BMW X5 Door Lock System Dead, Remote Won't Work

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2012 BMW X3 last year. The central locking system failed completely, no response from the remote or internal switches. After checking it at the garage, turned out the wiring harness connecting to the door lock actuator was damaged, with some corroded pins in the main connector. Wasn't a major mechanical problem, but it did need professional attention. The technician had to replace the wiring harness and the main door lock actuator. It wasn't just a quick fix though, they had to partially disassemble the door panel to access everything properly. These systems are pretty complex in BMWs, with multiple connections and electronic components that can fail. While my issue wasn't severe in terms of safety, it's definitely something you want to get checked out by a qualified BMW technician. Better to address it now before it potentially affects other electrical systems. Hope this helps with your decision-making.

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful as I'm facing the exact same symptoms. I'm relieved to hear it wasn't something catastrophically expensive like a complete system failure. Quick question, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the repair? Also, has everything been working smoothly since they fixed it?

Hey again! Good news, yes, everything has been working perfectly since I got it fixed! The central locking system is now working like a charm, just as smooth as when the car was new. Not a single problem since the repair. About the cost, I got lucky because it was just a faulty cable connection that needed fixing. The total bill came to 95 Euro, which was much less than I initially feared. Looking back, I was probably working myself up over nothing! The mechanic had it sorted in about an hour. Honestly, it was such a relief when they found the simple cause. I was worried it might be something major like you mentioned, a complete system failure would've been a much bigger headache (and hit to the wallet). If you're experiencing the same symptoms I did, it might well be something similarly straightforward. Just make sure you get a qualified technician to look at it. These BMW electrical systems can be tricky, and you want someone who knows what they're doing. Let me know how it goes!

Thanks for the follow-up! I actually took your advice and got it checked out yesterday. You were right about going to a qualified technician, made all the difference! Funny enough, my issue turned out to be different from yours. The mechanic found that the battery in the key fob was fine, but there was a faulty door lock actuator in the driver's door. Cost me a bit more than yours, around 250 bucks including labor. The mechanic was super transparent about everything and even showed me the worn-out part. Got it all fixed in about two hours. Such a relief to have working locks again! You know that satisfying click when you press the remote? Never thought I'd be so happy to hear that sound! They also checked the other doors' actuators to make sure we wouldn't have the same problem pop up elsewhere. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, it gave me the push I needed to get this sorted properly. Definitely beats standing in the parking lot struggling with manual keys!