Door will NOT open, NOT lock issue

[DangerClose]

Hi all,
First time post here. My drivers door will not open from the inside or outsidebanghead. All locks actuate (including drivers) for lock and unlock. When i pull either the inside or outside handle I feel a little grinding towards the end of the pull.
Does anyone know how to take the driver's front door panel off without opening the door?

[shogun]

Which car, model, built year?

[DangerClose]

1992 e34 525i m50 non vanos

[John B.]

If your door panel is the same as the ones on my 535i I don't see it happening as the rear edge of the panel is behind the door seal.

[DangerClose]

Well, it needs to happen! I need some way to get in it. Cut the door panel?

[shogun]

we had an instruction in 2005 http://www.bimmernut.com/forum/electronics-lights-plus-c/13792-locked-rear-door-panel-removal-those-you-who-have.html
but the pic does not work anymore http://www.bimmer.info/~bill/Locked%20rear%20door%20opening%20procedure.jpg

Maybe Bill R. still has a copy?

Other links I found with google
Help removing rear interior door panel (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1490184-Help-removing-rear-interior-door-panel)
BMW E34 door lock actuator repair (http://www.bmw4life.com/doorLockActuator.htm)
BMW e34 Remove door lock mechansim - Door Swap Project - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXzY5cLWdmI)


Topic: E34 locked rear door opening procedure
Posted: 06-August-2011 at 22:33 by shogun

If the rear door lock actuator fails when the door is locked, the door cannot be opened to replace the actuator.

The following procedure can be used to open the door without cutting the door trim panel.

Remove 3 screws retaining door trim panel at upper mount of grab handle, inside door release handle, and behind ashtray.

Remove plastic door lock knob.

Open the window and, using a putty knife or trim removal tool, carefully pry the the uppermost part of the door trim panel away from the chrome trim by the window opening to get the upper retaining clips to release.

The insertion of the tool is eased somewhat by pressing down the trim panel.

Carefully pry the trim panel back, and use a small block of wood or screwdriver handle to hold it away from the door.

Use a long, thin screwdriver to reach between the trim panel and door, and peel the insulating sheet away from the door so that you can see the end of the lock actuator.

Use a bar or a long, heavy screwdriver to reach inside the door and contact the white plastic end of the actuator that the lock linkage hooks up to.

Hit the end of the tool so that the white plastic end breaks off, disconnecting the linkage from the seized actuator.

The door can now be unlocked and you may proceed with the repair in the usual manner.
-----------------
BMW E34 Website (http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Maintenance/Body/DoorRemoval.htm)

by Mr. Graybeard
Take off the inner door weatherstripping (the fuzz-covered stuff that always wants to pop off the channel). That'll give you that crucial half-inch that can enable you to pop the door panel fasteners free. A dental pick with a 90-degree or hook-shaped point is small enough to get behind the fasteners in the limited space and pry them out. of the holes in the inner door structure. And +1 on removing the seat to give you access to the clips on the aft side of the panel.

Once the fasteners are all released, you can raise the panel to a wider point in the door opening and take it out. Some of the fasteners might still be slightly engaged but they can be broken and replaced. The panel may separate from the chrome channel that holds the inner window sweeper gasket, which would make the job easier. Otherwise, the channel will have to be detached from the top of the inner door structure so the panel can be lifted.

[DangerClose]

I'll try this procedure this weekend and see if it works on the front for removing the panel. Ill let yall know how it ends up

[DangerClose]

Alright, got the driver's door panel removed (only two bent clips). Any suggestions on how to get the door open? Thanks for the reference shogun

[DangerClose]

I forgot to elaborate that my main problem is the front door lock mounting screw located between the door and the b pillar

[DangerClose]

Update: when I pull the inside or outside handle it feels exactly like I am pulling a door handle on an open door. To feel what im talking about open any door on your e34 slowly... you will feel some play then resistance and the door opens... with the door open pull your handle again... no resistance (this is what my door does all the time). Hard to explain but I hope this shines some light on this for yall

[632 Regal]

My rear door does the same thing but I get a little resistance but it wont open. I would imagine it's something to do with the linkage at the latch which I can't get to because the same panel issue. Not motivated enough to risk the panel on a car I hardly drive. Will watch this thread and tackle mine when it warms up. Might be able to hook a coat hanger to the latch and pop it that way.