Aftermarket door lock actuator fit?

[Dash01]

Will aftermarket door actuators work in E34 cars?

New BMW door lock actuators are expensive, and on Amazon and other sources there are advertised various aftermarket actuators which look like they might fit the stock E34 brackets. These afermarket units have two wires each, and sell for very low prices.

Has anyone here had luck with such aftermarket actuators?

[demetk]

I was looking at them for my e28. There are some that come with controllers. I think all you need is a lock and unlock wire and the GM can supply that.

[uscharalph]

I have successfully purchased and installed good working used BMW OEM actuators on eBay.

[GregT53]

The Dorman brand is typically lower cost and one forum member stated that while the packaging is labeled Dorman, the actuator is VDO, an OEM parts manufacturer for BMW and other companies.

[ross1]

The Dorman brand is typically lower cost and one forum member stated that while the packaging is labeled Dorman, the actuator is VDO, an OEM parts manufacturer for BMW and other companies.
Good information but I do not see the early versions offered in Dorman's catalog, just for '92 and later. Did you find something I missed?
Found Airtex/Wells early style offerings, #s 8D1420 for the rear(the worst offender of all) & 8D1427 for front.

[GregT53]

Good information but I do not see the early versions offered in Dorman's catalog, just for '92 and later. Did you find something I missed?
Found Airtex/Wells early style offerings, #s 8D1420 for the rear(the worst offender of all) & 8D1427 for front.

I, unfortunately, bought VDO labeled actuators from one of the Euro parts vendors for around $80 each. I was unaware that Dorman labeled packaging has VDO (made in Germany) actuators at half the cost until one of our forum members posted about is a few weeks ago. Dorman also makes window regulators, and I suspect these are very similar, if not identical to, the VDO brand. They could even be VDO labeled regulators just like the Dorman labeled actuators.

Next time I have electrical/mechanism repairs I’ll be taking a serious look at Dorman products.

[Dash01]

I recall reading about Dorman actuators which reportedly are actually VDO, reportedly for a much lower price. Trouble is, since reading that, I have found no source for less expensive Dorman/VDO actuators. Maybe the sellers wised up and jacked up their prices....

Where to find these cheap Dorman actuators that fit early E34 cars?

Otherwise, I'll try the new Mabuchi motor trick, reportedly as cheap as $3-$4 each for new motors, with DIY installation.