Power lock broken

[bmwidd]

The passenger side power lock has all of a sudden stopped working on my '98 328iS. It does not lock or unlock with either the remote or the power lock button in the car. The driver side works perfectly though. Also, when you listen to the noise that you can hear when pushing the lock button, it sounds like something is happening behind the door panel, but the lock doesn't pop up (or down). It does lock/unlock manually though (ie: unlocks when you pull the inside door handle and locks when you push the button down).

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Greg]

Sounds to me like the linkage between the lock motor and the mechanical pieces. If you hear the solinoid working and the key works, it's about all thats left. Pull the panel to know for sure what is working and what is not.

 

[CTBMW]

This is the DUMBEST reply yet.
I had same problem w/ 95 318I. I didn't want to take door apart. I slammed door, worked lock manually a zillion times, did this for about 2 days.
One day while washing car, I was wiping it down-outside, trunk, hood, door jams, and the next time I went to lock doors the pass. side door locked-been fine for weeks now!
I wonder if I wiggled a contact where door latches or something?
I wasn't going to reply because so weird, but I thought you may look into contacts on door or frame.
Good luck!
I always tell passengers " you don't have to slam the door-it isn't a ford!"
(sorry don't Cap. American cars)
-Mel
Let us know how you make out-it may save someone else! (I don't mean my reply-just let us know what it was, what to do)

 

[gbf1lm]

same problem in moms 540i
we have to lock it manually and if u forget and u open dor to lock it after its been locked with remote alarm goes off.

 

[Tom 328]

I have the same problem with my 96 328i driver's door. It works intermittently though. It's either the door lock actuator or just the linkage binding somehow. I have yet to take my door panel off to check it out, but I'm hoping it's just a problem with the linkage since it works about 50% of the time.