I actually prefer the BMW design over the MB design. There are times when I'm getting out of the car (say at a gas station) when there are others around and I don't necessarily want to have all the doors unlock if my family is still inside the car. If I want the doors unlocked, I'll use the button designed for that.

Also, for safety reasons, I prefer that the doors don't unlock and open with one pull of the door handle (like MB does.) I like the double-pull method that BMW has used for many years. It's kind of like when the computer says "are you sure you want to delete this file?" You aren't accidentally opening a locked door with one pull -- BMW is basically saying if you really want to open this locked door, pull it twice to confirm it...

 

Mine is programmed with all doors open/lock at the same time. When I switch off the engine, they automatically open. I would have preferred the doors open only if I pull the key out like my old passat.

 

Oops ... I mean the doors automatically unlock not open.

 

For safety reasons, I do not want any doors to unlock when I turn off the engine. You're setting yourself up for problems, especially at a restaurant, mall or other crowed places. More than one person drives my car (my wife) so we always like to be in control of when the doors are unlocked.

My wife would like the autolock to work much sooner than it does.

 

I carry protection in my pocket, unlock all four doors at once, punch the lock button most of the time as soon as I get in. That's the routine when alone. My wife has yet to drive this car - right at nine months now. In the 540, many times the passenger door would not open on the second punch to unlock the remaining three doors. I got tired of it and like it much better this way.

 

Well, thanks everyone. I guess the answer is no. I'm used to hitting the unlock button anyway now, so no biggie.

 

Well there is always the option of touching the button under the hazard light switch. That will unlock all doors - or lock. But, you knew that, right?

 

Yep, that's the one I meant. I hit that button as I exit, when I have my children passengers.