Locking

Locking System

Operation of locks
The central locking system is operational as soon as the drivers door is closed; the system locks the doors, trunk/tailgate and fuel door.

The central locking system can be activated from outside using the remote control (if equipped), the drivers door lock cylinder and the trunk lock cylinder (not all models). This will place the door locks in central arrest. Pulling on the inner door handles or lifting the lock rods will not unlock the door.

The central locking system can also be activated from inside using the button on the center console. The fuel door remains unlocked when locking from inside the vehicle. This places the vehicle in central lock. Pulling on the inner door handle twice will open the door.

Models before M.Y.99
Do not lock yourself or anyone inside the vehicle from the outside or by using the remote control as the doors will not be able to be opened from inside without the key. If the key is inserted into the ignition and turned to position 1(KLR) the locks will automatically release into central lock. Pushing the central lock button or pulling an inner door handle twice will then open the door.

Models M.Y.99 and later
Doors locked from outside can be opened from inside without a key by first pressing the central lock button and then pulling an inner door handle twice.

Emergency lock operation of the doors and trunk
In the event of an electrical failure the drivers door can be opened by turning the key all the way to the left beyond the detent. The remaining doors can only be unlocked when power is restored. The trunk lid can be opened in the same way if equipped with an external lock cylinder.

Emergency unlocking of the fuel filler flap




All models have an emergency tether located in the trunk or cargo area to open the fuel door in the event of a malfunction. Pull on the button (usually green) with the fuel pump symbol to open the door.

Emergency opening of liftgates and tailgates on Sport Wagons and SAVs

X5






To release the liftgate manually remove the plastic tab from the liftgate trim and pull toward the front of the vehicle. To open the lower tailgate remove the upper of the two trim panels. The mechanical release latch can be pushed to the left to release the tailgate.

E39 Sport Wagon




To access the emergency release for the tailgate, unlock the tool kit from the tailgate trim. Find a plastic tab on the passenger side and pull outward.

E46 Sport Wagon




The emergency release is incorporated into the tailgate latch actuator. To access the release, remove the plastic cover that is located in the center of the cargo area sill plate. After removing the cover, the lever is pushed to the right to release the lock.

Child safety locks






Child safety locks are located in the rear doors. They are actuated by inserting a key in the slot on the door latch or by sliding a lever (dependent on model). The door can now only be opened from outside.

Valet (hotel) locking




Valet locking of the glove box and trunk is carried out by locking each with the master key and leaving the lock cylinder in the horizontal position.

The valet key is not mechanically capable of entering the lock cylinders. The trunk release button inside the vehicle will also be ignored.

On E46 convertible models, E52 and the E31, locking the glove box in the valet setting will lock the trunk.

Glove box locking




The glove box is locked using the master key. On E36/E46 convertibles, E52 and E31 the glove box is locked by an actuator when locking the vehicle from outside.


NOTE: The E38 has a lever behind the glove box handle which permits locking the glove box without a key. Opening still requires a key.