So X5 (E53) owners are undoubtedly aware that the master lock/unlock button is on the center console between the cup holders and the gear selector. The button that activates the hazard lights is adjacent.

MY problem is that when we go somewhere and leave our little doggie inside the car, he inadvertently steps on these buttons. At BEST, this results in him turning on the hazard lights (which is bad ENOUGH, though, 'cause he COULD be in there long enough to run the battery down). At WORST, he turns on the hazard lights AND unlocks the doors . . . drawing attention to the car AND preventing would-be evil-doers from entering the car.

Any ideas on how to solve this problem? Our best solution so far is to lay the owner's manual over the buttons when we leave him in the car. This problem, of course, hopes that he doesn't accidentally kick the book OFF the buttons.

We would be open to ANY kinds of ideas that people have . . . especially people who might have addressed this problem themselves. I thank you and so does the dog, whose much-loved car rides are being curtailed until we have a solution to this issue!