So my 03 Cooper S is locking me inside itself... or himself, however you look at it. I can't get out of my driver side door after I have been driving for a while unless I unlock it with the remote or console switch. Then, it takes 2 or sometimes more pulls to get the door open. Seems like it just dosent quite catch somthing as I pull the handles the first few times. I can close it and open it right away but as I drive for a while I guess the auto lock locks it up and I cant unlock it by pulling on the handle. Has anyone had this problem? Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

It doesn't sound like the bowden cable, since you can still open the door before setting off. The solenoid for the lock might be on its way out. I'm not sure how to replace it, but taking the door panel off seems a likely first step.

 

Try opening the window and opening the door by the outside handle. Mine would not open from either side, dealer replaced the entire latch assembly in the door.

 

Hmmm... sounds to me like it IS a bowden cable issue on the interior handle... maybe stretched or damaged cable - since it takes a full-length throw of the handle to actuate the lock mechanism typically - if it were only stretched by a few mm it might be enough to exhibit this symptom? Just something to check...

 

That's odd mine has also started getting difficult to open in the last few days.
I wonder if it has anything to do with all the rain we have been getting?
The handle inside and outside still open the door but you really have to tug on it.

 

Mine got hard to pull for a while last year, then got better - I can't remember, but I MAY have shot some teflon spray lube into the door handle assembly... I think I did...

 

Did you remove the inside door panel to lube it?
And if so, does it just pull off by tugging on it or are there screws to remove?

 

Mine is doing the same thing

pull the handle hard and quick and it'll start opening on the first try. Dont try to rip the thing out, just pull as hard as you have to. Try it out and you'll get used to it.

 

I'm pretty sure I just sprayed mine from the outside (using the little nozzle straw to spray up into the crevices around the mechanism) and it fixed it. It was REALLY hard to pull - and it's like new now.

 

concur

had this problem surface but shot everything I could get to from the outside with a spray can of lithium grease and - knock on wood - things have been OK for another 18 months now.

Makes sense when you think about it. A sticky lock is a possible cause of the cable getting stretched or pulled out of place. Lubricate and avoid the issue.... I lube all the latches every 6 months now.

 

Mine isnt sticking or difficult to pull, it just doesnt do anything when you pull the handle lol