Battery dead, doors won't open even with key

SST790 · Post by **SST790** » Thu May 18, 2023 12:41 am

2011 Z4, been sitting for a while - starting it every week or so for a short drive.

But, today I went to start it and the remote wouldn't unlock the door. No problem, just use the physical key right? Nope, physical key turns but lock does nothing.

Now I have no way to get into the car.

Any suggestions?

Chippie · Post by **Chippie** » Thu May 18, 2023 7:23 am

Welcome to the forum SST790, I believe it’s possible to remove one of the front grills and open the bonnet from there.

PAC_Z4_F31_110Puma · Post by **PAC_Z4_F31_110Puma** » Thu May 18, 2023 8:10 am

Know little of an e89, but on my e85, when the release mechanism failed I was able to fairly quickly and damage-free gain access to the engine bay to sort it all out by removing the inner wing splash guard and getting to the cables. Could well be possible on an e89 too judging by realOEM, bit of a head-scratcher & good luck!

: e89 latch.png (420.9 KiB) Viewed 576 times

wanderer · Post by **wanderer** » Thu May 18, 2023 5:14 pm

That's a bit strange.
Have you tried both keys?

Does it turn all the way or not at all?
Sometimes you may have to force it.

Perhaps a curved bit of wire around the bonnet catch at the front or a flat blade or screwdriver to push the catch.

SST790 · Post by **SST790** » Thu May 18, 2023 9:08 pm

wanderer wrote: ↑Thu May 18, 2023 5:14 pm That's a bit strange.
Have you tried both keys?

Yep, tried bothe keys.

Next I guess I'm going to try a coat hanger through the top of the window to pull the handle from the inside.

mcbutler · Post by **mcbutler** » Thu May 18, 2023 10:10 pm

SST790 wrote: ↑Thu May 18, 2023 12:41 am 2011 Z4, been sitting for a while - starting it every week or so for a short drive.

But, today I went to start it and the remote wouldn't unlock the door. No problem, just use the physical key right? Nope, physical key turns but lock does nothing.

Now I have no way to get into the car.

Any suggestions?

If your battery is that discharged its a goner and will need replacing. Running any lead acid starter battery much below 11.75V will irreperably damage it...

Busterboo · Post by **Busterboo** » Fri May 19, 2023 1:26 am

SST790 wrote: ↑Thu May 18, 2023 12:41 am 2011 Z4, been sitting for a while - starting it every week or so for a short drive.
But, today I went to start it and the remote wouldn't unlock the door. No problem, just use the physical key right? Nope, physical key turns but lock does nothing.
Now I have no way to get into the car.
Any suggestions?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJ9bT1w3ffc

Easy, peasy.

Busterboo · Post by **Busterboo** » Fri May 19, 2023 10:19 am

Am going to lubricate key & keyhole with penetrating oil today.

Chippie · Post by **Chippie** » Fri May 19, 2023 11:25 am

Busterboo wrote: ↑Fri May 19, 2023 10:19 am Am going to lubricate key & keyhole with penetrating oil today.

I’ve always found when penetrating a little oil helps

Busterboo · Post by **Busterboo** » Fri May 19, 2023 3:09 pm

Chippie wrote: ↑Fri May 19, 2023 11:25 am
Busterboo wrote: ↑Fri May 19, 2023 10:19 am Am going to lubricate key & keyhole with penetrating oil today.
I’ve always found when penetrating a little oil helps

Ah, another 35is driver. It takes one to know one.

javis20 · Post by **javis20** » Sat May 20, 2023 1:57 am

Did you remove the grill yet? Very easy to pull out and reach your hand up to unlock the bonnet. Then you can connect your charger in the engine bay.

Don't understand all this dicking around with lube...

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