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@donpb That's exactly what happened when AAA tried to get in... kept pulling the door handles and the locks would come up, but the doors still wouldn't open. Was simultaneously funny and seriously un-funny!
I did end up breaking one of the rear door windows to get into the car. First I tried to hot-wire the hatch glass switch by applying 12V to the wires, but that didn't work. BMW windows are quite difficult to break, but a large rock did the trick. I ended up covering the entire window with tape first in an attempt to catch as much glass as possible.
On the topic of the mechanical hatch release: I took a photo showing where exactly the release is hidden. It's definitely not meant for emergency use, as it's not very accessible. That said, if your electric latch fails, it can be used to open the hatch. Just pop open that rectangular cover and you'll find a mechanical switch that can be pushed to operate the latch.
Thanks for providing that info, it certainly can be helpful down the road. Sorry you had to revert to breaking the window. I don't know if I'd have the balls to do it... I'm sure I would damage something else at the same time.
After you got in, was the battery okay? Could you start the car? I guess if CA is damaged or the fob dead you still had to insert the key into the dash.
Luckily I was able to order a replacement window on eBay for $59 shipped... hate that site, but certainly makes finding uncommon parts a lot easier.
@kd7iwp I too was worried about damaging something else, but just made sure to hit near the top of the glass and hang onto the rock so it didn't hit the door. No damage (other than the broken window, of course).
The car started right up and the alarm disarmed as soon as I put the key in the ignition. Unfortunately, yesterday I took the car to a locksmith (who works on BMWs and other Euros) and he says there's something stuck in the lock, but it's too tight to pull it out and the lock has to be disassembled... going to take the door apart and bring the lock back to him. He spent about an hour trying to pull the thing out, but wasn't successful.
I would have never wanted to break my glass. I probably would have kept trying to find a way. I have two cars and so would not be a big deal to let the other one sit.
Some fool busted my front passenger window, and I ended up replacing it myself. Just really make sure you get all of the bits and pieces of glass out of there because if any is still in the mechanism, its probably not going to turn out well.
I would have never wanted to break my glass. I probably would have kept trying to find a way. I have two cars and so would not be a big deal to let the other one sit.
Some fool busted my front passenger window, and I ended up replacing it myself. Just really make sure you get all of the bits and pieces of glass out of there because if any is still in the mechanism, its probably not going to turn out well.
Unfortunately, I had no choice but to break the window or get a tow--the car was parked on the street about 2.5 hrs from home. I've got two other cars, so I wish I had been at home and able to take the time to figure out another way! Luckily, replacing the window was quite straightforward. Just need to get some new sealant for the vapor barrier, and then will throw the door panel back on.
07-12-2021, 08:55 AM
