Central Locking: Notes

The Central Locking System provides locking/unlocking of the entire vehicle from one central exterior point. From the driver's door or the remote (key-less) entry, a lock/unlock request will lock/unlock all exterior doors, luggage compartment and the fuel filler flap.

From inside, the vehicle can be locked/ unlocked using a central locking button located in the center console. Individual doors can be unlocked manually by pulling twice on the interior door handle.

From the 2000 model year, if the vehicle has been double locked, press the central locking button and pull the interior door handle twice (alarm will sound when the door opens).

Locking the vehicle from the central switch will "single lock" all doors, luggage compartment and not lock the fuel filler flap.

The Central Locking System utilizes the GM III and Door Modules to carry out all of the locking/unlocking features:

• Remote (key-less) entry is standard.
• When locked from the outside, the vehicle will double lock and arm the DWA System. The ignition must be switched off and the driver's door must be opened and closed.
• Selective unlocking from the outside of the vehicle. Unlocking from the driver's door or remote transmitter will only unlock the driver's door and disarm the DWA System. A second request will unlock the remaining doors and luggage compartment. This feature can be modified for individual users in Key Memory to open all doors from a single request.
• A single central locking button is installed in the center console that will operate when all of the doors are closed. Locking the vehicle from the central switch will "single lock" all doors, luggage compartment and not lock the fuel filler flap. When unlocking, a single request will unlock the driver's door only. This feature can be modified for individual users in Key Memory to open all doors and luggage compartment from a single request.
• A remote luggage compartment button is installed in the left kick panel (center console in the E53) to open the luggage compartment from inside the vehicle.
• The EWS is interfaced for double lock monitoring and unlock function. With the presence of an accepted EWS key in the ignition, the vehicle will be unlocked and disarm DWA.
• The automatic locking feature (> 99 MY) activates the door locks when a road speed signal of 5 MPH and engine RPM is detected via the K-Bus. The factory default setting of this feature is off (can be encoded on for individual users with Key Memory function).
• In the event of an accident (ignition on), the GM will be signalled to unlock all doors.

The following are the hardware features of the central locking system:

• The external lock cylinders are located in the driver's door and luggage compartment lid (E53/E39 Sport Wagon does not have a tailgate lock cylinder).
• The driver's door and luggage compartment incorporates an overrunning lock cylinder. The lock cylinder will free wheel or spin If any key other than the vehicle key or tool, such as a screw driver, is inserted into the cylinder. The lock cylinders can be manually locked/unlocked by turning the key "past" lock/unlock.
  Fig 2: Identifying Lock Operation

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
• The door lock buttons are mechanically uncoupled from the lock actuators when locked. The door lock buttons "mechanically" lock the individual doors. This provides manual locking in the event of a central locking malfunction.
  Fig 3: Identifying Door Lock Button Position

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
• Child safety locks (located in the rear doors) are actuated by inserting a key in the slot on the door latch or by sliding a lever (dependent on model). The door can now only be opened from outside.
• The luggage compartment can be manually locked with a "Master Key" and leaving the lock cylinder in the horizontal position which prevents opening by any other method (secured for valet).

  The luggage compartment release button inside the vehicle will also be ignored by the GM. Prior to 2000 MY the vehicle could be locked or unlocked using the luggage compartment lock cylinder.

  Fig 4: Identifying Master Key Direction

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
• The glove box has a lock cylinder to secure the contents by manual locking with a "Master Key" and leaving the lock cylinder in the horizontal position which prevents opening by any other method (secured for valet).
  Fig 5: Opening Glove Box

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
• The E38 has a lever behind the glove box handle which permits locking the glove box with out a key. Opening still requires a key. The valet key is not mechanically capable of entering either of these lock cylinders.
• The Fuel Filler Flap mechanical release is found in the right side of the luggage compartment. The "pull tether" is behind the button as shown on the right.
  Fig 6: Pulling Tether

  Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.