My 2003 325i bmw will not unlock the doors-the key remote doesn't work, the inside button in the middle of console doesn't work and the only door to put the key in is the drivers door and it doesn't work-so I have to leave a window down so as not to get locked out anymore- I don't know what would be the cheapest fix as I am unemployed thank you !

Hello and welcome to FixYa!
I believe that you have a faulty door lock actuator. You may want to go with the actuator first and I believe you'll be good after the replacement.
Hope this helps and thank you for using FixYa! Have a good one!

• Hi, i can help.

• BMW has had problems with voltage causing fuses to blow in relation to the door lock fuses in the fuse panel in the glove box. Specifically 56 for the drivers door only and 57 if all doors are effected but check 2,19 and 63 as well all located in the fuse box in the glove box. I recommend a look at those first as replacing them can fix the problem. Please note that AFTER you replace the fuses you MUST unhook the battery for two minutes to reset things. Just replacing the fuses will not work. Please see the diagram below.

• If the problem persists or the fuses look good then i suggest getting an actuator for the door locks. BMW had a technical service bulletin out about this as well.

• If you have any comments please feel free to leave them here.
• Hope this helps and thank you for using FixYa.

Driver side door lock actuator is malfunctioning.The door panel needs to be taken apart from inside and actuator needs to be inspected and replaced.The actuator costs approx $150.You will get it from autoparts store or from local bmw dealer.-------- ----------
After you remove door panel, you have to unbolt the window from the regulator, remove the 2 10mms on the left side of the door and pull that side of the regulator out of the way. then there are 3 T30 torx by the door latch that you need to remove, a cable that you pull off that connects your exterior door handle to the lock actuator andunplug the actuator. Then you can shimmy it out. The door pin and cables that attaches to the inside door handle need to be switched over to the new one.
---------- Before directly replacing actuator, try lubricating actuator,m sometimes it just gets stuck and this causes the problem.-----There's a temporary solution that might do the trick. Take the door lock pin out, take a can of WD40 with the straw attached on it, put the straw in parallel with the door pin shaft, insert it as down as possible and spray a generous amount of WD40. The WD40 will follow the door lock shaft and eventually get into the actuator. Sometimes it will revive it and door will start getting locked unlocked, sometimes it won't help. Better to leave the door open to have the extra WD40 drain on the floor and not on the seals. Should see results if any within a day.But if this is not helping, then getting the actuator replaced will help.----------- Thanks.Helpmech.