Table 1 shows one common latches/locks/linkage related problems of the 2004 BMW 3 Series.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkage problems |
The unlock control button on the center console does not unlock the passenger side door and does not unlock the 2 doors in the back. This failure occurs intermittently. When the failure occurs, only the driver can exit the car by using the manual door latch lever. The other passengers are trapped unless they climb out the window or climb into the front seat and then exit through the front seat door. A proper safety design and operation would allow the manual door unlock latch levers to work at all times and especially when the electrical or electronic systems have failed. As I routinely drive with a 4 year old and a 19 month old in their car seats which are in the back seat of my 2004 BMW , I am very concerned about our safety should there be a situation that I would have to remove them from the car quickly and the door locks had failed. The BMW service believes a module has to be replaced at a parts cost of $1000 and will not cover this cost. The car has only 29,000 miles but is out of warranty. I see that others have complained to NHTSA about this same problem in BMW 3 Series and BMW 325xi.
Door un-lock relays in the gm5 module fail over time and eventually result in occupants being unable to get out of the car without extraordinary effort. Problem is worse in warmer months.
Door locks intermittently will not unlock with switch or remotes. Central locking does not work even when using the key fob. My kids and I have been trapped in the car on several occasions for up to 10 minutes. This is a serious risk to my life and the life of others on the road. BMW refuses to fix this problem. I have video of me trapped in the car. I addressed his problem with BMW before my warranty was up but they state since the technicians could not identity any problem it's not covered. I researched this issue and this is an ongoing problem with other customers.