As a BMW owner, you know how frustrating it can be to accidentally lock your keys inside the car. It’s especially inconvenient if you’re in a hurry or far away from home.
Luckily, there is a simple trick that you can use to unlock your BMW without calling a locksmith or breaking a window. By following some basic steps, you’ll be able to access your vehicle quickly and efficiently.
“The key to success is preparation.” -Alexander Graham Bell
In this article, we’ll explain how to unlock your BMW with keys locked inside using a few commonly available tools. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to avoid getting locked out of your car in the first place.
If you want to save time, money, and hassle when unlocking your BMW, then keep reading. We’ve got you covered!
Use A Shoelace
If you’re someone who often forgets your keys inside the car, then this article is for you. Unlocking a BMW with keys locked inside could be stressful and expensive if you don’t know how to do it. No need to fret. We have an easy and cost-effective solution for you: use a shoelace!
Choose A Sturdy Shoelace
The first step in unlocking a BMW with a shoelace is to choose a sturdy shoelace that won’t break while you try to fish it through the car’s door jamb. A thin shoelace may not work because it can easily get twisted or tangled. On the other hand, a thick shoelace can be difficult to maneuver into the gap between the car door and frame.
So, make sure you choose a moderate thickness shoelace that is both durable and flexible.
Tie A Knot In The Middle
Next, tie a knot in the middle of the shoelace so that it creates a small loop. This loop is what you will use to pull up the lock inside the car door. Make sure the knot isn’t too tight or else you might find it challenging to maneuver the shoelace though the door jam without loosening the knot.
Insert The Shoelace Into The Door Gap
Now insert the end without the knot into the car’s door gap on one side of the window. You typically want to aim for the space between the top of the door handle and the upper weather stripping. Ensure that the shoelace reaches the base of the window, where the locking mechanism is usually located.
Make sure the shoelace has enough slack for you to move it back and forth without removing it from the gap. If you’re unsure if your shoelace will be long enough, try measuring it against the door’s length before inserting it.
Move The Shoelace Back And Forth
Gently wiggle the shoelace into place once you’ve found the right angle for insertions. Move it up and down gingerly, providing a bit of force to ensure that it gets behind the lock button. It may take some practice to get the hang of it, so don’t fret if it doesn’t work on the first few attempts.
Once you feel like the loop is around the lock button, gently pull the ends of the shoelace towards the outside of your vehicle so that the knot sits snuggly against the car’s frame. Use the loop to tug at the lock button until it pops open. Be cautious not to damage or scratch any surfaces during this process.
“This method works in most BMW models because their locking mechanisms are usually located near the windows.” -AutoZone
You’ll be able to unlock your BMW with keys locked inside in no time, thanks to this easy DIY hack! Remember, patience and carefulness are essential while employing this trick. As always, use protective equipment when working with sharp metal objects.
Call A Locksmith
If you find yourself in a situation where you have accidentally locked your keys inside your BMW, the best course of action is to call a locksmith. Trying to unlock the car on your own can cause more harm than good and potentially damage the vehicle.
Locksmiths are trained professionals who specialize in unlocking different types of cars. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle different lockout situations without causing any damage to your car. Here’s what you need to do:
Research Locksmiths In Your Area
The first step is to research locksmiths located in your area. Don’t just pick any locksmith with a website or an ad in the local directory. Take some time to read reviews from previous customers and check their credibility and customer feedback. Use online resources like Yelp or Google Reviews to see if the locksmith has high ratings and positive feedback before contacting them for help.
You could also ask for recommendations from family and friends who may have relied on a reliable locksmith before in similar circumstances. Another option is to contact your dealership, as they likely have experience working with local locksmiths for unlocking cars.
Get Quotes From Multiple Locksmiths
Once you’ve narrowed down a list of potential locksmiths, it’s time to get quotes from each one. Be wary of locksmiths who offer significantly cheaper services compared to others, as this could be a sign of shoddy workmanship or unlicensed technicians.
A reputable locksmith should provide a reasonable quote that includes all aspects of the job, including any additional fees. Make sure you know exactly how much you’ll be paying upfront so that there are no surprises when the job is completed.
Choose A Trusted And Reliable Locksmith
After gathering quotes, you should choose a locksmith who is trustworthy and reliable. Look for certifications or accreditations from industry organizations such as the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).
Make sure to ask about their guarantees and any insurance they carry in case there are damages during the unlocking process. A trusted and reliable locksmith will also provide you with clear instructions on what to do once your BMW has been unlocked.
“A good rule of thumb when selecting a locksmith is to pick one that has a physical location – preferably one located close to your residence or workplace.”
Unlocking a BMW with keys locked inside can be a stressful experience. Remember to stay calm and follow these steps: research reputable locksmiths in your area, get quotes from multiple professionals, and choose one who guarantees their work and has the necessary credentials. With the right locksmith, you’ll be back in your car in no time without causing any additional damage.
Use A Coat Hanger
If you’ve accidentally locked your keys inside your BMW, don’t panic. One of the easiest and most common ways to unlock a car with the keys locked inside is by using a coat hanger. This process requires no special skills or tools, just a bit of patience and determination.
Bend The Hanger Into A Long Hook
The first step in this process is to bend the coat hanger into a long, straight hook shape. Start by untwisting the hanger until it is completely straightened out. Then, use pliers to create a small hook at one end of the hanger. Make sure that the hook is small enough to fit into the door gap without damaging any parts of the car.
Insert The Hanger Into The Door Gap
Once you have the hook ready, gently slide it between the weather stripping and the window of the car. Keep pushing the hanger until you feel the hook reach the lock mechanism on the inside of the door. Be careful not to damage the weather stripping or any other part of the car during this process.
Hook The Lock And Pull Up
After inserting the hanger in the door gap, jostle it around until you find the lock button or knob. Once you locate it, use the hook to grab onto the lock button or knob, making sure to grip it firmly. Finally, pull up on the hanger while simultaneously pulling the lock button or knob towards you to unlock the door. This may take some time and practice- so keep trying until you successfully latch onto the lock mechanism.
It’s important to note that the method described above only works for cars that still utilize a physical lock button or knob within the door panel. For cars with electric locks, an entirely new method must be used.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
If you want to avoid getting locked out of your car in the future, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan ready. Many people choose to keep a spare key with a trusted friend or family member, while others opt for keeping one hidden on their property or attached discreetly within their vehicle.
You could also consider investing in smart lock technology that utilizes a programmed card or smartphone app as opposed to traditional keys- effectively eliminating the risk of lockouts altogether.
- Remember not to panic if you find yourself locked out of your BMW.
- Try step-by-step procedures until you unlock the door successfully.
- Be careful not to damage any part of your car during this process.
- Keep a spare key handy and never lose possession of your main car key.
Ask For Help From Police Or Fire Department
If you accidentally locked your keys inside your BMW, don’t worry! There are ways to unlock your car without damaging it. One of the first things you can do is to call for help from the police or fire department in your area.
Call The Non-Emergency Line
When you realize that your BMW keys are locked inside the car, and you have no access to spare keys nearby, the next step is to reach out to your local police department. However, it’s important to note that you should not call 911, which is reserved for emergency situations. Instead, look up the non-emergency number online or in your phone book directory.
Note: If you’re currently on a busy street or highway, it may be better to move away from traffic before making the call.
Explain The Situation
Once you get through to the non-emergency operator, explain that you’ve accidentally locked your BMW keys inside the car and need assistance in unlocking it. They’ll most likely transfer you to the appropriate department, either the police or fire department, who will dispatch someone to assist you shortly.
It might also be helpful to provide some specific details about your vehicle such as its make (BMW), model, year, color, location, and license plate number. These details will help the responding officer or personnel find your vehicle more easily.
“Calling the non-emergency line is often the easiest route, but depending on where you’re parked, calling the cops could take longer than getting professional help.”
Remember, if you feel unsafe or uncertain while waiting for help, stay inside your car with all doors locked until a uniformed officer or firefighter arrives to assist you.
Note: Be sure to have some form of identification and proof of registration on hand, as the responding officer may request it, especially if they suspect that the car is stolen or had been involved in any recent criminal activity.
- If you’re a member of AAA (American Automobile Association), your membership may cover vehicle lockouts, so be sure to give them a call as an alternative option.
- Alternatively, you can also try calling a professional locksmith service. Just keep in mind that this option might be more expensive than waiting for help from local authorities.
If you ever find yourself accidentally locking your BMW keys inside the car, stay calm and contact the non-emergency line for help. Explain the situation clearly, providing specific details about your vehicle to make the process quicker and smoother. Remember to have proper identification and paperwork ready when officers arrive, and never attempt to break into your car on your own.
Use A Tennis Ball
Cut A Hole In The Tennis Ball
If you find yourself locked out of your BMW with the keys still inside, a quick solution that might enable access is using a tennis ball. To do this, you need to cut a small hole in the tennis ball.
The idea behind this trick is that when you press the ball tightly against the lock, it creates an airtight seal. Squeezing or pressing on the ball will create pressure and force that can push down the locking mechanism, effectively unlocking your car door.
Place The Ball Over The Keyhole
After cutting a hole in the tennis ball, place it over the keyhole, ensuring that it fully covers the entire area surrounding the keyhole.
The size of the hole you make in the tennis ball should be just big enough so that you can fit the air nozzle of the ball into the opening of the lock. It would help if you were precise with your cuts to ensure they are accurate to achieve optimal results.
Push The Ball Firmly Against The Lock
Once you have placed the ball over the keyhole, push it firmly against the lock. Push the ball as hard as possible onto the lock while making sure it firmly sticks. Alternatively, some suggest hitting the ball sharply and quickly, like a hammer. This impact generates pressure that dislodges the spring-loaded pins, allowing the bolt to move back, thus unlocking your car.
You may hear a slight popping sound when doing this or observe the lock popping outwards slightly. These signs indicate that your attempts at unlocking the door through a tennis ball have been successful.
“The reason a tennis ball can unlock a car in this way is that the ball can provide enough force upon itself to create an airtight seal. In the case of a car, this translates into pressuring the locking mechanism until it releases.”
If these steps do not work for you or if you are unsure about performing these methods on your own, seek professional help without hesitation.
Try The DIY Method With A Wedge And Rod
If you’ve ever locked your keys inside your car, you know how frustrating it can be. If you have a BMW, the situation can feel even worse due to the added safety features that make it harder to open manually. Fortunately, there is a way to unlock your BMW without causing damage or calling for expensive professional help.
Insert A Wedge Between The Door And Frame
The first step in unlocking your BMW on your own involves inserting a wedge between the door and the frame of the car. The purpose of this wedge is to create enough space for you to insert a rod to press the unlock button. You can use any type of wedge; just be sure not to use anything sharp, as this could damage the paint on your car or get stuck in your door. Many people find success using a soft foam wedge specifically designed for this purpose.
“Using a wedge to create space between the door and the frame is a common method used by locksmiths and DIYers alike.” -LockTechs San Diego
Insert A Rod To Press The Unlock Button
Once you’ve created enough space between the door and the frame of the car with your wedge, you’ll need to insert a rod into the newly-created gap. This rod should be long enough to reach the unlock button on the door panel. You can use just about anything sturdy and straight for this purpose. One popular option is a coat hanger, which can be bent into the right shape. Others prefer purchasing tools specifically designed for unlocking cars. Whatever tool you choose, make sure it doesn’t have any sharp edges that could damage your car’s interior.
“There are many different types of rods available for unlocking cars, but a simple and cheap coat hanger can work in a pinch.” -Angie’s List
Open The Door
Once you’ve successfully inserted the rod and located the unlock button on your car, all that’s left to do is press it. This may take some dexterity and patience, but with some persistence, most people are able to unlock their BMW within minutes. Once the door is open, be sure to retrieve your keys so you don’t accidentally lock them inside again.
“Unlocking your car with a wedge and rod requires practice and finesse, but it’s a useful trick that anyone can learn.” -WikiHow
If you’re ever faced with the situation of locking your keys inside your BMW, remember that there’s no need to panic or resort to extreme measures like breaking a window. With a little bit of know-how and patience, anyone can learn how to unlock their car using basic tools found around the house. So next time you find yourself in this frustrating position, give the DIY method a try before calling for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the steps to unlock a BMW with keys locked inside?
The first step is to remain calm and assess the situation. Try using the spare key or the remote to unlock the car. If this doesn’t work, call a locksmith or BMW dealer. They may be able to remotely unlock the car or use special tools to gain entry. If all else fails, they may need to remove the door panel or window to access the lock from the inside.
Is it possible to unlock a BMW without damaging the car?
Yes, it is possible to unlock a BMW without damaging the car. A professional locksmith or BMW dealer may be able to use specialized tools to unlock the car without causing any damage. It is important to avoid using DIY methods such as a coat hanger or slim jim, as these can cause damage to the car and may not be effective on newer models with advanced security features.
What tools do I need to unlock a BMW if the keys are locked inside?
If you are attempting to unlock a BMW with keys locked inside, it is important to use the right tools. A professional locksmith or BMW dealer will have specialized tools such as a slim jim or lock pick set that can be used to unlock the car without causing damage. It is not recommended to attempt DIY methods with tools such as coat hangers, as these can cause damage to the car and may not be effective on newer models with advanced security features.
Can I unlock a BMW with a coat hanger?
While it is possible to unlock some cars with a coat hanger, it is not recommended to attempt this on a BMW. BMWs have advanced security features that may make it difficult or impossible to unlock the car with a coat hanger. Attempting DIY methods such as this can also cause damage to the car and may void the warranty. It is best to contact a professional locksmith or BMW dealer for assistance.
What should I do if I’m unable to unlock my BMW with keys locked inside?
If you are unable to unlock your BMW with keys locked inside, the best course of action is to contact a professional locksmith or BMW dealer for assistance. They will have specialized tools and knowledge to unlock the car without causing damage. Attempting DIY methods such as using a coat hanger can cause damage to the car and may void the warranty. It is important to remain calm and avoid taking any actions that may worsen the situation.