Locked out ... any pro tips?

[Bottomfeeder]

OK, this is a little bit embarrassing. But I'm at an age where I don't have a lot of pride or dignity left ... so whatevs. :-)

I locked my keys in my car (2002 X5) last week for the first time since I've owned it. Thinking back, I don't think I've locked myself out of a car for 30 years or so ... and it was sure a lot easier getting in back in those days. Anyway, I was probably due. Like a fricking speeding ticket ... these things happen.

In this instance I came back from an errand, unlocked the cargo area, loaded some stuff in the back, and accidentally left my keys in the back after I closed up.

As always, it was not convenient. I was a solid 60 miles from home, with things to do. I do have AAA, and very good comprehensive insurance (USAA), but was doubtful they could help. I thought about calling a locksmith, but figured anyone without a good knowledge of these cars would probably just f something up.

So ... I hung out in a parking lot while my wife came to the rescue with the spare key (driving our other E53 X5). She was not pleased, but these things even out over time. :-)

Initially I had thought the proximity of the key fob would have allowed me to open the cargo hatch from the outside (though the key was on the inside), but the fact that the alarm was still activated seemed to negate that.

Back home in the garage, I did an experiment. From inside the car with the alarm set, I found that (1) pulling on the inside door handles would not open the doors; (2) pushing the central door lock/unlock button had would also not unlock the doors and that (3); pushing the unlock button for the rear hatch opened the hatch but also set off the alarm.

Seems like trying to get in from the outside, that's the only thing that would have gotten me in, unless there's a mechanical way to unlock the doors.

I apologize for the long-windedness, but I'm just wondering ... are there any tricks to getting in to these cars if you're locked out??

Best regards,
Chris