Central locking issues

[teamliner]

Hi there - apologies if this is posted in the wrong place or if it's been covered before, but couldn't see anything that matched the issue I have.

I've just purchased a 99 2.8 Z3 and the central locking isn't working. The car had been garaged and SORN'd for a number of years and had recently had a new battery, which might be part of the issue. If I could summarise the problem/s:

1. The car has both keys and the batteries seem fine (red indicator light on key lights up when pressing).
2. Remote locking isn't working at all, but also central locking using key not working either - locking/ unlocking drivers door has no effect on passenger door or boot. Similarly locking/ unlocking boot has no effect on either doors.
3. I've read about dodgy boot loom and blown fuses. Have checked the loom and the three fuses and all seem fine.
4. Not sure if alarm works as obviously can't lock the car.

I'm guessing it's possible that all of the actuators are duff but that does seem a bit of a coincidence. Also wasn't sure if the remote locking is RF or IR and where the receiver is located. If anyone has any suggestions they would be gratefully received!
Thanks

 

[Robert Hill]

If you have coded the key to the car after changing battery and it still won't work what problem I had was a faulty switch on the drivers door striker plate changed switch and every things been OK and that was two years ago

 

[NZ00Z3]

The 3 button key are RF (very common in the UK). The 2 button keys are IR (very rare in the UK). The receiver is in the center rear view mirror, so if you have the IR system you have to point the key at the mirror for it to connect.

The Loom of Doom in the boot/trunk is the most common cause of central locking problems. If it been checked and all OK, then I suggest that you get set up with INPA on a windows laptop. K-DCAN cable is cheap and INPA is free. See: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/...tions-Experiences-Discussions-Experimentation

With INPA, you can look into the ZKE4 (general module 4) that controls the central locking. It allows you to see all the door switches and actuator operations. etc. It also lets you "activate" the central locking so you can see if the problem is key related or car related. You can even see if the key buttons are being pushed to confirm that the key to car communications are good.

A quick Google search and you'll have the instructions to synch the RF keys. The IR key synch procedure is a little different and harder to find. If you need the IR synch instructions, let me know as I have them.