Not funny story and questions about somehow locking keys in car, and then power died.

[STS-V]

Hello everyone, let me share a story with you. Previously I had a Cadillac STS-V with electronic locks and keyless ignition and entry. In the 2 years I owned the car, I locked the keys inside of it 2-3 times because if they were on a "dead spot" the doors would lock and not sense the transmitter inside the car to open the doors. And I always leave the keys in the car in my garage.

You would think after getting burned 2-3 times previously with this problem that I either would A) not leave the keys in the car; or B) get a spare door key for the M6 based on the fact it uses a very similar keyless system with electronic locks.

Fast forward to today, where somehow the battery on my M6 is dead (that is what it means when you pull the handle and the locks dont light up, correct?) and my only keyfob with the door key is in the glove box. Not too sure how this perfect storm of situations (battery dead, fob in glove box, doors locked) occurred, but I am quickly learning that it sucks.

Two of my personal friends are locksmiths, and both say that they cannot cut a key from scratch for the drivers door because it is a security key. That leaves me with the only option being to hopefully order a replacement door key from BMW, provided they have it on file. Oh yeah, to make matters even funnier, I left the title in the glove box and Im pretty sure they require that to give a replacement key.

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

[intrepid one]

Rock or hammer…apply to glass..

[MiamiSixer]

Perhaps there is a way to pop the hood to jump it by removing the kidney grilles and looking in there?

[MiamiSixer]

Looked around a bit and on other models they have managed to pop the hood by accessing the cable through the fender by removing the liner. Might be worth a try.

[tmiked]

If your dealer has serviced your car and has records, he will probably order a key for you.

I ordered one and my dealer did not need any verification.

[whatheheck]

First things first:

1) Battery should not go completely dead. Not unless you left the headlights on or battery simply reaches it usable life.
And FYI, this is where BMW failed on the M6 design. On my previous 528i, 520i and E39 M5 - BMW has current sensing system that anything that draws power after 15 minutes - the system will shut down to prevent battery from going dead.

For some reason, they didnt put this same design on the M6 and I dont know why.
If you leave your headlights on or parking lights on - the battery will die in about 6 hours.

At any rate, once you get your car door open - fully charge the battery overnight and it should read 12.7 volts.
Anything less than that - its time for a new battery as it wont hold a full charge already.

Battery life is 6 years max. I recommend replacing preventively every 5 years.

2) I am not aware on how to manually open an M6 without a key.
I recommend just bring your car registration and title to your local BMW dealer showing proof you own the car and have them cut you a new key. It is usually between $100 - $200.

If you have a good working relationship with an SA, you wont need any proof and key will run about $80.00

[Clyde]

Originally Posted by whatheheck

...Battery should not go completely dead. Not unless you left the headlights on or battery simply reaches it usable life.

BMW includes a "kill the battery" feature
It is actually a parking warning light feature common on most European cars. The turn signal stalk will turn on the marker lights on one side of the car, and they will stay on until the battery is dead

[M6Meister]

im glad i read this post in time and recently logged on.

the EXACT same situation happened to me. I had forgotten the angel eyes on and left the keys in the trunk for about an hour or so. This made the battery so weak, the keyless go was completely inoperable when trying to open the doors or trunk.

long story short TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PILLAR-LESS DOORS.

After a few calls i found a locksmith that couldnt cut the door key but rather slipped that pop-a-lock air pump between the rubber weatherstripping and window glass just above the door handle.

he then slid a very malleable rubber wrapped metal cord with the end bent into an L shape and hit the unlock botton on the center console triggering the alarm.

then he bent the metal to pull the inner drivers door handle twice which opened the door.

there with the alarm still ringing i opened the zipper to the ski bag between the two back seats and grabbed my car keys from the trunk and VIOLA i started the M6 easily.


Although i was happy to have had my keys and car back it easily showed my how someone would have access to my cars interior.

[imycool]

If i accidentally lock the keys in the trunk, the car beeps a few times and the trunk opens up again. It won't let me lock the trunk with the keys in the trunk? It won't let me even close the trunk!

[B767capt]

Just thinking out loud, we all just had that battery recall done and even pictures here on the site. Under the trunk and above the rear axle is the bottom of that recall bolt. I would get under there with jumper cables being sure and careful on the hook up. Then power the cables from above and the car should have voltage. I'm lucky because I park mine in the garage on a hyd lift.


Recall

Clydes post #73