[CrocodileDog]

One day the door just didn't open. The outside handle took on a weird position and seemed like there was no tension. I removed the inside door panel to inspect everything. The door still locks and unlocks when pressed. I can see it move. I can additionally reach inside the door and push the metal piece to full extension and still.. no budge in the door. I've been trying to figure out how to remove the whole assembly with the door closed to see if something in the child lock or actual lock hardware has failed but haven't quite figured that out yet.

TL;DR
Door won't open. Actuator working. Inside of door accessible but still no progress.

[hankcah]

Can you open the door from the inside? If not, try it a few times. Have you checked your fuses?

Check out this older post: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=569960

[CrocodileDog]

I've read that post and tried to move the latch mechanism manually as I mentioned. Still doesn't open. Nothing i did, internal or external, managed to even let the door budge. As mentioned, the actuator is working. I hit the buttons and I see it move. It's not a fuse issue if it still moves and locks and unlocks. The door just doesn't open. Like the actual latch isn't disengaging. As though something internal to the actuator is broken physically but I haven't found a way to remove that without the door being open.

[nthanos330i]

I just bought an 06 330i one week ago and yesterday my rear door stopped unlocking with the key. It can be opened from the inside but neither the key fob nor the interior button will unlock it despite the sound of the actuator making the unlocking noise. Going to try to get the local BMW dealer to replace the part since I just bought the car from them, but if not, should I just replace the rear locking mechanism? I realize there are a lot of post on this issue but I cannot seem to find an answer for my exact problem.

[El Cheapo Loco]

Originally Posted by nthanos330i

I just bought an 06 330i one week ago and yesterday my rear door stopped unlocking with the key. It can be opened from the inside but neither the key fob nor the interior button will unlock it despite the sound of the actuator making the unlocking noise. Going to try to get the local BMW dealer to replace the part since I just bought the car from them, but if not, should I just replace the rear locking mechanism? I realize there are a lot of post on this issue but I cannot seem to find an answer for my exact problem.

Yours sounds like the actuator has failed. This happens when the nylon gears inside had disintegrated while the motors still work, hence the noise you heard. It's a simple DIY job.

[nthanos330i]

Originally Posted by El Cheapo Loco

Yours sounds like the actuator has failed. This happens when the nylon gears inside had disintegrated while the motors still work, hence the noise you heard. It's a simple DIY job.

Awesome! Thanks for the help.