interior lock button not working

[Joehinvt]

Hi all! Strange thing happened...I am in the process of repainting my 02 330xi and have the bumpers, rocker covers, head and taillights out of the vehicle. Now the interior lock button by the hazards does not work. Using the key in the drivers door locks and unlocks all the doors as it should...The key fob part I'm not sure of as I've done the battery hack to it and it only works sporadically....is there a fuse that may have mysteriously blown that controls that button? Thanks in advance!

[MN2K740i]

It's possible the switch merely just bought the ghost.....My M3 has the same issue, hooked up to ISTA D and I can push the buttons but there's no signal comeing from the switch.....About $30 on ECS tuning...That's where I'm starting at least, but I'm gonna follow this thread and also report back when I get my switch installed tomorrow.

[Joehinvt]

Never had a problem with it EVER. I was hoping since I disconnected my taillights and headlights that maybe since they can be programmed to flash with the lock button maybe they made the circuit complete...but they are all hooked back up and still not locking... I appreciate the follow up and will also let you know whats up with mine...When I figure it out! lol

[Hellmet]

The visual and audible alerts when locking and unlocking is programmable if you have an alarm present and has nothing to do with the center button. If your central locking works with the key and/or fob, then it does seem to point to a faulty button or faulty wiring/contacts. You could try testing another button from a scrapped car to see if that's your problem.

[MN2K740i]

Just replaced my switch today, about a 5 min job and everything works perfectly again. I honestly suggest this first, being that it's a common issue with the E46. My switch did the same thing as the switch in this YouTube video. The bottom of the switch comes undone and the buttons don't contact the guts of the switch enough because the bottom is pushed out. So before installing my new switch I put a few dabs of super glue on the tabs that lock into the switch body to hopefully prevent this issue from happening again in the future.

Here's the video link:
https://youtu.be/ok4DVdvBJb4

[MN2K740i]

Oh, and also make sure your key is out of the car and your doors are closed, otherwise the doors won't lock. Learned that today too lol