Opening trunk without keys

MOCKBA · 01-10-2009, 09:45 PM

Perhaps I need to read manual to understand right behavior. My car has CA, so I can open trunk anytime with keys in my pocket. However if I have no keys opening trunk behavior looks unpredictable for me. Sure I can open it from a cabin, however outside sometimes it can be opened, sometimes not. So what are conditions to be able open trunk without keys?

Is there also any valet key behavior, for example if I lock trunk with a mechanical key, it can be opened with the key only, no fob.

Lester · 01-10-2009, 09:56 PM

There is a valet slide switch in the glove box. You can turn off the electric trunk release. Lock the glove box with the key, then the trunk can only be unlocked with the key. When you give the fob to the Valet, keep the key with you. The valet will not be able to get into the trunk this way. Of course, he will still be able to drive the car in any fashion he wants.

Seisiuneer · 08-11-2016, 01:52 AM

Has anyone had the trunk lock switch in the glovebox fail? Mine appears to have zero effect on the ability to open the trunk with either the fob or the trunk switch on the driver's side of my 2008 128i.

scythe1969 · 08-14-2016, 11:24 PM

I have experienced the same inconsistencies. Most of the time when I need to get into the trunk and I don't have the key, I have to open it from the inside. Sometimes, I forget to use the inside button and it works. Granted, it's only about a 2 out of 10 ratio, but I'm curious about the two times too...

The car is always left unlocked in the garage so you'd assume you can open the trunk without the key in your pocket... Maybe there's something I'm missing?

PA135i · 08-15-2016, 07:14 AM

There is a button on the drivers foot well. Near the door jamb.

davidk · 08-15-2016, 02:07 PM

This happens to me on my 2009 128, and I finally figured it out. Unless both driver and passenger doors are unlocked, you will need either the key or press the inside trunk release button on the drivers side kick panel to unlock the trunk.

scythe1969 · 08-15-2016, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidk

This happens to me on my 2009 128, and I finally figured it out. Unless both driver and passenger doors are unlocked, you will need either the key or press the inside trunk release button on the drivers side kick panel to unlock the trunk.

Bingo! Thanks for the help.

01-10-2009, 09:45 PM	#1
MOCKBA Captain 54 Rep 870 Posts Drives: 135 convertible Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SFBA iTrader: (0)	Opening trunk without keys Perhaps I need to read manual to understand right behavior. My car has CA, so I can open trunk anytime with keys in my pocket. However if I have no keys opening trunk behavior looks unpredictable for me. Sure I can open it from a cabin, however outside sometimes it can be opened, sometimes not. So what are conditions to be able open trunk without keys? Is there also any valet key behavior, for example if I lock trunk with a mechanical key, it can be opened with the key only, no fob. __________________ 535i/HUD Kamerton brings me true sound fidelity
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-10-2009, 09:56 PM	#2
Lester Brigadier General 295 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	There is a valet slide switch in the glove box. You can turn off the electric trunk release. Lock the glove box with the key, then the trunk can only be unlocked with the key. When you give the fob to the Valet, keep the key with you. The valet will not be able to get into the trunk this way. Of course, he will still be able to drive the car in any fashion he wants. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-11-2016, 01:52 AM	#3
Seisiuneer New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2008 128i Convertible Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: El Cajon, CA iTrader: (0)	Has anyone had the trunk lock switch in the glovebox fail? Mine appears to have zero effect on the ability to open the trunk with either the fob or the trunk switch on the driver's side of my 2008 128i.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-14-2016, 11:24 PM	#4
scythe1969 Private First Class 21 Rep 105 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	I have experienced the same inconsistencies. Most of the time when I need to get into the trunk and I don't have the key, I have to open it from the inside. Sometimes, I forget to use the inside button and it works. Granted, it's only about a 2 out of 10 ratio, but I'm curious about the two times too... The car is always left unlocked in the garage so you'd assume you can open the trunk without the key in your pocket... Maybe there's something I'm missing?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-15-2016, 07:14 AM	#5
PA135i Brigadier General 968 Rep 3,323 Posts Drives: 08 135i 08 CR-V Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	There is a button on the drivers foot well. Near the door jamb. __________________ Sparkling Graphite Metallic / 6MT / Terracotta Boston Leather / Sport Package / Comfort Access system / Gray Poplar wood trim / Heated front seats / iPod and USB adapter / HD radio / Premium hi-fi system / OE Tuning / VRSF Intercooler & charge pipe / BMW Performance short shift kit / BMW M Performance Handbrake Handle / BMW Stainless steel pedals / V1 hardwired / rear sun shades *Pennsylvania 20 electoral votes*
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-15-2016, 02:07 PM	#6
davidk Enlisted Member 62 Rep 123 Posts Drives: 2018 X3 M40i, 2018 M2 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Gig Harbor, WA iTrader: (0)	This happens to me on my 2009 128, and I finally figured it out. Unless both driver and passenger doors are unlocked, you will need either the key or press the inside trunk release button on the drivers side kick panel to unlock the trunk.
	Appreciate 1 scythe196920.50 Quote