Question on BMW 3-Series Doors - not opening from outside

Hi there
I have a 1997 e36 318is 4 doors BMW euro version.
On the driver’s side door the key will go into the lock cylinder but it won’t turn right or left in order to open or close the door. To be able to go into the car driver side I have to open the passenger side lock with the key or the trunk lock, and then the driver side lock will open. When I am inside the car, driver seat, everything works fine from the inside; I can open the door, as well as, lock it or unlock it.
Please I need your help on what is damage??? So that I can order the proper part from you.
Advanced thank you for the broad help :
Richard


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This post was auto-generated based upon a question asked on our tech article page here: Pelican Technical Article: BMW Door Panels and Lock Troubleshooting

[Wayne 962]

There's a little plastic clip inside the door that connects the door handle to the reset of the mechanism. It's shown in the pictures in the article. I think that's the problem, but you really need to open up the door and take a look inside to make sure before you order the parts.

- Wayne

[eztuner12]

Thanks for the info.
I did not mention that if the driver side door is unlock the door will perfectly open from the outside when I pull the door handle. Knowing this new info, do you still think is the little plastic clip I should look for inside the door mechanism?
Again I do appreciate your help.
Thank you!
Richard