Central Locking System

[JWMack]

Production date 1/95; 4-door; 325i; Rt front door worked sporadically over the last year. Suddenly, no doors will lock either by turning the key in the doors or moving the door lock buttons. #7 fuse is blown and after checking the electrical schematic, that fuse seems to be integral to virtually all of the "door locking" components. plus a few other things through the electrical control module. At the same time this happened, the right rear window stopped working. It will not respond to either the console switch or the switch on the door. No other fuses have blown. Is it possible there is a common thread in the electrical system that could cause these problems? Is there a diagnostic test BMW can perform to determine the exact cause? The last time they ran a diagnostic it cost me $140 just to run the test. The problem was a wheel speed sensor which I replaced. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Manolito]

Does the fuse blow again when replaced?

The first thing I would do is pull the sleeve off the wiring loom that goes to the trunk lid and see if you have frayed wires in there that are shorting out. That would cause problems with the locks though not with the window.

If that is not it, and the fuse blows when replaced, I would try unplugging the actuator in the right front door and see if the fuse still blows. You could look at the wires through that door hinge area though I have never heard of those failing. Again, that does not speak to the window problem though.

I don't think that BMW has any more tricks in their bag than you do for this system, unless you find a mechanic who has seen these symptoms before. Sounds like it might take some detective work.