Same thing was happening to me, it wouldn't be your actuator otherwise your door pin wouldn't move (I think?), it could be a micro switch in the door lock assembly, but most likely the door striker found here:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin... 323i/is/iC (1996-99), 325i/is/iC (1992-95), 328i/is/iC (1996-99), M3 (1995-99)

 

Also check the switches in all doors, because many central lock systems include checking if every door is closed. Check the trunk lid also. I also had this problem, and the cause was the small rod which leads to the locking mechanism - it was hooked out of the hole it was in before, so the driver's door didn't lock at all, which caused all the other doors to pop open after a few seconds. Try experimenting before purchasing anything

 

1993 318i locking



My grandsons 318i quit on the road and he towed it to my house to troubleshoot. It has no spark or fuel.

Seems it was built in Nov of 93 and had the drive away system.

It is NOT a EWS according to the BMW book but some call it EWS Zero.

I've searched the net and in it's impotent wisdom, has sent me to all the EWS systems, and even to lockout systems for Dodge and Honda.

Is there any info or ideas on how to bypass or troubleshoot this problem?

 

Test the crank position sensor. About 9 times out of 10 when an early 90s BMW suddenly quits, it's the CPS that has died. With out it functional the DME can't see that the crank is turning, so it won't run the fuel pump, won't fire the injectors, and won't fire the plugs.

 

Great call

After learning more than I wanted to know about the 93 "drive away" system, (sometimes called EWS Zero) I took your advice. Sure enough, it was the CKP. Easy fix, following 436 other possibilities!

Thanks for the info.