cool, thanks for the help guys. lock will be rebuilt.