Second Hand BMW i4 Central Locking Motor

Yes, the BMW i4 does have central locking motors — each door contains an individual locking actuator (motor) that operates the central locking system, as is standard on modern BMW models. The i4 is an all-electric vehicle but this has no bearing on whether central locking actuators are fitted, as they are a body electrical component entirely separate from the drivetrain. If one of your door locks has stopped responding or is making a grinding noise, a faulty central locking motor is a common cause.

The BMW i4 was introduced in 2021 and, as of 2024, remains within its first generation with a mid-cycle update (LCI) arriving for the 2024 model year — this facelift brought some exterior and interior changes, so confirm with the breaker whether the door actuator design changed across that boundary before buying. Within the pre-LCI cars (2021–2023), door locking actuators are generally consistent, but always quote your registration to the breaker so they can verify against the exact part number. Never assume fitment without that check.

Trim level does not affect central locking motor fitment — the eDrive40, xDrive40, and M50 all use the same type of door locking actuator for a given door position (NS front, OS rear, and so on). You may find cosmetic differences in door furniture between trims, but the actuator itself sits inside the door mechanism and is not trim-specific. Always confirm the specific door position (which door) with the breaker, as the NS and OS motors are not always interchangeable with each other.

This is worth exploring, because BMW often shares body electrical components across platforms — the i4 shares its underpinnings with the G26 4 Series Gran Coupé, so door actuators from that model are the most likely candidates for cross-compatibility. Parts from the G20 3 Series or G30/G31 5 Series may also share the same actuator design, but this is something you must confirm with the breaker against your registration and the donor vehicle's part number, rather than assume. A good breaker will be able to cross-reference the BMW part number directly.

Central locking motors are position-specific — the nearside (NS, passenger side) and offside (OS, driver side) front motors are not always the same unit, and rear doors may differ again, so always tell the breaker exactly which door is faulty. On UK right-hand-drive i4s, the driver's door is the offside (OS) front, and this is the door that often gets the most use and therefore fails first. Confirm the door position clearly when requesting a quote, and ideally provide your registration so the breaker can pull the correct part reference.

Ask the breaker to confirm the part was tested as working before the car was dismantled, as central locking actuators can fail in a way that isn't immediately obvious without powering them up. Make sure the breaker knows your exact registration, the door position you need, and whether your car is pre- or post-LCI (2021–2023 or 2024 onwards), as this may affect compatibility. A reputable breaker will cross-reference the BMW part number from their donor vehicle against yours before dispatching.