Mini Cooper Door Lock Malfunction HELP

[bmwman1845]

So, I have a 2003 Mini Cooper that I would like to sell, in order to get a 2003 X5 4.6is. I don't think that I will be able to sell it, because there is one small problem. The passenger door does not lock or unlock automatically. In order to let passengers in I have to reach over and unlock it by pulling the door handle. Then when locking up, I literally have to push the lock down. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem, or if anyone has any ideas what the problem could be. I really don't want to pay for the dealer to fix the door lock, and if I have to I would like to know how much money to expect to pay. Thanks for any help. -Tim

[pizdec]

was there any work done on that door recently?


So, I have a 2003 Mini Cooper that I would like to sell, in order to get a 2003 X5 4.6is. I don't think that I will be able to sell it, because there is one small problem. The passenger door does not lock or unlock automatically. In order to let passengers in I have to reach over and unlock it by pulling the door handle. Then when locking up, I literally have to push the lock down. I was just wondering if anyone else has had this problem, or if anyone has any ideas what the problem could be. I really don't want to pay for the dealer to fix the door lock, and if I have to I would like to know how much money to expect to pay. Thanks for any help. -Tim

[Juicy318]

I cant imagine it being to much $

[bmwman1845]

The door has never had any work done on it, it literally happened over night. I hope that it doesn't cost too much, but the thing I fear is a whole new locking system, and the Mini/BMW dealership in my area is difficult to work with.

[G. P. Burdell]

Our local independent BMW shops have begun servicing MINIs in the last couple of years. Perhaps one of your local shops can help you out.

[Koopah]

This problem has been seen a number of times. Various methods for addressing it have been discovered, though none (except the last) have worked in all situations.

Understand that the problem might be mechanical, with a failing door lock actuator being the prime culprit. Also loose/corroded wiring cannot be ruled out.

(1) "Resynchronizing" the door locks.

Door locking is processed by the BCU (body control unit) computer. As with power window operations, the BCU may become "confused" as to the state of the individual door locks.

You can try to synchronize the door locks and the BCU by manually locking both doors. Make sure the key is in the ignition and is turned to position 1. Hold down the door lock switch for about 10 seconds and release. Switch off the ignition and back on again. Try to see if the switch now operates the doors properly.

(2) Disconnecting the battery

Some folks have addressed this problem by disconnecting the battery. Note that you will zero-out your trip odometer, clock, and average speed/mpg values by doing this.

Remove the cables from the battery starting with the negative terminal. Remove the positive cable. Wait for about 5 minutes or so, then reconnect the cables.

Try the locks again. If the problem persists, try resynchronizing again.

(3) Dealer Service

If I were to guess reason for your MINIs behavior, I'd put my money on the actuator. If you are outside of your 4-year, 48,000 mile warranty, figure $300-$400 depending on your MINI dealer's labor rate. This is just a guess so don't hold me to this figure.

Hope this helps,

Theo

[Tmini]

+1 on the resets or the actuator.