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How can I open a BMW trunk with a dead battery?

My car battery is dead—but my jumper cables are in my trunk. Can you open the trunk even if a car is dead? If so, how?

avatar
Chloe Jenkins · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
In order to get into your BMW’s trunk with a dead battery, follow these steps:
Step 1: Release the hidden key in your key fob.
 
  • Press the release button on the back of the fob.
Step 2: Locate the slot for your manual key
  • Trunk: On some BMWs, there will be a manual key slot on the trunk or under the lid. If so, unlock the trunk.
  • Door: If there’s nowhere to use a key on the trunk, try the door. The driver’s side door will likely have a slot for a manual key. If so, unlock the car.
  • Concealed compartment: If your door doesn’t appear to have a key slot, it may be under your door handle in a concealed compartment. Wedge the key into the space beneath the compartment and pop it off, and the key slot will become visible. Unlock the car.
Step 3: Fold down the back seats for access to the trunk
  • At this point, you will be able to retrieve your jumper cables. If you want to open the trunk from here, you will find a rectangular tab on the interior of the trunk’s door. Pull the tab out and a wire should come with it. By pulling on the wire, the trunk will open.
You might also have a key slot on your trunk, which is usually compatible with the hidden key in your key fob. You can use this to open your trunk if you can’t access it from your back seats.
If you are not able to gain access to your vehicle: It may be time to call
roadside assistance
for help.
View full answer 
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