BMWs provide outstanding performance and dependability. To keep them running properly, they need expert care and maintenance. One concern that owners have is door lock failure. It is not something that many people think about, but it can happen.

Causes of Door Lock Failure in a BMW

It can be frustrating to get locked out of your BMW because the doors will not unlock on demand. Door lock failure has been reported in some BMWs, so pay attention to the condition of your locks. Have them checked out right away to prevent complete failure and a costly locksmith bill.

Faulty or Malfunctioning Key Fob

Modern cars no longer use keys. Instead, they use key fobs. Your fob has a computer code that is unique to your vehicle. This helps to guarantee that nobody but you can enter your car or start it. Sometimes the fob may be faulty or the battery may be dead.

Faulty Door Lock Actuator

The actuator tells your car to unlock or lock. It receives a lot of use over time. If the actuator begins to fail, you may notice intermittent issues. Your doors may start to unlock and lock by themselves. You may also notice a noise coming from the door. Each door has an actuator. Once you start having an issue, you should have it looked at before you get locked out of your car.

Blown Fuse

Your door locks have fuses, and those can blow. If the issue is with just a single door, the problem is probably a blown fuse. These can be replaced easily.

Bad Wiring

Wires can wear out over time. They can break, become loose, or disconnected entirely from your electrical system. Wires can also corrode from moisture exposure.

If You Get Locked Out

If you are trying to unlock your car door and are unsuccessful, there are a few things that you can do.

  • Check the Key Fob: The first thing that you want to do is check to see if the battery in your key fob is dead.
  • Check the Other Doors: Just because the driver’s door does not unlock doesn’t mean that one of the other doors won’t. This can allow you entry and time to get to a shop for quick repairs.
  • Call Your Mechanic: Our mechanics can fix your door lock failure. We will quickly find the problem and replace the defective component.

Importance of Working Locks

Failed power locks are not only an inconvenience they can also be a security issue. Your door locks need to be working properly for many reasons, such as to protect your valuables. Burglary is often a crime of opportunity. If you have valuables in your car, they are safer when the doors are locked. Many thieves will walk by your car and try the door. If the door is locked, they will often continue on their way. Breaking a window will bring attention to themselves.

Car Theft is also a major issue. Although your key fob is required to start your car, there are ways around it. Thieves know the tricks. They can even use the signal from your fob while it is in your home. Keeping your car locked and using a signal blocking bag for your key fob will lessen your chance of car theft.

Safety is the main reason. Locks are used to keep people out. Keeping your car doors locked when driving will reduce the risk of someone entering your car when you are stopped.

Locking your doors can also keep you safer during an accident. A locked door will help the door stay closed, preventing you from being thrown out of the car should a collision occur.

We are your Dealership Alternative

You do not have to take your BMW to a dealership. Our highly-skilled BMW mechanics can do the same quality work at a very reasonable price. We maintain ongoing professional training to service and repair all BMW models.

Trust Cerrone’s European with all your BMW Needs

At Cerrone’s European, you can trust us with all your BMW service and maintenance needs. We understand that you need your car to work on demand. Door lock failure is a terrible inconvenience and can leave you stranded. We will work with you to get the part fixed quickly. Call us today to discuss your door lock failure options or stop by and see us at Cerrone’s European, 2306 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA.