Yes, they seems to use cell phone technology or some sort 'cuz once before I contacted them and during initial (not real-time) contact it transmitted my location and they pretty much be able to send tow truck or help to the nearest intersection (using GPS probably) from that location but I was already at a diff. location couple miles away.

Link to BMW Assist

 

I think so, I remember some info somewhere after they verified they seems to able to unlock it.

I have their "Ultimate Service" catalog and it's part of BMW Assist Safety Plan for 4 yrs/unlimited miles from MY2007 which includes at least Automatic Collision Notification, SOS, Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Remote Door Unlock & TeleServices

 

I'd bet that the remote unlock only came in MY2007 with SOP of 9/06 and later. I believe I read that in the manual, or some advertising.

 

Yup I just saw their small fine print on the last page. And Remote Door Unlock & TeleService are not avail for Z4 & X3 models.

 

Yep, in the US BMW Assist offers this feature.
It could be offered here too, but is disabled.

That'S why we have a variety of wires in diefferent lengths.
It's usually much easier to push the button instead of opening the door with the handle. The wire can also leave scratches there easier.
However, it works both ways.
But it's almost impossible to open the LOCKED car when the key is NOT in ignition.
Almost...

 

I think its not the "Lock After Moving Off" setting that is malfunctioning its the "Lock if No Door opened".

 

Yes they can via satellite. I called to confirm and it's part of the new car warranty for 4 years. It's done through the GPS as long as you have BMW assist, the SOS button. You call the number I listed before, U.S., and give them some information and your password. They intern will send a signal to your car and the doors will open.

Rick..

 

WOW i am glad it is not only me that had this experience if you know what i mean. I recently did the same thing however my experience was terrifying as my 7 month old son was in the car at the time. I have never felt so helpless...he was sitting in his car seat smiling at me while i was going absolutely out of my mind. I happened to park out the front of a hospital at the time about to visit a relative so luckily the staff watched the car while i rang BMW roadside assist on their phone. They unfortualtey let me down, i explained the situation and gave them my license number but for some reason they couldn't finsd it in the system. The idiot on the other end of the phone said to me "sorry your not in our sytem, we can't help you until you give me a correct license number or pay the yearly premium again and then you can sort it out with your dealer later". At this point my voice raised signifcantly and my language got very strong (as you might imagine)....evently after blasting the guy i got onto his supervisr and he sent out a support vehicle to rescue the situation.
I have subseqently disabled the auto lock funtion...in my opinion it is extremely dangerous that the car can even do this.

 

So the conclusion... I'ts quite easy to get in to these cars!!!???

 

It's quite easy to get into almost all cars...