Keys locked in boot.

[littlefeller]

E85 2004.

Ok, today i had a mini meltdown when i locked my car then shut my keys in the boot and i dont have a spare key. After searching around to find how to go about getting a replacement key i came accross a thread on another beemer forum with a how to. It only took me 15 min to get my keys back. If anyone else has a brain fade moment just follow this easy fix. Simply remove the 4 x 8mm screws under the drivers side rear bumper, detatch the 3 retaining clips for the wheel arch lining (at the back, no need to remove wheels) then pull drivers side of bumper free. Behind bumper there is a vent going onto the boot area, i had to cut a small hole through the carpet. The hole is large enough for your arm to get in. I had so much crap in my boot i needed to use my phone and take pics to give me landmarks to retrieve my keys.

 

[Shelly]

Glad you got your keys back
It must of been a nightmare, luckily we’re got another set of keys

 

[littlefeller]

Unfortunatly my car only had one set when i brought it.

Thought this was going to cost me bigtime.

Maybe now look to get a second set.

 

[littlefeller]

This does raise concerns regarding the security of your locked boot, you wouldnt get much through the vent hole but you could prob unlatch the boot lid somehow, is there not a manual opening mech somewhere in the boot space.

 

[philiper]

Well done for not losing your rag like I would have done and doing a good write up

 

[t-tony]

And, the moral of this story is ........................

Tony.

 

[ktnez99]

And, the moral of this story is ........................

Tony.

Drum roll...
Always have a spare key!
D-tag!

 

[t-tony]

NO, wrong. NEVER have your key(s) in your hand when you go into the boot. Recipe for disaster. I have had many cars over the years and only had 1 key for a lot of them (how many more people have?) I have never put myself in this situation, ever. No need to have a key in your hand with a Z4 as there is a button on the O/S foot well to "pop" the boot. Sean fitted one on his Z3 (OK, a little more involved but the same result, I fitted one on my Eunos), Just a habit to keep the key in your pocket.

Tony.

 

[Nodzed]

Done this several times but not with the Zed, I had a nasty habit of turning up at a site locking the car and going to sign in then using the fob to open the boot / hatch, putting the keys in the boot then putting my PPE on and closing the boot, hey presto the system is in auto re-lock because I have locked the car and only opened the boot, not funny when you are hundreds of miles from home and the spare keys, met a few sarcastic AA guys though as a result

 

[Mazza]

OR......call out BMW service dept......

 

[t-tony]

Done this several times but not with the Zed, I had a nasty habit of turning up at a site locking the car and going to sign in then using the fob to open the boot / hatch, putting the keys in the boot then putting my PPE on and closing the boot, hey presto the system is in auto re-lock because I have locked the car and only opened the boot, not funny when you are hundreds of miles from home and the spare keys, met a few sarcastic AA guys though as a result

Shirls Eos has the same system Niall, we do have 2 keys but never needed the other one thankfully.

Tony.

 

[Nodzed]

Shirls Eos has the same system Niall, we do have 2 keys but never needed the other one thankfully.

Tony.

Yep VAG cars and Mazda all do it, mind its still driver error

 

[littlefeller]

Yep VAG cars and Mazda all do it, mind its still driver error

Might be a good idea to recode the boot button to do just nothing when pressed. Lockouts are quite common niall and can happen to anyone, like putting in the wrong fuel, i use petrol my wife is the devils fuel, its only a matter of time.

 

[Redline]

You safe to be let out on your own Jason

You need to tape one of these up in the wheel arch for just-in-case

 

[Synclare]

Can you still get those magnetic 'Keep a Key' boxes?

 

[colb]

I only have one key with my Z4 and in the process of getting some spares, ordered some ebay keys that will need cutting then programming into the EWS module, fellow member has a AK90 key coder so between us hope to sort this out without having to shell out vast amounts of cash the stealers or locksmiths want.

 

[Oddly Godly]

Is it possible to get a new key cut from a blank off eBay and keep it just in case this happens. Will it unlock the boot without being programmed?

 

[Ianmc]

I don't really understand how this can happen on a Z3. The boot does not lock on its own; just when using the fob. Is the Z4 different?

 

[colb]

Yes you can get a key cut if you can find a key cutter who will cut blanks not purchased from them, a cut key will manually open the locks but you would have to sync the remote functions to make the lock / unlock functions work. The key will not start the car until its programmed into the EWS module. The likes of Timpsons will not cut aftermarket keys, I asked and was told you can't do that only BMW can programme the keys. She didn't really know what she was talking about and quoted £180 for a key supplied by them. I declined the service.
https://www.rallyebmw.com/how-to-program-the-bmw-key/
Also have a look on Youtube loads of info on there.

 

[t-tony]

I don't really understand how this can happen on a Z3. The boot does not lock on its own; just when using the fob. Is the Z4 different?

Yes, the Z4 is different. When the car is locked you can unlock the boot independently. If you do this and leave the key in the boot and close the lid you leave the unlocker in the boot, and as the car is locked you cannot access the boot release button in the car.

Tony.