[Mark_Ohio]

I did a search on this and couldn't find my particular problem. About a week ago I was walking out of work and pushed the unlock button on my key and heard the door unlock sound and saw the button go up. But when I pulled the door handle it wasn't unlocked. I pushed the button again and it unlocked both doors. I pulled the handle and it opened. This has happened about 3 times in the last week. But it doesn't happen every time I try to open the car door. I hate to drive an hour to the dealer and the problem not happen while I'm there. Then drive an hour home. Anyone else with this problem? Or will the dealer know what I'm talking about when I call for an appt?

Mark_Ohio

[mr.bill]

The locks are electromechanical. Apparently this was part of the "child proof" locking system and is also tied into the self-sealing side window system. Before the door can open, the window has to drop about a half inch, so you pull the handle, the window drops and then the solenoid releases the lock. It is all supposed to occur in an instant so you won't notice what is actually happening. (At least this is how it was explained to me. I haven't seen the actual mechanism.) If a sensor doesn't work, or if the solenoid hangs up, the door will refuse to open, even if it is unlocked. There have been reports of people being trapped in their MINIs when the doors would unlock, but pulling the handle wouldn't open them. Lots of things can cause a malfunction, but it seems to happen most often if moisture gets into the locks. Your dealer should be able to check it for you. BMW needs to rethink this design.

[HarryHBMCC]

Had that happen in January, thought it was just ice in the lock (crawled in passenger side as no amount of unlocking would allow me to open the driver side door). De-iced it and it was OK. This was followed by the car later locking itself, and then unlocking itself before I got it fixed. Hope in your case it isn't a sign of things to come but be warned that it may be.

Harry

[Michellekrash]

OK...I'm new to the group and am looking for some help!!!
I have a 2003 Mini that I love dearly and have "Babied" since I owned her. Just yesterday, as I was getting out of the car, I realized that the driver's side door can no longer be opened by the inside door pull. I put the window down and let myself out by using the outside door handle and thats works fine. There is nothing wrong with the passenger side door - it works just fine. And, both work fine from the outside.
Now, the problem is I have had TERRIBLE service at my Dealer and vowed never to go back...I own the MINI now, I'm hoping to find some one who can help me fix this myself. Or, some hints as to what to do? Any one else have this problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Michelle