2005 R53, passenger door issue

[Matt UK]

When I unlock the central locking the passenger door lock makes the noise, but will now not open using the external handle.

It felt 'crunchy' for a while, now the handle has very little resistance.

I can open it from the inside though.

I'm guessing a cable has snapped or fallen off a pivot point.

Anyone had this? Not sure if a know weak point / documented easy DIY fix, or a pig of a job I'm better off throwing some money at a garage to fix.

[Matt UK]

Challo said:

If you unlock the car with the remote, does the door unlock? I.e. can you see the black button raise up? If not does it do it if your in the car and open it with the internal handle?

The remote does not unlock it.
The internal handle does unlock it.
Now unlocked, the remote will lock it (but not unlock).

Any ideas?

[Matt UK]

Challo said:

Sounds like a door lock actuator. Mine had similar problems and I just bought one from eBay and replaced it.

Nice one, thanks challo. Easy job?