Help can't open BMW

lacreme

I have an 02 BMW 316 i se saloon

I am having issues with both main and spare keys. Both will unlock boot and will lock car but I am having huge problems opening it. No battery in the key it charges in ignition (from reading manual)

Problem is I have three kids (3 and under) and I keep getting stuck when out with key not opening car, it normally works eventually but this weekend was the worst ever, daughter got finger mangled in a door and in hurry to get her home but stuck for 15 mins trying to get car open. I can open driver side with key but no other doors, also can't open any other doors when in the car, have tried that approach. So basically only driver side and I have to load kids in through that. I have also tried central locking button when in car, which normally doen's work either but when it does it just locks drivers door and then I am locked in!!! Hope that makes some sense

I tried to google it and was getting confused about codes etc. My petrol cap won't open either (read if this opened then could just be a fuse)

Any advice or should I contact BMW, I have feeling might be the car more than the key but would prefer to have idea before walk in to garage, damsel in distress doesn't really work anymore

Thanks

langdang

This is generic well intentioned advice:
A BMW specialist (what part of the country are you in?) would be a better option at that age rather than a main dealer.
Might be worth disconnecting the car battery for 20mins then reconnecting, might reset any software gremlins. It could be a failing Body Control Module, you may be able to get a reconditioned module from the UK (I know you can for BMW Mini's anyway...). A independent specialist would sort you out there, a main dealer will only offer you a brand new part ($$ most likely) ..

lacreme

Thanks langdang. Am based in Dublin will do a Search for a specialist. Would try the battery suggestion however would have to ask you how to do that ha!!!!

langdang

A good auto electrician might sort you out, but a BMW specialist might have better access to reconditioned modules if needed. AC seem to be the name I hear about in Dublin - http://www.acmotorworks.ie/service

They are still gonna be more expensive than your average small garage mechanic, but not BMW dealer labour prices. Plenty of BMW heads round here, hang on awhile in case any of them have fixed a similar issue.

lacreme

Thanks again. Will hold on for today anyway and might also contact the garage I bought from, Yomac, as they deal with older cars etc

Weekend was the final straw

DublinDilbert

You'd be better off going to an auto electrician. If the car is having the same problem all the time they should be able to find it very quickly.

Its funny that it has no issue poping the boot and closing the doors but it doesn't like opening them so much. The RKE receiver in the mirror should be waking up periodically to check for RF from the keyfob. It is possible that the receiver isn't waking up correctly. If you plugged in another interior mirror from a similar car that could rule in / out the RF receiver.

lacreme wrote: »

might also contact the garage I bought from, Yomac, as they deal with older cars etc

No comment....

lacreme

Thanks DublinDilbert.

Any suggestions on a good auto electrician? Yes it's pretty tempermental alright but what you are saying about the receiver seems a good description as it definitely works, when it works, when pressed from certain place, although that could all be in my head by now

Nforce

This is a common issue with E46's. The fault lies in the GMV module (general module). What happens is that the modules relays burn out over time leading to the symptoms that your car is displaying. It's worse in extremes of temperature. http://www.bmwgm5.com/

lacreme

Thanks Nforce, that sounds like exactly the problem, wonder does he does his delivery repair to Ireland.

Have contacted ACMotors and will bring it down to be checked

Lacreme

Nforce

This guy does it in the UK...http://www.bmwcentrallocking.co.uk/

If you plan on sending your module for repair bear in mind that the car will still be drivable without the module installed,but you won't have c/l and the wipers won't work either.