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?
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.
demet
I have successfully purchased and installed good working used BMW OEM actuators on eBay.
USC Ralph - Long Beach, CA USA
1989 E34 White 525i (M20) 310,000m (Sold)
1993 E34 Black 525i (M50) 308,955m
1995 E34 Calypso Red 540i/6 (M60) 201,254m
1993 E34 Black 525iT (M50) 138,500m
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.
If you can leave two black stripes from the exit of one corner to the braking zone of the next, you have enough horsepower. - Mark Donohue
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.
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.
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