Have Key but locked out

[Scottybeeminx5]

My 2001 x5 wont let me in. First of all my spare key was lost and the remote capability on the original remaining key was gone one day after having brake and oil service done. Anyway, I've been using it manually for over a year. I could lock and unlock all doors, and work windows from the drivers door. Of course It would also start the engine.

Yesterday I pull in to work, get out, and as I lock the doors with two turns to the right, I feel a little tension in the turn, and I think I heard a slight click sound coming from somewhere in the door panel. So then I try to turn it to the left to unlock it, and it won't even go left. Eventually, I manage to get it to turn left, but nothing happens. It's like the electronic system is not engaged.

Now it's sitting there at work. Autoclub Roadside service couldn't get door open. I plan to break in somehow just to, hopefully, start the engine and move it. Any help, anything you find would be greatly appreciated ...thank you.

[UncleBob]

i'm not an expert but i just replaced my door lock actuator last week and i got to know that area fairly well. i'll try and make some guesses and solutions.
the key goes into a brass mechanism which has a finger sticking out in back. that finger goes into the door lock actuator.
my *guess* is that, since this piece was probably not designed to withstand daily use, this is what broke. i'm deducing this from your description of what happened. if it is, the replacement is super easy, but that's another story.
the problem for you now is how to get into the car because once you do, my guess is that you *should* be able to open the door from the inside handle.
i don't know how to break into the car other than to smash a window. this car is sealed up pretty tight. my X5 got broken into one night. they just pried the cylinder. if you just stick a big screwdriver into it, it is easily destroyed. but this is not your solution because if that finger is broken, then you would need to get the lock cylinder out and all the stuff behind it as well including the broken "finger." then you would eventually get access to the slot in the door lock actuator. stick a screwdriver in it and turn. the door would get unlocked.
have you asked BMW for help?

[Aimster]

The only way to get into an X is to break the window.
If the key doesn't work and you have no way of unlocking it via remote.. smash the window

[Scottybeeminx5]

Thank you guys, I found out you were right. Your input is appreciated. Here is the post I put on beemerfest earlier about the issue:

Wow...I've tried slim jim and going through the door/frame rubber molding with long steel rod. We've been able to pull bothe side door latches open from inside as well as pop up the push down lock and the doors still remain closed. Worried that the battery was run down preventing the electronic release of the mechanism, we've tried jumping the power by accessing the front of the starter for positive lead and still the key just swivels in the lock with no result. It's not a power problem. I think I may have a stripped or electronic malfunction of the drivers door lock. Since my remote key fob doesn't work, I cant just push the button for the other doors to open. So now I'm thinking of trying to open the key and replace the battery. I know I have to have access to the inside of the car to reprogram the key remote so I'm hoping it's just a battery problem in the key. Otherwise, I'm going to have to have it towed to the dealer=$$$$. But two questions remain: 1. How tow? Just drag it on to a flat bed? 2. What is the dealer going to do to get the car open to begin to work on it?

[Tomaz]

I'll PM you with another way in.

[Scottybeeminx5]

Yeah I asked bmw and their own roadside assist said they would have to tow it to the shop. since I know that pulling the latch from the inside doesn't work, I'm pretty much going to have to brake a big window so I can climb in. Now, though, It seems I might have to have the dealer fix the lock anyway, so I might just have it towed there. I'm going to look for a diy on lock replacement now. If it is there then I might brake the window and do it myself. I know there is one on window repair, I've had to do it twice already. Anyway thanks.

[Scottybeeminx5]

okay cool, thanks I'll wait.

[dkl]

This is one of the thing that bugs me most about the X...only ONE locking cylinder for the entire car!