Any electrical guru

Post your E12 technical questions and comments here. Please, no off-topic posts.

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GripGreg
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Any electrical guru

Post by GripGreg »

This pertains to an earlier post:
we need to be able to lock/unlock our doors electricly.
I went online with 'autopartswarehouse.com' & found door lock motors for $17.05 for the drivers door, which is 12 volt/5 wire with a 5 year gaurantee. #arb315302. Passenger door for $14.00, 12 volt/2 wire with a 1 yr. guarantee.
Then I found at 'Bavauto.com' a door lock for $295.00!#51261363596!! I don't mind spending the money if the part is better; but, I luv the cheaper price! Any opinion?? Would the 5 wire be for the driver's door only?
I remember even the rr passenger WINDOW switch had a lotta wires. I forget which one has the easier plug-in. If you go to the websites you'll see my dilemma Thanx in advance,,,,Greg
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socalfiver
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Post by socalfiver »

Greg-

My mama told me "You betta shop around." Maybe one is OEM.style motor w/pinion gear and the less expensive one is an updated solenoid type? Just guessing. Seriously, though, shop around and ask questions. Compare part numbers

The driver's "door lock control" and the other 3 doors' "door lock motors" are totally different machines. The driver's control does not lock or unlock by itself, there is no motor in it. It is a switch that operates the other 3 motors. It's probably the 5-wire.

I've pondered the possibility of installing remote door locks. In theory, it's possible, if one installs a power lock solenoid in the driver's door that allows the original control switch to remain in play.

Btw, I've had great luck drilling lock motor boxes open and making them operate again. At least, ones that still make noise. If it makes no noise, it's dead.

-Ted
"Get it while you can." -Janis Joplin

1980 528i Automatic, "Frau Blucher"
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Mike W.
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Post by Mike W. »

Well, the drivers door control unit does have 5 wires, which includes one for the rollover inertia switch, but is not a lock motor in and of itself. And the lockmotors themselves are 3 wire. So I will go here... it is possible if you want to install all new parts you might get them to work with a bit of wiring. At first I was going, no way, but thinking about it more you might be able to make an upgrade. Or just replacement system. But not a simple parts upgrade, it would have to be a whole new system. Trunk might be an issue too.
Mike W.



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Odometergears
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Post by Odometergears »

Greg,

Bavarian Auto will carry the OEM motors. They are of the highest quality and you have Bav Auto behind them for help and warranty. There are other companies that will buy the cheapest from China and undercut everyone out there. In the end, you the consumer, will lose on all levels. Call the other company and find out who the manufacturer is and where it was made. They may have gotten a great deal on a close out. You never know.

GL,

Jeff C
Jeff Caplan 1981 Euro E12 3.5 M106 Block w/T4
GripGreg
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Post by GripGreg »

Great thoughts from everyone! I'll try a lil everyone's ideas. :idea:
Thanx for responding,,,,Greg
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