*94 525 Driver Door won't Latch Closed*

[sonar5]

Hi all,

I did a search and couldn't find anything on this. Got to my son's football practice and my driver door would not close.

Normally the door catches a latch, and stays closed. It appears the spring or other mechanism is not working.

See attached pics, I already have two big screws out, and door panel off.

All Help is appreciated.

1st Pic. Passenger door showing as if closed latch enabled.
http://www.bimmer.info/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1641&stc=1

2nd pic driver door, showing latch moves, but does not or will not engage spring clip??
http://www.bimmer.info/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1642&stc=1

3rd Pic, panel off, layer peeled, showing what looks like two springs resting. This is a pic of area right below lock handle.
http://www.bimmer.info/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1643&stc=1

NOTE: ALL Lock mechanisms work, when door is held closed to suppress switch on frame where door contacts,

You can see what I am talking about with door open, close latch on door, and then lift handle to release latch.

My handle has no latch to release. I am also not sure how to remove the mechanism. Any pics would help a bit.

Thanks again,
Joe

[Kalevera]

I haven't seen one break, but I have seen them corrode. When was the last time the car had an inspection II? They're supposed to lube all jambs and latches.

Is the thing flopping around in there, or is it stuck? When the door won't close, I usually attack it with a bit of PB, then teflon. Some of them are mothers, esp around here, but it usually does the trick.

best, whit

[sonar5]

Thanks whit,

It's not flopping at all, it seems to be in the down position instead of being up to click the latch and keep the latch closed.

This makes the car totally undriveable from a safety standpoint.

Does anyone have any pics or a procedure to remove the mechanism? I do not have a bentley manual.

I'll also try the PB method as well.

Thanks,
Joe

[sonar5]

Well I guess no one has come across this before.

Thanks anyway.

[Kalevera]

Joe --

Sorry for not responding -- the thread got buried, I haven't seen it personally, but I haven't been doing this very long.

I can take a few pictures to help you out, if needed. One thing to do before attempting any repair is to determine if the latch mechanism is at fault or the handle itself.

best, whit

[sonar5]

Thanks Whit,

It is not the handle. I am able to hold a mirror and a flashlight and the Handle lifts and activates it, while rolling against the plate.

Pretty sure it is the mechanism or something.

I missed a screw and plan to try and take it out tomorrow. The screw was on the door jamb behind some weather stripping.. Doh!! (3 Total, 2 Visible.)

If you look at yours, rotate the mechanism down with the door open. Lift the handle to release it.

In Pic one, it is the silver thing sticking up holding the latch in the closed position. That is on my Passenger door and works great.

In Pic Two I am holding the latch in the closed position, however the silver thing is down. If I try to rotate it there is no play to it, it will go back down on its own, and won't catch anything.

Hopefully I will be able to get it out tomorrow to work on it.

Just what I wanted to do on Sunday.

[sonar5]

Hi all,

I got the part removed, and if I close the latch, and hold it upside down, it stays. The unit seems to be a closed unit, so I am looking to replace it.

So I still need help. What is this thing called.

Here are two pics. Had fun removing it though. :)

I looked at BavAuto, and searched with "door", and saw no pictures of it, nor does their catalog list it AFAIK.

Thanks,
Joe

http://www.allsalesbyowner.com/!ebay/latch1.jpg http://www.allsalesbyowner.com/!ebay/latch2.jpg

[RobPatt]

pretty much did as you have, got my replacement locking mechansim from bav auto recycling for some stupid high price (like 100 I think)... check with Rigmaster on the forum, he may have one... hope this helps. -Rob.


Hi all,

I got the part removed, and if I close the latch, and hold it upside down, it stays. The unit seems to be a closed unit, so I am looking to replace it.

So I still need help. What is this thing called.

Here are two pics. Had fun removing it though. :)

I looked at BavAuto, and searched with "door", and saw no pictures of it, nor does their catalog list it AFAIK.

Thanks,
Joe

http://www.allsalesbyowner.com/!ebay/latch1.jpg http://www.allsalesbyowner.com/!ebay/latch2.jpg

[sonar5]

Thanks Rob,

I'm heading out to a bone yard rioght now. I'll report in later.

[sonar5]

Ok Back from the Junk yard. I called ahead, they had one '92 525, there since 9/5/05.

Drove out there. Some idiot took the door panel already, didn't know there was a screw behind the inside door handle, and ripped the cable to shreds getting it off. My Cable is fine, BTW.

My Part was there, and 20 minutes later, I was gone for a grand total of $9.45. And the part works too.

I plan to put it in tomorrow morning first thing. Should take about 30 minutes total.

Thanks for the help guys. I appreciate it.

Regards,
Joe

[sonar5]

Ok, took me about 45 Minutes to get it all done and working. (reminds himself to buy more panel clips, and is ticked he forgot to grab them at the junk yard.)

Works great, design was slightly different but only cosmetic. All parts and plugs worked the same.

I wonder what a stealer would have charged for the part, diagnosis, and installation? Anyone have an idea?

We now return you to your regularly scheduled BMW problem.

Thanks,
Joe