BMW X3 e83 central locking

[John_2_k6]

Hi when I got the car the remote locking wouldn’t work or the central locking with the key in drivers door but the button on the dashboard would lock/unlock all doors.so I got a new key coded and the remote central locking has worked all doors for about 11 months but still if I put key in the door it would only unlock the drivers door then when I come out of work the other night the remote central locking has stopped working again does anyone have any idea to what the problem could be?

up to now I’ve changed the battery in the key and tryed to reprogram it with no luck I’ve checked the fuses all seem fine 

I’m thinking about changing the diversity antenna next to see if that will work the rcl if not what could be the problem to get some kind of central locking? Thanks 

[Greydog]

Morning John

It may save time and money to get a scan done to confirm the source of the issue, it could be the steering lock, the EWS, the antenna or an issue with the FCM not allowing communication. 

However if it is the antenna my brother inlaw had issues with 2 of his 530d Touring's, the diversity antenna was mounted in the rear spoiler and suffered from water ingress on both. His BMW dealer fitted new antenna's under warranty, twice, on the first car but the problem returned, the BMW specialist I use took the antenna out opened it, cleaned it and the PCB board found a dry joint re-soldered it put it back together sealed the unit and remounted it. Permanently fixed, he had seen so many he even knew which solder points were suspect !! When the same thing happened on his next car we fixed it in my garage on a Sunday morning there are quite a few video's on the Net about the same issue. 

Dave

 

[John_2_k6]

Morning Dave thanks for you reply I forgot to put I’ve scanned it with a bmw scanner I bought of eBay the only code that is coming up is for my airbag that’s been on for ages 

I’ve already got a diversity antenna so il try that next just with searching google that’s a common problem 

the other thing I can’t work out is when my remote locking is working it opens/locks all doors but putting my key in the door has only ever opened the drivers door to open the rest I have to press the button on dash 

thanks 

[Greydog]

Hi John

The passenger seat occupancy sensor is a quite common trigger for airbag light, plus X5's had a recall for the drivers airbag? Worth a check for recall on yours if you haven't already had one, I didn't get a notification but read about it online checked with BMW who said yes mine was outstanding.

As for your Key operating just the drivers door, just tried my X5 same thing drivers door only but locks all doors. I wonder if there is something in the activation settings which can be changed ? IKE settings if I recall, haven't checked mine for some time maybe have a look later

Hope the Diversity antenna fixes your issue

Dave