Did he pick the lock or open from inside with rods etc?


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I'm not sure if 'picked' is exactly what he did (can you really 'pick' a broken lock?), but something like that I guess. I didn't watch him do it, to be honest. LOL, as someone who repairs stuff for a living (musical instruments for me), I know how annoying it can be to have someone looking over your shoulder while you are trying to work, so I went inside. I did go back just after he started to point out where the central lock button was though, and saw him taking the cover off the exterior door handle area. I was like 'Oh, I guess you're doing it a different way'.

The first guy tried to go through the window, and he did in fact quickly get a gap to get his tools through, using the standard methods. For some reason he wasn't able to open it though. He seemed to think the battery was dead (it definitely was not), and that it therefore could not be unlocked via the central lock button. I think he just wasn't able to get enough leverage on the button to depress it. Either that, or he didn't double pull the handle afterwards (I didn't even think of that until after he gave up and left).

So glad I called I called another locksmith! I called up the two local dealerships in between. The first one I called pretty much told me 'yep, your going to have to bust a window'. The second one said 'no, don't do that', and advised calling another locksmith. That's the one I'll be taking it to for a new key!

Locksmith can't make a new key only BMW. (there are quite involved workarounds for the semi-pro BMW mechanic), but for normal folks the only way to get a key is a dealer.

Fortunately there is one that works through the internet with about 30% discount. For emergency key you can get a valet key for like $60

My fob stopped working two years ago I effectively have a valet key.

What I meant was that I was going to get a replacement key from the DEALER who advised me to call a second locksmith, as opposed to the one who told me to smash a window (still can't believe that was what an authorized dealer told me to do!).

If your fob is not working, and you are locking manually, as I was, I'd pony up the dough to get a new remote key ASAP. The locksmith told me that the locking mechanisms in these cars are really prone to breaking bc they aren't meant for regular normal use. Apparently the driver side key hole is just meant for if you haven't driven for a while and your key discharges.

Having had to refurbish my lock cylinder about every 800 or so uses I can confirm there is a major design flaw in the lock cylinder.

It's made from "potmetal". Really cheap weak crap. It should be a machined or stamped part of stainless.

I think I'll do some improving on the design either add a stainless steel shim to strengthen or have the stupifly weak part machined from solid stainless steel.

The "fork" that both transits torque from the key to the DLA and the dual action spring that returns the key to center has a motonically small cross section of weak shitty metal.

Since I don't have a working fob, I did what any X5 owner should do and implemented a safety valve.

Copying the concept from NASA I made a break away bolt that in an emergency I can break out my lock cylinder with little cosmetic damage (basically destroy the plastic trim around the lock). I can gain entry in an emergency when the damn lock cylinder breaks.

Heed the warning signs. If the key turns much easier one way than the other; it's already broken. Get the $10 repair kit and fix before you're screwed. If your fob doesn't work, get two and keep in your glove box like I do.

Then save a dollar a day toward your new key fund and get it.

I will rebuild my cylinder soon I'm sure but I think I'll machine a proper part from stainless or maybe bronze if that is chemically compatible (bad to make a battery by accident).