[fishinfriend]

The front passenger door lock on my 2013 335i Xdrive is not locking and unlocking anymore, and I was planning to replace the door lock actuator myself. I have replaced all the door speakers recently, so removing the door panel is not an issue for me. I was searching for DIY vids on Google and did not find any pertaining to the F30. If anyone has experience doing this, your advice would be most appreciated. From what I've seen, the OEM part can be bought on-line for around $180, though the Dorman branded ones are much less.

[FaRKle!]

If you're referring to part #2 on this diagram then the Bimmertech Soft Close Door Latch Installation Video should be able to guide you.

[bimmer456]

The Bentley manual should have the info. Also try FCP Euro as they have OEM or something like OEM equivalent and lifetime warranty on their parts including consumables like oil. So if it breaks again you get a new one no questions asked. Though you have to pay shipping.

[fishinfriend]

Thanks for the advice. I bought the part from FCP Euro for the amazingly low price of $59 shipped. They claim it is Genuine BMW. The first hurdle was determining which part to order, as features like whether your car has Alarm and/or Comfort Access have to be factored in. And most of the info on line is not too helpful, with Oemparts.com being the best. I have seen videos of the door lock actuators being replaced on E90s, and in those cases, the window bracket had to be moved to allow the actuator unit to be wiggled out. Hopefully, this is not required with the F30.

[fishinfriend]

Farkle! and bimmer 456, thanks for your help. I ordered the OEM lock actuator from FCP Euro on Friday for under $60 shipped, received it yesterday and installed in in 1 hour. Dealer would have charged $500, and an indy mechanic wanted $400. The Bimmertech video was most useful.

[DrivenByE30]

This is happening to me as well.

Front pax door cannot be locked on my 2012 35i

Will check this out.

[fishinfriend]

DrivenByE30, feel free to contact me if you have any questions. First step is to get the correct replacement part, which will depend on whether your car has Alarm and Comfort Access or not. Use the VIN number to verify with the vendor. And prices vary enormously for OEM BMW lock acuators. Some vendors are selling for $175 and up whereas FCP Euro and some sellers on Ebay are selling for $50-$70. Same identical part. I compared the part I bought on FCP Euro for $59 shipped with the part I took off my car: 100% identical.

[52172]

I’m seeing the actuator on fcp euro for about 170?

[fishinfriend]

Originally Posted by 52172

I’m seeing the actuator on fcp euro for about 170?

The part I ordered from FCP Euro is actually cheaper now, and is listed for $44.91 before shipping. Have to be sure which model actuator you need, as there are various options depending on your car's configuration.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ht-51217202146

[Korvo]

Originally Posted by fishinfriend

The part I ordered from FCP Euro is actually cheaper now, and is listed for $44.91 before shipping. Have to be sure which model actuator you need, as there are various options depending on your car's configuration.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ht-51217202146

We're you able to get this installed? Did it fix the issue? I have the exact same problem and would just like to do this work myself.

What were the details of your car, do you have comfort access?

[fishinfriend]

Originally Posted by pdegene

We're you able to get this installed? Did it fix the issue? I have the exact same problem and would just like to do this work myself.

I installed the part in under an hour and it worked perfectly. You will need a set of door trim removal tools (Amazon.com has plenty), a few hand tools and a torch. Before you start, watch the Bimmertech video posted by Farkle on an earlier response.

[fishinfriend]

Originally Posted by fishinfriend

I installed the part in under an hour and it worked perfectly. You will need a set of door trim removal tools (Amazon.com has plenty), a few hand tools and a torch. Before you start, watch the Bimmertech video posted by Farkle on an earlier response.

I documented the replacement of my door actuator, and have attached it here as a PDF file for others to reference.

[Korvo]

Thanks!! I'll be using that... Why the torch though?

[fishinfriend]

Originally Posted by pdegene

Thanks!! I'll be using that... Why the torch though?

You will need the torch to light up the area inside the door when you remove and then replace the actuator.

[Korvo]

Originally Posted by fishinfriend

You will need the torch to light up the area inside the door when you remove and then replace the actuator.

Oh. I thought you meant a plumbing torch!

[EBS0712]

This is a fairly common problem on the F30. You'll find a few posts available if you search. Both of my front doors failed on my 2014 and they were replaced under warranty.
Since you are out of warranty I would suggest that you still take it to your dealer and ask them for a "Courtesy Warranty" on this repair. They probably won't give you the whole thing free but may offer you a discount on either the parts or the labor.
NEVER HURTS TO ASK!

[52172]

Originally Posted by fishinfriend

The part I ordered from FCP Euro is actually cheaper now, and is listed for $44.91 before shipping. Have to be sure which model actuator you need, as there are various options depending on your car's configuration.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...ht-51217202146

Yea this doesn’t fit my 2015 with comfort Axxess. I found one part on eBay for 60 though.

[Korvo]

Originally Posted by 52172

Yea this doesn’t fit my 2015 with comfort Axxess. I found one part on eBay for 60 though.

Why didn't it fit and what part number does?

[fishinfriend]

Originally Posted by pdegene

Why didn't it fit and what part number does?

A vendor like FCP Euro should be able to check the part compatibility if you provide your VIN number.

[52172]

Originally Posted by fishinfriend

A vendor like FCP Euro should be able to check the part compatibility if you provide your VIN number.

They did and it wasn't compatible they said car is newer and they haven't carried the part yet. Mine has alarm and comfort access.

[Hysperian]

Originally Posted by 52172

They did and it wasn't compatible they said car is newer and they haven't carried the part yet. Mine has alarm and comfort access.

any update on this? i need a front passenger side actuator and want to make sure I'm ordering the right one. i have comfort access too

[52172]

Originally Posted by Hysperian

any update on this? i need a front passenger side actuator and want to make sure I'm ordering the right one. i have comfort access too

I still haven't replaced my actuator, as it works most of the time. I do know we can find the oem part on eBay for about 60 bucks so that is the place to buy one.