Central Locking Actuator Motor - Failure

Group 61
Electrical System



Bulletin Number
61 11 90 (3148)



Woodcliff Lake, NJ
November 1990
Service Engineering



SUBJECT:
Central Locking Actuator Motors

MODELS:
E30, E32, E34

Situation:
Failures of the actuator motors have been found, in some cases, to be caused by water entering the motor. Running production changes to improve the actuator motors have been introduced, including sealing of mounting screw holes, improved bonding between the housing and bearing cap, and the installation of a plate between the motor and gear.

Actuators for E34 rear doors also have a changed gear and rack beginning with approximately September'90 production.





It should be noted that E30 rear door actuator mounting was inverted as of September'88 production to prevent water accumulation. Care should be taken to ensure that the actuator is remounted correctly whenever an actuator is removed and replaced (see illustration).



In order to protect E34 rear door actuators from water entry, a plastic sheet has been installed since approximately March '90 production.

All E34 rear door actuators received from parts stock now come with a plastic sheet (to be service installed) if the vehicle is not already equipped with the sheet.



Procedure:

Note:
The illustrations are for a right door. Left door procedures will be a mirror image.





Apply body sealing putty or double-sided adhesive tape to the front side of the plastic sheet (in area A) as shown.






Detach the door release cable fastening clip from the inner door panel.






Insert the fastening clip into the slot (C) of the plastic sheet.



Slide the plastic sheet into the position behind the door lock rod. Reconnect the door release fastening clip, making sure that the release cable sleeve is in the proper position.





Align the plastic sheet so that area "A" is inside the door assembly while area "B" is not, and the cut out is centered around the head of the fastening bolt.






Fasten the plastic sheet securely to the door panel with body sealing putty or double-sided tape. Seal the split in the sheet "Y" with putty or tape.






Make sure that the sheet is firmly in place and that it does not interfere with the actuator mechanism.



SPECIAL REPAIR NOTE:
If the rear door lock actuator fails when the door is locked, the door cannot be opened to replace the actuator. The following procedure can be used to open the door without cutting the door trim panel.

- Remove 3 screws retaining door trim panel at upper mount of grab handle inside door release handle, and behind ashtray. Remove plastic door lock knob.

- Open the window and, using a putty knife or trim removal tool, carefully pry the uppermost part of the door trim panel away from the chrome trim by the window opening to get the upper retaining clips to release. The insertion of the tool is eased somewhat by pressing down on the trim panel.

- Carefully pry the trim panel back, and use a small block of wood or screwdriver handle to hold it away from the door.

- Use a long, thin screwdriver to reach between the trim panel and door, and peel the insulating sheet away from the door so that you can see the end of the lock actuator.

- Use a bar or a long, heavy screwdriver to reach inside the door and contact the white plastic end of the actuator that the lock linkage hooks up to. Hit the end of the tool so that the white plastic end breaks off, disconnecting the linkage from the seized actuator. The door can now be unlocked and you may proceed with the repair in the usual manner.

Warranty Status:
Installation of the plastic sheet in conjunction with replacement of the door lock actuator will be covered within the limits of the applicable BMW New Car Warranty on affected E34 models. The additional labor will be reimbursed under:

Labor operation:
00 50 836 1 FRU

Any questions regarding warranty coverage should be discussed with your District Manager.