Can`t open door

WesleyVocino · 12-29-2009, 07:52 PM

I have a 2001 bmw 330ci. My remote key does not work, so I started using the key manually to enter and start my car, until I would eventually give up and get another key.

This morning it was cold as hell being in Quebec. The key hole seemed frozen and I had to force the key in and turn it with a bit of force. When it turned nothing unlocked. Either way I turn the key it is like turning in butter.

I had to enter my car from the trunk!!! Man that looked stupid!!! Everything unlocks fine within the car, just not from the outside. Anyone know what happened? Did I break something in my door?

**T.Dot_E30** · 12-29-2009, 08:01 PM

Why do you assume you need another key, maybe it's the battery? Or maybe it just needs to be re-sync'd to the car.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=660142

Sorry can't help on the door lock issue, sounds like something broke.

WesleyVocino · 12-29-2009, 10:08 PM

Maybe, but that is not my problem right now. It is my door lock. I can not open my door manually with the key. Does anyone know what it can be. Could I have possible broke something while I was forcing opening it.

WesleyVocino · 12-30-2009, 02:04 PM

I think I will just buy a new remote key. I hate opening my doors manually anyway.

If my current remotes battery is dead where can I buy a new one?

And to re-sync the key, I have to follow the steps that there are some posts on right?

Thx guys

Ceeker · 12-30-2009, 02:48 PM

the key is going to be a bit pricey.. 180-200 range from dealership only. You'll need proof of ID to car. 10 days usually. Not sure if you can replace battery-that model may allow.
Dealership reprograms the key to the car from my understanding. unless there is another means?
As for your door lock -never force it!!
the cylinder sounds like it's spinning in the lock which means something broke free. if you haven't used the lock for a time and it's very cold - heat the key up with a lighter and then insert into the lock. that usually melts the ice inside and problem fixed.

good luck

convertible · 12-30-2009, 06:49 PM

Hi. It was below zero down here yesterday and I have the same problem.

My automatic fob functionality died a while back and I did nothing about it. I've been using the manual key entry method, but yesterday it was frozen. I heated the key and now the lock moves both counterclockwise and clockwise but nothing happens.

It's a 2003 330ci convertible. I can't get in. I am on vacation and just want to get home where I can use a my local guy to fix the problem.

1) how do I get in through the trunk? I opened the trunk and the speaker door (which is probably about 9" square). I was able to reach in with a long stick and put some pressure on the unlock button, but that didn't do it (turned in the hazard lights a few times though). Perhaps it was not enough pressure, or indicates a wider system problem...

2) Should I let AAA come and try to get the door open (I assume they use some type of slim jim.... will that mess up my door?)

- Pete

WesleyVocino · 12-30-2009, 08:25 PM

Hope my response in the PM helped Pete, you could call AAA, but he might have problems unlocking a BMW!!!

For the trunk, maybe it was made differently in 2003 because I can make it through, my whole seat goes down

WesleyVocino · 12-30-2009, 08:29 PM

200 bucks is better than changing the whole lock system, and at least I will be able to unlock my car remotely. Damn 10 days, I hope it dont take that long. A tech at bmw told me it takes approx 30 mins to reprogram the key to the car.

I dont think it will do much if I heat up the key. My key goes into the hole, just nothing happens when I turn it.

WesleyVocino · 01-06-2010, 01:58 PM

I went to the BMW dealer 2 days ago. A mechanic I saw there said to reprogram it before buying a new key. I told him I tried. He went in my car put the key in the ignition and did some magical stuff!

1 day later, yesterday, my damn key stopped working again, this time it will lock but not unlock. Called the guy I know at BMW, told him il just buy a new key, he told me it might not be the key the problem, and it might be a problem with the mechanism that unlocks the car.

So now I do not know what to do, buy a new key and hope it works, or change the door lock???? Damn this gets confusing!!!!!

Ceeker · 01-06-2010, 02:59 PM

A key with a smoked battery or faulty battery could work intermittently. You can try to reprogram it to see if it consistently works. Keep in mind when you went indoors, everything warmed up. So naturally the problem may go away. once you hit cold again, as happened, situation got aggravated. To order a "new key" takes 10 business days. because it comes from Germany. special order item. why i suggested heat, was because ice may have formed inside the lock cylinder which typically happens regardless of whether the key goes in or not. If you don't have heated locks and sometimes with - this "might" be a problem. A new lock cylinder might be cheaper if you can do it yourself. get your buddy to price it at his cost and have him do it for a case of brew.

WesleyVocino · 01-06-2010, 07:32 PM

I guess I could do that, but I want to use my electric key!!! LoL it hasent worked for the past 6 months. It actually takes 3-5 business days. I was told it comes from toronto.

Do you think it can possibly be the actuator or whatever it is that unlocks and locks the doors electronically, or you think it would be the key?

ryju · 01-08-2010, 09:33 AM

Sounds like the general module.

http://www.bmwgm5.com/

WesleyVocino · 01-10-2010, 10:26 AM

Hope its not that, just bought a new key. Hopefully its the key, if not il have to buy a new GM5

ryju · 01-10-2010, 10:36 AM

Is your key diamond shaped?

Mine is not and I've had similar issues. The car will lock just fine but will maybe unlock 95% of the time. I ordered a new key and that didn't really change anything. The central locking button in the car acts the same way meaning it's the main locking system which ties into the GM. I can hear the mechanism clicking as I press the button but it just fails to unlock the doors.

Actually last week the key stopped unlocking AND locking the doors so I replaced the battery and it's back to normal. However the module I think still needs to be replaced or repaired.

hamant · 01-10-2010, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WesleyVocino

I

I had to enter my car from the trunk!!! Man that looked stupid!!!

hahahahaha... thats awesome.. i wish i saw that