Are you in a situation where you’ve misplaced your key and can’t unlock your BMW? No need to panic. Although it’s inconvenient, there are still ways to unlock your car door without a key.
Ever locked yourself out of your BMW and thought there must be an easier way to get back into your car than calling a tow truck? Well, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we will go through several different ways how to unlock BMW door without key.
Whether it’s using a coat hanger, a slim Jim device, or even the trusty bump key method – we have you covered. It does not matter if your car shocks are disengaged or on, as these procedures should work with all vehicles. So forget about waiting around to call for help, and let’s look at getting back into our cars ourselves!
What Will You Need?
The quickest and easiest way to unlock your BMW without a key is by using everyday items you may already have in the house.
You’ll need:
- A flathead screwdriver or awl
- A coat hanger bent into a hook shape
- Pliers
- A bump key (for more experienced users
Once you have all these items ready, it’s time to move on to the next step.
10 Easy Steps on How to Unlock BMW Door Without Key
Step 1. Using a Coat Hanger:
First, take your coat hanger and straighten it out as much as possible. Then, create a small hook at one end with the help of pliers. This hook will be used to grab the door lock from the inside. Carefully slide the hanger between the window and the door, maneuvering it until the hook is near the lock. Once you have the lock in your grip, pull it up.
Step 2. Using a Slim Jim:
Using the same principle as the coat hanger, you can also use a Slim Jim device to unlock your BMW door without a key. This is an elongated metal piece with a thin hook at one end. To use this method, insert the tool between the window and door of your car, sliding it until you feel the hook reach the lock. Then, apply pressure and pull up on the Slim Jim until it unlocks.
Step 3. Using a Bump Key:
This more advanced method should only be used by experienced users. To use this method, you’ll need an unmarked a bump key that matches your car’s make and model. Insert the key into the lock and tap it with a hammer or mallet. This should make the pins inside the lock move up, allowing you to turn the key freely to unlock your car door.
Step 4. Using a Flathead Screwdriver or Awl:
This method will only work if your car window is slightly open. Slide the flathead screwdriver or awl into the crack of your window. Gently wiggle it around until you feel it latch onto the lock. When it’s in place, pull it up, and this should unlock your door without a key!
Step 5. Calling a Professional:
While the methods above can get you back into your car, they also carry some risk of damaging your vehicle, especially if carried out improperly. Therefore, it’s best to call a professional locksmith if you’re uncomfortable with the process or if the methods have proved unsuccessful. They have specialized tools and the necessary expertise to unlock your car without causing any harm. Remember, it’s always better to incur a small cost for a professional service than to risk causing costly damage to your BMW.
Step 6. Prevent Future Lockouts:
Prevention is always better than cure. To avoid such stressful situations in the future, consider implementing some preventative measures. Always have a spare key made and keep it in a secure but accessible place, like your wallet or with a trusted friend or family member. Alternatively, you can opt for keyless entry systems or invest in a digital key if your model supports it. Some BMW models even have a feature that allows you to unlock your vehicle via a mobile app.
Step 7. Using a Roadside Assistance or Insurance Service:
Many insurance policies include a roadside assistance feature that can help you in such situations. If you’re locked out of your BMW, contact your provider and ask about roadside assistance. They can send a professional locksmith to your location and unlock your door without damaging the car. Some policies may cover the cost of this service, so it’s worth checking with your provider. This hassle-free method can save you time and potential damage to your vehicle.
Step 8. Using a Lockout Tool:
This method requires a special ” Big Easy Lockout Tool.’ It’s a long, smooth, plastic tool designed to slip between the door and the car’s frame, allowing you to unlock the car from the inside. First, use a plastic wedge (usually included in the lockout tool kit) to create a small gap between the door and the frame. Then, carefully insert the Big Easy tool into the gap and wiggle it toward the lock button or handle.
Once you’ve reached the lock, use the tool to pull up on the lock button or push down on the door handle. This should unlock your BMW door without a key. It’s important to note that while this tool can be effective, it requires a certain level of practice and finesse to avoid causing damage to the vehicle.
Step 9. Using a Tennis Ball:
It may sound surprising, but a tennis ball can sometimes unlock a car door without a key. This method largely depends on the type of lock system in your BMW, and it may only work for some models. First, make a hole in the tennis ball. This can be done with a screwdriver or a hotkey. Next, place the hole of the tennis ball over the keyhole of your car door. Apply pressure to the ball, pushing air into the lock mechanism and causing the lock to unlock. While this method is not 100% reliable, it’s a non-destructive attempt that’s worth trying before resorting to more drastic measures.
Step 10. Using an Inflatable Wedge:
An inflatable wedge is a professional tool locksmiths use to unlock car doors without keys. It’s a small inflatable bag inserted into the gap between the door and the car body. Once in place, the bag is inflated, creating a gap for a long, slender tool to be inserted and used to unlock the latch within the door manually. This method is effective, but it requires specialized tools and some knowledge of car door mechanisms.
That concludes our list of methods to unlock a BMW door without a key. Each technique has its pros and cons, and the success may depend on the specific model of your BMW and the tools you have at hand.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Using Force: Feeling frustrated when locked out of your car is natural, but using excessive force can lead to permanent damage. Always proceed with caution and patience, whether using a coat hanger, a Slim Jim, or a lockout tool.
- Avoid Ignoring the Alarm: If your car alarm goes off during your unlocking attempts, don’t ignore it. This can draw unwanted attention or even result in law enforcement being called for a suspected break-in.
- Avoid Using Unfit Tools: Always use the correct tools for the job. Tools not designed for unlocking car doors can damage your BMW’s lock, paint, seals, or window glass.
- Avoid Hurrying the Process: Trying to rush the process can lead to mistakes and potential damage. Take your time to understand the mechanism of your car’s lock and carefully implement your chosen method.
- Avoid Neglecting Professional Help: If you need more confidence in unlocking your car without a key, feel free to call a professional locksmith. Their expertise can save you from costly damages, and they can help you get back on the road quickly and safely.
By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can minimize the risk of damaging your BMW while attempting to unlock it without a key. Remember, each method requires a level of understanding and caution, and it’s okay to call in a professional if you feel the task is beyond your abilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to unlock BMW door without key is a useful skill to have. This can save time and money, but it’s relatively easy when you understand the concept and practice the steps. Of course, should you experience any difficulties during the process, please refer to your car’s manual or contact a professional for further tips and advice.
Also, remember that if you want your BMW door lock to last longer, regularly maintain it by lubricating it as needed and replacing damaged components quickly. With these considerations in mind, you should be able to unlock your BMW locked doors with no problem!
Hopefully, this guide has helped teach you how to unlock your BMW door without a key. Now that you have the knowledge and skills, you can rest assured that even if you ever find yourself locked out of your car again, with the right tools and techniques, unlocking it won’t be a problem.
Happy driving!
