All door lock actuators (including the fuel cap door cover) stopped working after driving the vehicle. The passenger and both rear doors were able to open via the inside door handle, but the driver side door could not be unlocked via the key fob, console lock button, or manually pulling the inside door handle. The fuel cap door cover could only be opened via the emergency release pull in the trunk. After inspecting the fuse box, I found that fuse 57a was blown. I replaced the fuse and the locking mechanisms started functioning again. weeks later the same issue occurred, only replacing the fuses remedied the problem for only a day or two. The fact that the driver's side door could not be opened by ANY means from inside or outside the vehicle poses a severe safety risk in situations where the driver of the car needs to exit the vehicle themself or be evacuated carefully in the event of injury. There are NO warnings, messages or warning signs before this occurs. This appears to be a common issue on my model and others, originating from issues with the door lock actuators. BMW even has a service information bulletin about it: "SI B51 19 07". The fact that the driver-side door can spontaneously become unopenable from inside or outside while the driver is in the car is a HUGE safety risk.
2006 BMW 330I: doors won't lock, open or latch
15 of the 219 complaints about the 2006 BMW 330I describe doors won't lock, open or latch.
- owner complaints
- 15
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- typical mileage
- 61,200
- recalls
- 0
Doors won't lock, open or latch by model year
- 200615
- 20033
- 20018
What owners say
Door lock failure. This is very common with this model and it can be one of two things; a fuse or the door actuators. I got it back to fix engine issues and the doors would not unlock, except the drivers side, which I can do with the key lock. Other than that there is no way to get in the car that doesn't involve going in duke style through the window or through the sunroof or something.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 330i. The contact stated that a passenger became locked in the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and locked the doors using the automatic key fob however, the passenger was then unable to unlock and exit the vehicle using the manual door lock. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 91,000. Updated 04/03/13*lj the consumer no longer owns this vehicle. The consumer stated a mechanic advised this is how the vehicle protects itself from theft in the event someone breaks the window. Updated 04/19/2013
Passenger door locks will not respond to fob or central lock/unlock controller. The door will unlock and open from the inside, but will not open with key, fob, or central locking console button. This happened when I first purchased the vehicle in 2010, and again at the end of 2011. This is and continues to be a safety hazard. If the door(s) lock and are unable to be unlocked, it would cause loss of life.
I tried to get out of my car but the drivers door would not unlock. Tried using the key, but it still won't unlock. I had to climb out the passenger door! Door will not open at all!
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 bmw 330i. The contact stated that while parked he attempted to unlock the front drivers side door but the door failed to unlock. The contact was able to open the window and unlock the door from the outside using her key. The contact stated she was unable to unlock the door from outside or inside. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnose that the lock actuator needed to be replaced. After the repair the rear passenger side door would not unlock. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Requesting research for recall into known issue with bmw service bulletin on door lock actuators: I was parked, and used my key remote to open the doors as I always do, but the doors would not unlock. The only one that stays unlocked (the lock does not go down when I click the alarm) is the right rear door lock. I, therefore, have to use the hard plastic emergency key (from the glove compartment) to manually unlock my driver door each time. I find this a safety issue as I sometimes work until late at night and have to fumble to get the key to unlock the front driver side. I checked to see if there was a recall on this, and there was not, but what I did find, were quite a large number of complaints about this issue on a variety of bmw models, older and newer. Some bmw owners reported that they were stuck in their cars, because the doors would not unlock from the inside, so passengers (such as my mother had to do several times) have to climb around in the car to climb out of the only door that opens. I also discovered there was a service bulletin notice on this issue. The owners whose factory warranty has run out are still having to pay out of pocket to have this issue repaired. Many are attempting to learn from do-it-yourself websites to avoid the cost of repairing this issue. Please can you research and make this a recall, it is highly uncomfortable to have passengers climbing in by adjusting seats and climbing out because of this door lock actuator known issue, that has been occurring for years in bmw cars. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Driver side door lock will not unlock with center console door lock, nor the key fob. Can only be unlocked via manual key.
Remote door lock nor unlock button inside vehicle would unlock passenger doors. Passenger doors would not open from inside pulling/using the door handle.
2006 bmw 330i - complete failure of all door locking mechanisms resulting in the inability to both rear doors and passenger front door, from the inside or outside. This occurred from an electrical short in the door lock actuator, causing numerous fuses to blow. This happened from normal use of the remote key less entry system. There were no accidents involved.
Drivers side door lock is failing and locking me inside the vehicle. I can only open the door with the key in the keyhole. Electronic lock doesn't unlock.
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 bmw 330i. The contact stated the doors would not unlock automatically or manually. The contact was forced to climb out of the drivers side window in order to get out of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing who confirmed the actuator was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer filed report s32869 and advised the contact they would not assist with the repair cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current miles were 48,900. The consumer stated the cost to repair the vehicle was $1,000. Updated 08/04/11
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2006 BMW 330I door locks
Is doors won't lock, open or latch a common problem on the 2006 BMW 330I?
15 of 219 owner complaints about the 2006 BMW 330I (7%) mention doors won't lock, open or latch. The model year with the most reports is 2006.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2006 BMW 330I?
There are 0 recalls and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2006 BMW 330I
Airbag light 60Steering lock-up 15Fire or smoke 9Won't start 8
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2006 BMW 330I?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history