Is It Safe to Drive a BMW with a Sticking Door?

BMW is one of the best-known German car manufacturers of high-performance vehicles, sophisticated both in appearance and comfort. Doors are an essential part of your BMW, but when they do not function properly, it can cause a lot of problems.

Car doors and their inner mechanical components can get damaged, and this can manifest in the form of your car door becoming stuck open or closed, or it can manifest one day with you having to manhandle it open only to hear a loud crunch when you finally get it wide open.

This can be a mechanical problem, as in a bent latch, or it can be electrical, if the door lock mechanism isn’t receiving the code to unlock the door. The same mechanical problem can keep your door from properly closing and sealing, leaving it open to theft and weather damage.

Let’s take a closer look at the common reasons your door can stick.

Reasons for a Sticking Door

Mechanical reasons can be the cause of a sticking door. These are usually bent, corroded, or worn down parts that either control the door or seal it closed. When they cease to work as designed, your door can be a problem to open and close:

• Broken handle
• Bent latch
• Malfunctioning locking post on the latch
• Bent disconnection latch
• Corroded door lock assembly

Moden BMW car owners use electronics and smart locks to secure their cars remotely from their keyfob or phone. Any time you add technology to mechanics, there is a possibility of failure.

• The keyfob battery is dead
• Frayed, pinched, or broken wires
• Car battery problems, which affects the electrical system
• Electrical bundle issues
• Blown fuses

It goes without saying that you need all doors on your car to function easily. Simply getting out as your destination should be as easy as pulling on the door handle, stepping out, and gently pushing the door closed. It should seal properly and lock on command.

If you cannot exit your car door, this poses a safety hazard. It is not safe at all. You can crawl out of the passenger side door, but this isn’t something you want to do daily, or ever in the case of an emergency. If you are struggling to push your way out of a sticking door, it’s time to visit our shop for a diagnosis and a repair.

How to Prevent a BMW Door from Sticking

• Avoid corrosion: The plastic used for BMW doors is susceptible to corrosion. It can be caused by the chemicals used to lubricate the particular metals on the door. Using the wrong chemicals can also cause a lot of harm, so when DIYing your door panel, be sure to purchase the proper tools and lubricants so you don’t cause a problem that is expensive to repair.
• Avoid heat exposure: Extreme heat in an older BMW can cause the door to stick, if parts begin to overheat and slightly warp, even the slightest. This can cause the pivots and latches to catch on misshapen parts. Try keeping your BMW in a garage out of the weather when possible. When in doubt about where to park, you can look for a shaded place or under the shade of a tree.
• Proper maintenance: Thorough checking of your car’s doors during regular maintenance can do a long way towards keeping your BMW functioning as designed. It is important to maintain your service schedule as outlined in your owner’s manual.

Euro Plus Automotive: BMW Expert Mechanics at Your Service

Euro Plus Automotive has helped drivers take care of their German and Japanese vehicles for over 30 years. We provide all the services you receive at a dealership but at a fraction of the cost.

When we first opened, we specialized in Porsche vehicles, but over time we’ve become a full-service center for German brands, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, and more. We offer unbeatable service and value to each of our customers. Our ASE-certified mechanics will enhance your vehicle’s performance and durability through a year-round maintenance schedule.

Our team has the experience needed to diagnose any car issue and repair it to get you safely back on the road. Call Euro Plus Automotive today if you’re looking for proper car care in Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and the Los Angeles County area of California. We’re here to assist you and your car with any service or repair needs.