Locked out ... any pro tips?
 

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

Locked out ... any pro tips?
 

On the E 53 as you have figured out, the inside door handles are disabled when locked.

To defeat this, for example your wife locked you in the car and left, you need to hold down the creek lock button while pulling the door handle twice.

This will trip the alarm so that's what happens. You'd retrieve key as fast as you can and disable the alarm.

Picking the lock will work. All mechanical access is disabled at the lock/latch. The levers are simply disconnected when double locked.

Do you mean the center lock button?

So how would a roadside assistant locksmith (AAA or other) open a locked E53 from the outside ?

Locked out ... any pro tips?
 

They either pick the lock or a pair of rods to both press center lock and pull door handle simultaneously.

(Bending door frame with air wedge first)

I feel your pain. A couple years ago one of my bird dogs locked me out of the X5 in the middle of an Iowa cornfield, in 28 deg sideways snow and sleet. The big knucklehead taught me again that there are no bad dogs, just stupid owners. He stepped on the center door lock button in rage while being rested while I hunted my younger dog.

I was ready to break the small triangular window in the back door, but my buddy convinced me to try his method. We got some shims, pulled out the upper left corner of the door by hand just enough to work a shim in, then drove a couple more in. We got that corner pried open maybe a quarter inch, then fed in a very very heavy duty length wire with a loop on the ends. We were able to hook the handle and pull once to unlock the door. Then we could open it from the outside.

When not double-locked that's the fix.

My remote didn't work so after the second time my lock cylinder self destructed i made a breakaway bolt soi could "break in" in case the cylinder fully broke when the car was locked

Thank GOD my dawgs were not in the car ... it was a hot afternoon (90º already here, and humid) and I wouldn't have thought twice about breaking a window.

From what I can tell, I wouldn't have been able to use your method since the alarm was set.

Chris

Honestly, I'm not sure I'd trust a locksmith or random AAA person to either be able to pick the lock or to know the tricks to unlock the doors on this 20+ year old car.

Even if you know what to do, pressing the central lock button while pulling the door handle through a tiny crack in the door would take some real finesse. I tried it out in the garage a few minutes ago - it does work! In my instance, it would have been easier to try to hit the rear cargo hatch release button (had I known that would work). The dang keys were just inches from it.

Sure appreciate the help and advice. If this ever happens again at least I'll have a better idea of what the options are.

All the best,
Chris

Locked out ... any pro tips?
 

If the key is on the seat I'd prob try to move the key where i could press the button.

I don't know if the trunk button works when locked even if you press the central lock.

I once locked my kid in the car when i filled gas and went into the station and instinctively locked the car. Within a minute he set off the motion sensor.

I taught him how to emergency egress after that.

Makes sense. Mine was in the back with the cargo cover over it - couldn't get a visual. I'm just grateful that I didn't leave my cell phone back there with it. Things could always be worse. :-)

Chris