Tip - Lube Those Door Latches

[BrianX54.4is]

I had a door lock problem the last couple of weeks where the front passenger door could not be opened by either the inside or outside handles. Just suddenly stopped opening one day and stayed like this for a couple of weeks. The central locking actuator was working ok - the door pin was popping up and down just like all other doors but the handles would not release the latch. It was as though the door was still locked (although the pin was up).

I thought some part of the door latch mechanism must have broken. A search here revealed others had experienced the same or similar "door locked" problems but I found no easy solution. I considered trying to remove the door card while the door was still closed to get at the latch but this risked causing damage as the dashboard is preventing the door card from being removed. I left it for a few more days as it was the passenger door and I'm the only one in the car during the week. Then yesterday I tried the inside handle again and the door opened just like normal!

I didn't dare close it again without giving the door latch a good checking over. No sign of any damage or anything loose but there was some dried grease evident that did not seem to be on the other door latches. I sprayed in some WD40 and worked the latch a good few times and it's perfect now. I gave the other door latches a squirt also.

If the latch had not released itself - it might have been an expensive and troublesome problem to solve.

The tip here is to give the latches a little light lube once in a while. (I wouldn't recommend grease as this will attract dirt and eventually dry up and stick).

[4point4eye]

Great tip BrianX54.4is... Can you show the location where you sprayed in a pic? Thanks, 4point4eye...

[Clubscene]

Same thing happened to me on my 2002 X5 but on the drivers door. By banging on the door card and also the outside of the door with my fist I eventually opened it. It was well lubed up and hasnt occured since

[EKS PYB]

yes, i would like to know the location of where you sprayed the wd40 as well...

[Clubscene]

Spray it on the lock mechanisim on the door itself. Spray on grease might be a little better to use than wd40. If you want to do a really thorough job you could remove the door card and spray the lock moving parts on the inside of the door. Better safe than sorry, because if the door locks and cannot be opened it is a major headache that only a dealer or car lock enthusiast could sort.

[Icer006]

Originally Posted by Clubscene

Spray it on the lock mechanisim on the door itself. Spray on grease might be a little better to use than wd40. If you want to do a really thorough job you could remove the door card and spray the lock moving parts on the inside of the door. Better safe than sorry, because if the door locks and cannot be opened it is a major headache that only a dealer or car lock enthusiast could sort.

I agree. I wouldn't use WD40. I'd use either spray-on grease (white lithium)

[Weasel]

I actually lube all 4 door latches when doing oil services/inspections on E53s and E36/E46s just for better service to the customer. Silicone spray lube works great also. And dirt doesn't stick to the silicone as much as with regular spray lube, less sticky.