Door lock mechanism problem

[E3AV]

I’m having trouble with my front door locks. Today I installed the key locks back in after paint.
Doors opens and closes fine, but trying to lock the doors with the key or with the lock knob inside does not work. Something in the mechanism inside seems stuck.
Same problem with both front doors. Any ideas?
I hate spending my time fixing door locks..

 

[bavbob]

Basically, if you put it back together correctly, it is a resistance issue from poor lubrication or alignment of the steel rods that transfer motion from key/button. Make sure the mechanisms are lubricated. Also, the "arms" inside the door have supporting pivot points/grommets which can wear out or just be absent. I actually found some at Lowe's that worked well.

 

[HB Chris]

With the door open can you you lock them? If yes it might be pressure from the thicker door seals which was an issue I had on my driver door but that was an e9.

 

[Christoph]

Have you tried to push the knobs with doors open or closed? On Series 1 E3 you can only push down the knobs on the front doors when the door is closed. BMW changed that later. Another idea, because both doors are affected: Have you used the correct locks on either side? Old BMW locks work in the less common direction. Driver's door: turn key clockwise to open, turn anti-clockwise to lock. Passenger door opposite directions.

 

[E3AV]

Have you tried to push the knobs with doors open or closed? On Series 1 E3 you can only push down the knobs on the front doors when the door is closed. BMW changed that later. Another idea, because both doors are affected: Have you used the correct locks on either side? Old BMW locks work in the less common direction. Driver's door: turn key clockwise to open, turn anti-clockwise to lock. Passenger door opposite directions.

You are correct. And in combination with the door striker plates slightly out of position (tilted to much) and new seals, doors would close but the mechanism not engaging 100%.
Hence locks didnt work with doors open or closed.
Problem fixed.

 

[E3AV]

I also learned that the door latches have to be pushed two clicks to lock properly. I didnt think of that when testing with doors open..