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**bristolbmw** · 02-09-2010, 01:04 AM

My door lock problem on my E46 is proving very problematic. I lost my key and ordered a new one from BMW. The car was locked and the mechanical lock on my car had frozen up in the bad weather. The Key seems to just turn loosely now so I suspect the catch inside is broken. I can't use the new key remote as it needs to be initialized by inserting it into the ignition key and performing some magic incantations.

I managed to get an aluminum rod through the top of the door gap to depress the centre console central door lock switch but nothing happened (it definitely depressed correctly). I guess the ignition key needs to be inserted to make this switch active. The hazard warning switch next to it was active and could be switched on and off by this method.

So kind of running out of ideas to get into the car and use my nice new very expensive key to start using the car again. If I could get in then I would replace the mechanical lock on the drivers side door. There is no passenger door lock. The trunk will open with the key (not the remote as initialize problem stops that). The back of the trunk is welded so no way of entering the car that way either.

This car is apparently the first ever RHD 330D made so there are a few things on it which are out of sequence for the year of manufacture (was owned by BMW for a year as a Press demonstrator car).

Any ideas other than a carefully aimed hammer through the window?

Thanks in advance.

02-09-2010, 01:04 AM	#5
bristolbmw Name: bristolbmw Title: United Newb Status: Offline Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bristol UK User not setup in Rate My Car. Click here to set it up. Your Ride: 1999 330D E46	My door lock problem on my E46 is proving very problematic. I lost my key and ordered a new one from BMW. The car was locked and the mechanical lock on my car had frozen up in the bad weather. The Key seems to just turn loosely now so I suspect the catch inside is broken. I can't use the new key remote as it needs to be initialized by inserting it into the ignition key and performing some magic incantations. I managed to get an aluminum rod through the top of the door gap to depress the centre console central door lock switch but nothing happened (it definitely depressed correctly). I guess the ignition key needs to be inserted to make this switch active. The hazard warning switch next to it was active and could be switched on and off by this method. So kind of running out of ideas to get into the car and use my nice new very expensive key to start using the car again. If I could get in then I would replace the mechanical lock on the drivers side door. There is no passenger door lock. The trunk will open with the key (not the remote as initialize problem stops that). The back of the trunk is welded so no way of entering the car that way either. This car is apparently the first ever RHD 330D made so there are a few things on it which are out of sequence for the year of manufacture (was owned by BMW for a year as a Press demonstrator car). Any ideas other than a carefully aimed hammer through the window? Thanks in advance.