getting into a locked X5 if battery dies

[omodos]

Quick question , will using the key maunally unlock the drivers side door at least despite a battery being flat?...sorry if the answer lies somewhere on the forum...checked but couldn't find this exact question

[Joshdub]

Yes you can use the key to manually unlock the door. If your lock cylinder is broken getting to the car becomes significantly harder.

[omodos]

thanks for the reply and does it matter how you initially locked the car ie via key fob or manually with key?

[g300d]

Using the key to turn the lock cylinder will disarm the alarm and unlock the car no matter how it was locked prior.

If the battery is flat, turning the key will unlock the door whether you locked it with the remote or manually via the key.

[upallnight]

When the Polar Vortex struck here last winter, I just left the X unlocked so I wouldn't have to deal with a dead battery and frozen cylinder lock. Worse idea from all the car makers was to eliminate the cylinder lock from the passenger door.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by upallnight

...Worse idea from all the car makers was to eliminate the cylinder lock from the passenger door.

AMEN BROTHER!! And include not having a lock cylinder for the tailgate, too...which could have been another way into the vehicle...where you could at least crawl up to the front to pop the hood...where you could then hook up a battery charger or jumper cables to the terminals in the engine bay.

(45° to the left or right electronically locks/unlocks & 90° to the left or right manually locks/unlocks the door)

[davesx5]

Another problem with using the remote all the time is the key cylinders are not used. Some people never use the key, result stuck or rusted cylinders. I use my key about once a month and oil the cylinders as needed. On some of my other cars I have found the cylinders partially tied up.

[omodos]

Originally Posted by davesx5

Another problem with using the remote all the time is the key cylinders are not used. Some people never use the key, result stuck or rusted cylinders. I use my key about once a month and oil the cylinders as needed. On some of my other cars I have found the cylinders partially tied up.

Well I guess the flipside is using it too much wears out the mechanisms, thats why I needed a new cylinder last year as key would spin and do squat---luckily battery was ok and was able to lick unlock with keyfob...,I always lock with the key manually, but unlock with the keyfob----


yes total madness and scrimping not to add locks on the passenger side and the rear.....I am wondering if it would be a good idea to 'extend' the connectors that came with my ctek and run them from the jump point in the engine to underneath car where I would have access.....guess all depends where one gets stranded, fat lot of good the ctek is gonna do if i get a flat battery out in the middle of nowhere as would need mains power to get battery back to starting point

[Qsilver7]

This brings up another point to consider/remember...and the lock cylinder lubrication (especially the exterior door lock) is a very good idea and should become part of annual or bi-annual preventative maintenance. The door lock cylinder & the ignition is designed to free-wheel spin if a foreign object is inserted.

So if you ever get resistance when using either the door lock cylinder or ignition...stop...and make sure the key is inserted properly (not too far in, or not in far enough)...so that it doesn't react as if a foreign object has been inserted...which it will then break and free wheel spin.

[InfluencE53]

Great info to know as a new owner of a X5!! Thanks!