E34 door lock actuator repair documented

[Lennyz525i]

Just got done making some updates. Here's an interesting write up about fixing your door lock actuator: http://www.bmw4life.com/doorLockActuator.htm

Also added some more info to the springs/shocks page. Oh, big kriss, you're on the gallery now!

[brosher]

OK, I am trying to figure this out so I can replace my actuator. I've already got the door panel off and the 3 T30 screws out. The lock assembly is loose but still wont come out. The steps in the how to are not descriptive enough for me. Anyone have any pics or give me some help?

[brosher]

Alrighty, figured out that the actuator can pop off with out removing the entire assembly. Got the new one in.

[dennyg]

Just got done making some updates. Here's an interesting write up about fixing your door lock actuator: http://www.bmw4life.com/doorLockActuator.htm

Also added some more info to the springs/shocks page. Oh, big kriss, you're on the gallery now!
I had problem with my 1989 535 passenger front door staying open and not locking. I took off door panel and used key and jiggled mechanism to see if I could get it to work. After a few key turns the actuator stopped working. I started car and then everything worked fine. I sprayed contact cleaner toward the acuator and put panel back on. Now my driver door wont lock and the rest of the locks cycle up and down staying in down position. Did I screw it up spraying contact cleaner? Why would working on passenger door affect driver door? This sucks cause even if I would settle for manual locks I don't see a way to make this happen. Will I have to tear off every door panel and do the procedure you described on every actuator?