BMW makes some of the most advanced, luxurious, high-performance, and modern cars on the market. However, since BMW introduces lots of innovative technologies in its cars, it is also faced with lots of issues. Some of these issues are door lock actuator problems.
The door lock actuator is the system that locks and unlocks your car’s doors with a push of a button. Despite its crucial role, the BMW door lock actuator also develops problems that can lock you out or inside your car. So, what are some of the BMW door lock actuator problems?
The common BMW door lock actuator problems are a faulty door lock actuator, failing key fob, blown fuses, faulty wiring, and malfunctioning control module. But unlike most BMW problems, the lock actuator issues are simple and affordable to fix.
What are the common door lock actuator problems with BMW?
Faulty door lock actuator
The door actuator is an electronic system that signals your vehicle to lock or unlock in various ways. What’s more, it controls all your lock’s responses, such as locking your car using the automatic key fob, pulling the door open by the handle, or pressing the unlock button on the inside of the door.
Furthermore, the door lock actuator communicates with your key and handle, making it an intermediary between the lock cylinder and control unit. So, when your door lock actuator fails, it can make accessing your BMW difficult or even lock you out. That’s why you have to have this problem fixed quickly to avert further problems.
Failing key fob
The key fob is very helpful as it makes it easier to lock and unlock your BMW. Moreover, it helps to disarm the alarm system, or even at times open your car’s trunk. However, key fobs can also malfunction and cause serious problems with locking or unlocking your car.
So, the key fob can be the cause of door lock issues in your car. Some of the things that make the key fob malfunction are a dead battery in the key fob, a fault connected to key fob internal programming, or a technological error.
Take the car to a professional mechanic to find out what’s the problem with the key fob. Note that a bad key fob can be replaced.
Blown fuses
Another common problem that causes the door lock actuator to fail is a blown fuse. Blown fuses are very common and are part of the door locking system’s issues. Note that the fuse breaks the circuit in case something goes bad in your BMW door lock system.
As a result, if the fuse causes the door lock actuator to fail, this means that there’s an underlying issue. The easiest way to know if your fuse is blown is if only one door of your BMW is not working. This is an easy and quick fix. Just visit your mechanic and have it replaced.
Faulty wiring
Before you replace any of the door lock parts in your car, you should check the wiring. In most cases, people think that their door lock actuator or fuse has failed, only to realize that the wiring was disconnected or broken. This is very common in older BMW models.
The wiring in the car breaks or becomes faulty as your car ages. This is because the door is used often and it’s only a matter of time before the wires have to be replaced. So, before replacing other parts in the door lock system, check the wiring and have them repaired or replaced.
Failing control module
A failing or malfunctioning control module can cause a lot of problems with your locking system. Besides, most of these problems can be challenging to identify and diagnose and they are quite expensive parts of the system. Additionally, the control units also have to be programmed which adds to the overall cost of repair.
Therefore, if your lock actuator is having issues because of a failing control module, you will have to ensure it is diagnosed correctly.
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace an actuator in BMW?
It depends on the BMW make and model year. For instance, replacing a bad door lock actuator in the BMW 328i will cost between $450 and $600. Note that the labor cost is around $230 and the parts will cost about $280.
What causes the door lock actuator to fail?
There are several things that can cause the door lock actuator to fail. However, the main one is water seeping inside the car’s door. This causes the door lock actuator to malfunction. Hence, fixing the leakage can save the door lock actuator from failing. Another common reason is an old door lock actuator, which should be replaced.
What are some of the signs of a bad door lock actuator?
If you suspect that your BMW door lock actuator is bad or failing, there are several signs that can pinpoint the issue. Some of them include power door lock operating erratically, poor door lock doesn’t function, slow operation from the door lock, and strange noises while operating the door lock system.
Can a faulty door lock actuator drain battery?
Yes, a bad or faulty door lock actuator can drain your car’s battery. This is because as the lock rods are pushed down and up, the battery runs down. And if the lights stay on, the battery is drained even further. Hence, it is vital to have your bad BMW door lock actuator fixed to avoid further issues.
After how many miles does a door lock actuator start having issues?
There isn’t a specific period that door lock actuators start having problems in BMWs. The door lock actuator is supposed to last a lifetime. Nevertheless, most of them don’t and can develop problems when you least expect them. One of the BMW models with door lock actuator issues is the BMW 330 model.
Summary
BMW door lock actuators can be a nuisance to deal with, but they are easy to fix, unlike other BMW issues. Nonetheless, most of these problems can be avoided through routine checkups and proper maintenance.