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Drivers door difficult to open

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Tilly
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Drivers door difficult to open

Post by Tilly » Sun May 21, 2017 6:11 pm

Hi
just went to open the drivers door and it wouldn't open. After opening the passenger door and locking and unlocking with the key fob seems OK now. This is an old car 2003 so a bit concerned the locks may be getting a bit worn. It felt like maybe the lock mechanism might be sticking. Any advice welcome as to the best sort of lubricant to use. The door seal rubbers seem a bit sticky as well. (no jokes about using super glue please!). :)

Thank you

Z4 2.5i 2003

defrinz4
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Drivers door difficult to open

Post by defrinz4 » Sun May 21, 2017 6:40 pm

I had a similar problem with my '03 3.0 Z4. Check that notch in the door edge where the locking mechanism engages. If it's at all dirty clean it carefully with a Q-Tip and WD-40. All I can say is that it worked for me and has never been a problem since. I know...it's too simple. And stay away from the super glue.

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cj10jeeper
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Drivers door difficult to open

Post by cj10jeeper » Sun May 21, 2017 6:47 pm

I think you need to do a bit more detective work first and find out what the point of 'sticking is.
Lift the external handle and see if the door can be opened or closed and is it hitting the striker, which is possible on an 14 year old car if the hinge has allowed the door to sink slightly. Depending on the alignment either loosen the striker plate with a large hex key or adjust the hinge
Do the handles inside and outside release the door smoothly?
You already mention it works with the fob so suspect the actual actuator is fine just cleaning and adjustment

Of course as mentioned by defrinz4 lubrication is always a good thing to do, but I ecommend you do not use WD40 as that's a water dispersant and not a lubricant and in time gums and sets. Any thin oil or specialist aerosol grease for latches and hinges is much better
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Tilly
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Drivers door difficult to open

Post by Tilly » Thu May 25, 2017 9:11 pm

Thanks for the advice - will do a bit more detective work!

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sw4nny
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Drivers door difficult to open

Post by sw4nny » Thu May 25, 2017 9:46 pm

Try cleaning and greasing,lubrication on the door catch mechanism first use and try gummi fledge on the seals.
This worked a treat for me on a sticking passenger door.
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