Dead battery, won't unlock manually! HELP!!!

[Jack_James]

Long story short, I left something plugged into the console 12v plug last night and it's killed my battery.

I go to manually unlock it today to jump start, and it will not unlock it at all. It will "twich" the door lock button that pops up/down, but it will not fully raise it to unlock the door. Yes I'm going full 90 degrees lol won't go any further. I even played with it a bit to try to jiggle it up, no avail.

I had CAA (I'm Canadian) here and they tried to use the interior door handle on the drivers door and it would still not unlock it!!!

So basically I'm stuck with a car that I cannot get into to jump start.

I read you can put power to the starter from underneath, but I'm outside and it's WINTER out there haha. Only option is to tow it somewhere reputable to perform this.

SOO that leaves me with this post. Any other ideas guys?? I'm stuck and need to get home haha.

[Qsilver7]

Do you have any lubrication...silicone, Tri-Flow, ,graphite...even WD40 in this case...it may help loosen the door lock cylinder in case it is frozen or just gummed up from not being used much (or annually lubricated/maintained?) .

[Jack_James]

Tried that too actually lol, I think there may be something wrong with the lock mechanism that allows everything to unlock manually lol.

Only reason I say for the manual unlock is because when the battery isn't dead, I can manually lock/unlock the car without a hitch! No issues.

I've read on some BMW forums I can supply 12v to the car to unlock it via the license plate light socket, has anyone heard of this? Obviously it would be connected for as long as it takes to hit the unlock button on the key fob.

Suggestions? Thoughts? Possible damage? lol

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Jack_James

I've read on some BMW forums I can supply 12v to the car to unlock it via the license plate light socket, has anyone heard of this? Obviously it would be connected for as long as it takes to hit the unlock button on the key fob.

Suggestions? Thoughts? Possible damage? lol

Yes, this can be done...but if you have a battery charger that has multiple amperage settings...use a lower amperage setting if you're going to hook up to the license plate light wiring. You don't need to send high amps through those wires to get the vehicle to unlock.

Also just an FYI to those who don't know...even when inserting the key into the door lock cylinder...they are still being actuated electronically when you reach the 45° angle...it's not until the cylinder reaches the 90° angle that manual activation of the lock occurs.

[Jack_James]

Or is there a slick way to open the hood by removing the grills? Anyone want to PM me that info?? lol

edit: thanks for the confirmation!!! Low amps = safe. I'm gonna do this tomorrow morning!!! Too damn dark and cold out now. Thanks again tho!!!!

[Jack_James]

Obviously I will update this with my findings lol

[Jack_James]

Ok doing this tonight, but I can't figure out which is the 12v side for the rear license plate bulb. Anyone able to help? Left or right one, dealers choice lol.

I'd pop out a side marker (still don't know which is 12v side), but I was having issues with the spring clips popping out and falling into the fender lol don't have any spares here, or my multimeter lol. Can't probe anything :/ don't want to risk blowing a fuse.

[Jleecare]

Check this post out. Might help to replace the lock after you got it open.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-lock-key.html

[Jleecare]

Try jack up the car a little bit hook positive battery cable to starter from your battery charger and then hook negative to the body then plug in and wait about five minutes and then unlock ur doors

[Jleecare]

The starter is in the passenger side near the flywheel housing.