BimmerMan
New member
If your E46 door no longer unlocks and locks, it is probably the actuator that has failed...
Fix here...
E46 Door Actuautor Repair
Fix here...
E46 Door Actuautor Repair
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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
E46 Door Actuator Replacment
- Thread starter BimmerMan
- Start date
lucian
Member
I looked at the DIY post and on a previous occasion checked out the site at http://www.bmwgm5.com/ re. the GM module. Is there no-one in SA that can do a similar repair, that is on the GM5 module?. I think to replace this module cost around R5k :bawling: and the car's computer has to be reset (at the Dealers of course $$$$) to accept the new/second hand module. This is just a bad design. I am no electronics expert but I always thought that a relay should just clip in and out for easy replacement.
lucian
Member
Only problem is, where to find the new relays. My car sometimes gives me this problem, esp on hot days or when the engine is hot. I can still get by with it as I seldom have passengers. I just unlock drivers' door with the key, drive a bit to engage auto locking and then open the other doors from inside. Is there no way that doors can be set to always unlock from the inside? Damn these cars are too clever for themselves.
I have a friend who seriously needs this fixed, before it drives him crazy. I won't be surprised if he never buys a BMW again.
I have a friend who seriously needs this fixed, before it drives him crazy. I won't be surprised if he never buys a BMW again.
freerider
Honorary ///Member
I had it happen the other day where my locks WOULD NOT open from the inside, they were totally deadlocked, not even opening the window and using the key did anything. then about 5 mins and some serious stressing later, they just popped open with the button.
But as you say, mine also happens when its hot.
If you get the relay numbers, simply call communica and get a quote, also any place that fixes radios and electronic equipment will have their sources for components.
But as you say, mine also happens when its hot.
If you get the relay numbers, simply call communica and get a quote, also any place that fixes radios and electronic equipment will have their sources for components.
lucian
Member
For now I am too lazy to remove the unit. Besides I'm having the broken subframe repaired first. Will ask my friend for the nr's. He has removed his unit before. Could be that the SA models have different numbers.
It is so embarrassing when you have passengers and this happens. What boggles me is that when I unlock with the key and get in the car, why don't the other doors unlock from the inside like most normal cars do?
I was contemplating a separate central locking system with another control, but this would just not be right for this type of car.
There must be a lot of money to be made in repairing these things. R5k for a new unit is a bit steep seeing that only the relays are worn out. Personally I think things like this just creates more junk on our planet and car manufactures should take note of this. Sadly in the end it is just more money for them, so why should they care about it.
I've heard of guys who specialise in petrol pumps and repairing computer boxes because there is just a big demand for it. I can only see this demand increasing in time. Guess it's off to the electronics shop to buy my kid a starter kit. Maybe then he will become the millionaire and I the freeloader LOL.
It is so embarrassing when you have passengers and this happens. What boggles me is that when I unlock with the key and get in the car, why don't the other doors unlock from the inside like most normal cars do?
I was contemplating a separate central locking system with another control, but this would just not be right for this type of car.
There must be a lot of money to be made in repairing these things. R5k for a new unit is a bit steep seeing that only the relays are worn out. Personally I think things like this just creates more junk on our planet and car manufactures should take note of this. Sadly in the end it is just more money for them, so why should they care about it.
I've heard of guys who specialise in petrol pumps and repairing computer boxes because there is just a big demand for it. I can only see this demand increasing in time. Guess it's off to the electronics shop to buy my kid a starter kit. Maybe then he will become the millionaire and I the freeloader LOL.
BimmerMan
New member
60% of the time, the reason these actuators fail is because the contacts inside of them get all plugged up with dirt and grease. Quite often, taking them apart and giving them a really good clean solves the problem... The other 40% of the time it is usually the micro switches that fail. Uber Soldat has some experience with replacing these micro switches, maybe he can chime in?
BimmerMan
New member
lucian said:
Hang on a sec...are you saying that it is not your door actuators that are wrong but rather the general module that controls them all?
If you want all the other doors to unlock at the same time, this can either be done at the dealer or by someone who has something call Carsoft...it is just a simple computer setting in the general module. If you want to unlock all the doors once you are in the car, the drivers door has to be shut otherwise the lock/unlock button does not work...
lucian
Member
What I need now is for any door to unlock from the inside once the drivers door is unlocked. That way I can open my door with the key and unlock the other doors from inside. This is only needed when they will not unlock from the remote. I have a service coming up and will ask the dealer (if I go there and not somewhere else).
lucian
Member
Some feedback on my central locking system.
Got a used board with 2 brand new relays on them. A friend of mine ordered it from USA and had it fitted. He had some window problems and the repairman replaced his whole g5 unit with a second hand one (cost him over 2k). So he shipped his old unit, with the new relays to me. I had them transferred to my unit and voila, central locking is working fine. It over a month now with no problems.
Got a used board with 2 brand new relays on them. A friend of mine ordered it from USA and had it fitted. He had some window problems and the repairman replaced his whole g5 unit with a second hand one (cost him over 2k). So he shipped his old unit, with the new relays to me. I had them transferred to my unit and voila, central locking is working fine. It over a month now with no problems.
Victor Frank
New member
lucian said:
I just got mine repaired, and I know where to get the relays here in johannesburg. So if anyone is having this problem and needs it sorted out, pm me or drop me an email..
Victor Frank
New member
lucian said:
no secret. My brother in law is in the automotive industry, and he just got back from canada with some. both our gm5 units needed relays, and so he got 6 sets( just in case). he now has 8 relays left.. I can ask if he wants to sell them.
