Hi all, the central locking on my bmw z3 does not seem to work this morning. Both door locks accept the key with force although do not seem to turn - Stiff, akward movement within the lock. The boot lock still turns although when it does the central locking does not lock ALL locks. Any ideas?

check and manually move linkage to unlock ---use a long screwdriver to move lock mechanism or if unlocked move latch to release

The transponder is not effective any longer sometimes the battery of the remote is very low which needs to be replaced

you are doing it right the key should be in ignition at position 2 for about 5 seconds no more than 10 removed hold unlock slowly press unlock 3 times if a door lock actuator or even the fuel door lock actuator is malfunctioning it will not work check these with driver door lock cylinder (fuel door lock does not function with central locking button) all doors should be in same locking position to perform this proceedure first try locked then unlocked hope ive been a help

Its possible the power lock actuator has ceased up this would cause the locks not to lock or unlock and not budge as you would say. BMW probably has some fancy name for the part and you bet its probably pricey. Its also possible a piece inside the door has jammed the assembly. I would pull the door panel and do an inspection. See what the actuator is doing when you hit the unlock or lock button and see what it does when you use the key. You would also be able to see if there are any obstructions of the lock assembly.

If the key turns in the lock, but does nothing, then the linkage has become disconnected or broken. The key is mechanical to the lock and the lock has a electrical switch to operate the central locking unit. Could be a simple broken clip from the lock barrel. Hope this helps

Providing central locking works when you insert key in lock,try programming keys
Enter car make sure all doors/windows are shut
Switch ignition on and off,remove key
PRESS AND HOLD UNLOCK BUTTON ON KEY
Press lock button on key 3 times whithin 10 seconds and release unlock
Central locking will lock/unlock rapidly to confirm reset
If your key is the type with bmw logo in the middle battery replacement is not possible,as it charges as you drive

put the key in the ign cyl and turn car on and off, remove key and hold unlock while pressing the lock button 3x,the locks will lock and then unlock if you have a second key do the same thing immediatly following except do not cycle key in ign just press the buttons int he same sequence

Hi Craig,
I'm running a E34 Tds Touring with a similar problem, my rear doors and tailgate have dropped of the central locking circuit.
I have been told it is the Central locking Module a large black box under the dash that is faulty, apparently a common problem.
Hope this points you in the right direction,
Please remember to rate my effort!
Paul 'W'
Onyer~EDson(:0) {#><U.K.

you can take the fuse out from under ther bonnet and open and close the doors manually(boot may not open though), the fault is with one of the locking mechenisms in any door

with any BMW they have their problems, one is the central locking/immobilizer, the central locking is linked into the immobilizer and vice versa, the immobilizer takes it signal to disarm from the central locking and the ignition key ring. (chip in the key) if one of these starts to play up it has loads of consequences this being one of them. they all need to work together for the system to work properly. you would need to read the alarm and immobiliser codes using an ob2 tool that can detect them, and find the fault some problems it can be the drivers door sensor in the lock this is the main door as its drivers side and it controls all other doors on the central locking. if the switch is worn in any of it movements the system will not know the door has been opened, this does not work on the interior light as that is a switch in the door frame. the door lock is lock unlock and deadlock with key with remote fob its also arm disarm alarm and immobiliser. i have seen in some models there is a sensor auto lock so when you walk away with the key the doors lock automatically all lease parts work together. any one having a problem can cause no signal to be sent to the others in the system to start engine .