Door Lock Actuator Replacement DIY BMW E46 

Here are the links for the parts from ECS Tuning. If I have helped you out, help me out by buying from the affiliate link down below. Thanks! Sedan Front Left: click.linksynergy.com/link?id=BZfgVZ7JGM8&offerid=580643.12221700254&type=2&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecstuning.com%2Fb-genuine-bmw-parts%2Fdoor-lock-left%2F51217011241%2F Sedan Front Right: click.linksynergy.com/link?id=BZfgVZ7JGM8&offerid=580643.12221697040&type=2&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecstuning.com%2Fb-genuine-bmw-parts%2Fdoor-lock-right%2F51217011308%2F Coupe Left: click.linksynergy.com/link?id=BZfgVZ7JGM8&offerid=580643.12221697936&type=2&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecstuning.com%2Fb-genuine-bmw-parts%2Fdoor-lock-left%2F51217011305%2F Coupe Right: click.linksynergy.com/link?id=BZfgVZ7JGM8&offerid=580643.12221682402&type=2&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecstuning.com%2Fb-genuine-bmw-parts%2Fdoor-lock-right%2F51217011244%2F

You all are an absolute GODSEND for BMW owners. Thank you so much for going through all the trouble teaching us how to take care of our aging babies 🙂

An 11 out of 10 guys. The best actuator DIY on an e46 I ever saw. Congrats on that!!

This guy is so clear and articulate with great camera work and editing. Superb!

The best video i had seen so far about any repair, so detailed and the fact that you mention what tools are needed, isthe part part of all. THANK YOU, honestly the best videos out there!

Another good video. I’ve done these a million times but always watch this again to refresh my memory before starting

Once again @shoplifetv coming to save the day! Your video about the blower motor resistor was spot on and help me get my a/c going again in my car for this Texas heat and now I’m having the lock/unlock issue and will use this video 👍🏻

I have my actuator sitting here waiting for a decent day to replace it. I've only found one decent video tutorial up until today. Thanks so much for putting this and your other videos up! Thanks for showing how the pieces disconnected/connected as you went through. Well done and keep them coming!

Thanks great video. I have an 2003 e46 325ci been a great car. The outside door handle cable on the drivers side has broken twice. The first time I took to my mechanic. This video has shown me enough information I think to try the repair myself. Thanks

Great video, Jason - some tips from me: 1. use a couple of drops of superglue to stick the glass-retaining screw to the socket - I lost count of the number of times I dropped those horrible screws! 2. "lock" the door (while it's open) with a screwdriver, and test the exterior and interior handles before committing to closing the door. 3. while you have access to the back of the door _handle_ mechanism, DROWN it in WD40 while cycling the handle, then DROWN it in lubricant while cycling the handle; it can seize up in cold weather and leave the door unable to close.

Great and detailed videos you make, I just swapped the doorlock on my wifes e46 touring with help of your video.... and the central locking started working...

Thankyou so much. By far the best videos I've been able to find on this common e46 problem, explaining everything in full detail. Good job my freind. Muchly appreciated!!

This video showed me everything I need to know about replacing my actuator on my BMW 325I. Thank you.

Couple of comments on this. BEfore anyone replaces their actuator, make sure its in fact what is wrong. It could be your GM5, which is your relay board. I went through all the trouble to do the swap and no change. The best way to test this, is without taking anything out, unplug the current actuator in your door, and plug it into your new one, see if it actuates up and down before you do the swap. If i had down this, i would have saved the hour and time to do the entire project. the GM5 module is in the glovebox, there is a guy with a website that does the repair for 100, its far cheaper correction than a new actuator and the time to install it. Its really important you make 100% sure your actuator is bad, the only way to test it is to unplug it and plug in the new one (without installing), and see if it works, if not, then you know its your GM5 module that need repair. ALSO - my 2001 E46 M3 didnt have the same bolts for the window mounting, they were REVERSE TORX bolts and...THEY ARE REVERSE threaded, VERY IMPORTANT to note this. Great video if it was in fact the actuator but folks need to know there is two causes for a lock not working situation.

Bought a cheap 325I touring that needs just about everything fixing . front suspension bushes, Door lock actuator. Now just needs air con , oil leaks to be done. Thanks for the awesome instructional videos. Keep up the good work. Great car, just needs 1000Kg (2000lbs) removing.

I have to do mine on my coupe lol I've been putting it off as its the rarely used passenger door. Actuators are not cheap here unfortunately! Nice job as always! Well done xx

amazing DYIs as always. Your videos are a lifesaver. My door was frozen this morning so I checked out your video to see what's involved in removing the door actuator. Hopefully, I can get the tumbler unfrozen without having to do this.

Seriously great teaching video. This isn't an easy one to figure out without a video like this. Thank you!~

Wow! Solid video and commentary for each step during the replacement of the actuator. Greatly appreciated!

Was planning on doing this job sometime next week. Thanks for the video !

I always learn from your videos Jason. We just bought our 2nd BMW .. a 3.25 coupe .. and the lock cylinder is definitely bad ..nowo i know i need only to remove 1 screw to get is out of there. Hope all is going your way in Carolina. GB you & the Mrs.

Really nicely explained, many thanks.

Great video. Helped me a lot. Thanks!

I have this problem! Thank You!

very detailed and informative DIY as usual . i replaced my passenger side on my E46 M3 before this video has been uploaded. it would have been alot easier if i have seen this video. just take your time and lots of patience. i’m glad i have small hands 😊

Thank you, I struggled with this for a long time and could not remove the lock from the door. After this video it was easy :)

Video was very useful, thank you for making it.

You're the man Bro!!!

Excellent video, just replaced mine, lock operates much smoother now, but unfortunately remote still sometimes works sometimes does not, I guess my GM5 is busted, darn it!

Excellent helpfull video thankyou very appreciated

Thanks for sharing this video.

Superb DIY ..! :) help out heaps

Great video, thank you 😎

Amazing videos and without a doubt, you're my go-to for DIY videos for my E46! You've shown how to replace an actuator for a sedan / wagon but is it the same approach for a coupe? As you know, the window is frameless so would I be better off removing the glass entirely or would I mess up the alignment?

You make it look easy. i have an e46 M3 my passenger lock wont go down its stuck in open so i cant lock my car hope this solves my issue. thanks for this great video very valuable

Best video im ever saw!!!

Your the man love your video

nice diy and good video work and editing!

Perfect video,best vidéo for see all about the door lock

Great video! I've got a 2004 325ci,all at one my door open was lit up on driver's side door,my lock would no longer work with my key button.my car thinks my door is ajar I guess?does this sound like I need to replace the actuator?

Gracias

Hi, thank you very much for this video. Can you tell me about the coupe please? How different is it? Do I have to remove the window as well? (My actuator is the previous one 1999 the external handle has a different mechanism of liver making it of an L shape.

Great video. I have heard/seen that in a coupe, you can get away with leaving the regulator in, but just unbolting it as well as the window clamp, closest to the actuator. Have you ever tired it that way?

Hi there, excellent video your attention to detail is next level. Would you recommend replacing the actuator first or having the GM5 module repaired? Thanks

Do a review of your s54 swapped e46 and why you decided to swap

Your videos have been amazing. Thank you for the help! I have a question maybe you can point me in the right direction. I swapped my door cards and now I'm having a bit of issues with my car unlocking. Sometimes it really doesn't want to unlock and I have to crawl in through the window. (if I hold the unlock button the window goes all the way down. Then even pressing the interior button the car doesn't want to unlock the doors, neither does the door handle. Is something stuck? It's not consistent, sometimes its fine, othertimes not so much. Any help is appreciated Thanks

Thanks for every one of your videos. I have a 325i 2002 with the new electronic fan, new temperature sensor and the problem is that the fan never turns on....please help me.....thanks

I World like to thank you.

Help!!!!! Great video by the way much appreciated. I took my door apart and have noticed I am missing the yellow latch cable that you talk about. I have the actuator out and instead of the white connector I have a metal bracket and I do not see this cable anywhere inside the door. Not sure what do do now. Problem was that when I unlocked the door with the key fob it would not pop. Most of the time I have to put the key in the door and turn it back and forth than unlock it with the key fob. Why would my car be different. 1999 323i Please help and what is that cabled called, I can't find it in any parts diagrams.

Very good video, keep up the good work!!!!!

Hello 👋 I'm from Azerbaijan, Thanks my friend....

Please make a video how install a replica front bumper e46 m3 in the coupe

Hey..I was wondering if this applys at all to changing the whole lock itself..i have a rusted driver door where it meets the quarter panel and bought a whole door from my local junkyard to replace it but im having a hard time putting my original lock for my key in the newer junkyard door..

Everything about this video is great. Love the close ups of the smaller parts. Only regret is that om my 323ci pre 08/2000 the exterior door handle does not have a cable hook up . Instead it has a solid piece of metal that seems to go up to the door handle. Any one know of a video for that setup?

Hi there, excellent video …. WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND replacing the actuator FIRST or having the GM5 module repaired? Thanks

You guys fkn rock. I'd work for you in A heartbeat.

Does this DIY fix the issues seen with e46's where you can open the door from the inside, but you can't from the outside? When I pull on the outside door handle their seems to be no tension/resistance. Taking off the door panel it seems like the cable has become loose and came off the track it needs to be on.

Thx

Merci !👍👌🤘

The newer style actuator is plug&play on pre 00's lever style actuator electrical instalation? Thanks!

Hey brother I would really appreciate some knowledge here, would a faulty driver side door lock actuator effect all four doors? That is the problem I am having with my wife’s e46 wagon.All four doors are not wanting to lock/unlock center counsel locking button is also not working? I know battery is good alternator is charging at 14 volts it’s not the immobilizer because the car does start drive, or are all these symptoms GM5 related?

Can you please make a video on a 2008 528i trunk lock actuator not locking?

Hi bud, my 2000 323i tends to lock itself sometime. It has locked me out a few times! Do you think it's the actuator or maybe the center console hazard and door lock switch?

Question would a failing driver door actuator that fails the bring the latch up fully affect the rest of the doors abilities to unlock at all?

Hi ! Do you know if I must reprograming the FRM module when install a new door lock actuator ?, because install a new actuator, and my car don't work the lights, the alarm, etc.

Great video but I have one question: I have an 2003 325Ci and when you open the door the window drops down a little to clear the convertible top. If I remove the window motor and move the window up and down as in the video how do I make sure the window is indexed correctly when I re-install the motor? Thanks

Hi everyone ! I need to replace the cable that goes from the exterior door handle to the lock (the yellow one). Mine snapped just where it attaches to the handle assembly and I got a replacement one. Question is : Do I need to take out the handle, its assembly (if so, do I nee to take out the window actuator and other stuff ?) and the lock actuator or can I work my way around it and unhook the cable from both ends without taking everything out (I got tiny hands, if it helps lol) ? Thanks ;)

Such good info dude, thanks.

My 325ci driver side door actuator works well for 10-15 days but stops working for 3-5 days then repeat the process. Is there a loose wire somewhere or does this mean the lock is on its way to dying and needs to be changed? How long does it take to change the lock? I would appreciate your input.

Thanks!

Great tutorial clip. But I have an issue. I couldn't open the passenger door to fix since the actuator not working. There is no key whole. Any tip how to open the door? Thanks.

What if the door is not opening from the outside and inside after removing the door panel and pulling the cable of the latch manually

My lock actuator for my driver door went out could I just buy a used door and take there lock actuator? Because for a 2001 330ci it costs $180 for the part. But you could find a used door for $100

Hello, somehow I managed to loose the rod from the actuator after the job was done. Does that mean I have to everything all over again or is there any way to put it back from the outside? The reason I don’t want to do everything all over again is because I broke the clip to the airbag and the light came on afterwards. I fixed that but I would prefer not to risk that again... If no, is it necessary to remove the airbag? Or is it safe if the battery is disconnected first for 30 minutes and then just let it be there while someone holds it?

Hey bro love your channel I need your help

can you replace the key cylinder without repacing the actuator

Can I use the back door one for the front ?

Hi! How do we know if the door actuator is bad, or the relais on the gm module is bad?

Hey I have a 2002 330I and i did the whole passanger door replacement and followed all steps to your videos but the only problem is the actuator unlocks and locks but doesnt let me open from the outside handle

My 05 e46 coupe started misbehaving yesterday. The passenger Door Open indicator came on and the window came down 1/4", even though the door was fully closed. I can roll the window down and back up but it will automatically do the 1/4" drop and the Door Open light stays on. It roll down automatically but don’t roll up,have to hold the button to roll up and still come down 1/4. Any idea what might be the fault or how to fix it thanks in advance.

Whats complicated with the convertible model as I have the same problem not unlocking on the passenger side (left)

I wish it could go as smoothly for me as it did for yiy

What's funny is that I have a ZHP parts car that I got, and it now seems like the GM5 module is bad as I cannot open the passenger front door. I can't pull the unlock nub out, it's stuck locked. Any ideas? I don't want to swap GM5 modules.

Great video bro as always! Is there only one Actuator for both doors ? And the interior unlock and lock button does not work A symptom of the broke actuator ?

what do you do if you cant open the doors from out side or in thinking of breaking window as tried every thing on my Bmw 330ci doors jammed closed nightmare

Would this be the same on a compact?

Is it possible to remove the actuator without messing with the window regulator?

Can you do a review about the GM5s, I might have issue with mine

A QUICK WAY TO BYPASS ALL OF THAT IS TO USE THE KEY. Open up your fab and take the key out and open the door manually. Only for driver side door though.

Great video, about to do mine. Quick question- if I want to lower window by connecting back battery, why do I need to hook up back airbag? Video at 11 min. Just wanted to lower window without disassembling the motor

Great video. I just used this to take me through this job tonight out in my driveway. The only question I have is what's wrong with the 61 people that disliked the video?!?! Thanks for the great content.

if central locking doesn't work and there is indicator of open door on the dashboard even if the door is closed that means that lock actuator is dead?

I have a 2011 bmw f10 just today all my doors are lock and won’t open by remote are manually, can all my door locks go all at once?

my 2000 323 Ci, the driver door does not work unless I pull up and out excessively hard. The interior latch works good with no problem opening the door. Anyone know if this is also due to a faulty actuator?

You should have mentioned one other symptom of a bad actuator, coming out to your car and finding the windows and sunroof open. That's why I replaced mine.

Hi. If you know how fix the trunk window in a bmw e46 wagon.? I replaced the switch and dosent work. Thanks.. Jose

would this keep your key fob from working ? i just spent $300 0n a new bmw key ..new and old key the fob does not work .what can i do ?

Does anyone know if a 2003 BMW 325Ci convertibles interior will fit in a 2001 325Ci Coupe?

Hello How can I do it if the driver's door does not open with the control or with the key? Thanks

can the actuator prevent the door from being unlocked even if you use the key?