BMW Repair: BMW door lock problems, 1987 bmw 325is, bmw 325is

Question
Hi,

I have a 1987 BMW 325is and out of no where my locks broke on both the drivers and passenger side and now I can't even open the gas tank door.  I was told this is a fairly common problem with my car but that it would cost a lot to fix.  Could you please tell me if this is tru and how much it might cost to fix?

Thank you!

Answer
sounds to me like the central lock modeule has a fault.  Check for a good ground to the modeule, if all seems well, replace it with a known good unit.  as for the gas tank,  since you can get into the trunk; find the wires that lead from the solinoid used to lock the gas cap, unplug the solinoid and give it 12v, if it doesn't work switch the posative and negative, this should unlock it.
something like this should only be .5 to 1 hour, the modeule itself is cheap from ebay, wrecking yards or other online sources; yet you will most likely be charged a couple hundred dollars from the repair shop.
-cheers