E70 Drivers door won't open inside or out

[Greydog]

Well my E70 has decided to throw a wobbler and not allow me in or out of the drivers door. Just need to get my head around (1) How to get the door card off with the door closed 😁 (2) How to release the lock to get the door open 😁 (3) What caused it? Is it repairable? Or is it a new lock ?? 

That's my weekend sorted

Dave

[Greydog]

Why oh Why do BMW do these things ??

Door Card. OK everything going OK remove drivers seat to give room to work. Open the window and start at the top to remove the door card only to discover that the BMW Wizards have used panel clips along the sides but at the bottom of the door used 2 x T20 screws in expanding plugs ??? They have become sacrificial and I will replace later

Now for the lock/actuator it's self, after a lot of searching I have found 3 methods (1) use a pry bar and hammer to clout the operating lever down wards (2) break the plastic shroud behind the operating lever and prize the exposed gearwheel up to release the double lock (3) as the lock body is plastic just break it up until the door is released 

What a palaver I cant see why they had to change the lock type from the E53 to the E70/71 certainly there will be no salvage or repair by the look of things. New actuator ordered so the story will go on

Dave

 

[Greydog]

So little update for anyone suffering the same issue

The best way is the big pry bar rested on the internal opening lever and a few good whacks with a mallet. 3rd whack door popped open, Yay

New actuator due today so hopefully near the end

Dave 

[bigsteve]

was the door not opening a electrical issue or a mechanical issue?

[Greydog]

Morning Steve

Welcome to the Forum

Received the new Actuator late yesterday and this morning been out side taking the old one off and swapping them 

The original actuator on my door has failed internally the double lock mechanism sticking and not allowing the internal or external handle to work or the physical key. If I operated the lock/unlock on the key or the dash I could here the internals work but the double lock just wouldn't release. As the unit is sealed in a plastic body repair is virtually impossible and pretty much pointless. As I would have to cut open the actuator to get to the internals so failure is mechanical all electrics OK is my guess

The replacement I have is Febi and a straight replacement, cost was £64. The door handle Bowden cable was very sticky with grease so I removed the outer handle and mechanism gave everything a good clean re-lube and put it all back

All working as it should again just have the job of cleaning all the trim and putting it back together now 😁

Hope This Helps

Dave

 

[Cid]

Hi Dave,

 

How the heck did you get the door card off. I've managed 3 out of the 4 screws but then what. What is the knack you clearly have please.

 

Cid

[Greydog]

Morning Cid

have you found the 2 screws underneath the very bottom middle of the door card under the storage bin?

Once the screws are out then its working around with a trim removal tool to pop out the clips I started at the bottom you should be able to lift/lever the card upwards to release the top edge which is held by spring clips

Check the internet for any useful videos that may help

Good Luck

Dave

[Cid]

Cheers Dave,

 

I assume I need to remove the seat out as struggling to get to the rear bolt as door won't open.

 

Cid

[Greydog]

Morning 

They are really well thought out position aren't they (not) First time I did this on my own E70 I unbolted the seat moved it back and tipped it on it's side to get more room. My problem was a failed acctuator, then after struggling for a day to get the door card off I was talking to a BMW Mechanic who told me that in the workshop they just release the top of the door card open the window then slide a long screwdriver or pry bar down between the card and the door until it sits on the little lever that the internal door pull is attached to. push down until it stops then give it a good whack. The door will open then you can get to those pesky screws. 

Replacing the acctuator is straight forward just check the outer door handle cable is in good condition and free when I did this for a friend who thought he had the same problem as I had had same symptoms. Got the door open in 10 mins changed the acctuator then just before putting the card back on we tested the lock (triggered it with a screw driver) and the acctuator wouldn't release ??? After lots of head scratching with the door still locked I put my hand up inside the door to where the outer dor handle cable attaches and the lever could be moved down a fraction, click door open!! Rang the BMW Dealer who luckily had a cable after changing it all worked as it should again.

So if you have the top of the door card free you should be able to use the screw driver pry bar technique 

Hope that helps

Dave

[Cid]

Thank you Dave,

That sounds like invaluable guidance. 

Many thanks 👍 

Fingers crossed I can fix

 

Cid