Table 1 shows one common latches/locks/linkage related problems of the 1999 BMW 328.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkage problems |
The doors do not unlock and cannot be opened from the inside in the case of emergency. Problem occurs intermittently without warning. The driver's side door is the only one that can be manually over-ridden.
Electric locks fail to unlock in hot or humid weather. Driver and passengers are also unable to unlock three passenger doors manually, though the key can be used to manually unlock the driver door. This is a safety hazard when passengers are locked in car. The only method to exit at times is to roll down windows and crawl out. In the instance of an emergency where passengers need to exit quickly, this can be a problem.
1999 BMW 328i 4dr (e46) door lock failure door locks no longer unlock doors when button is pressed on fob or from within the vehicle. Happens 2 out of three times door are locked, doors lock automatically when car begins to move. Problem: lock not operating, trap occupant in vehicle, the doors will not open manually. This is serious, you cannot unlock the doors to exit the vehicle!.