[IAMXX]

Hi there.
Just got a new battery and the car was locked without the power. I can access the inside of the car, and all tutorials I saw showed at least 3 methods to access the trunk in contemporary BMW.
Which are trunk cable from the inside, glove box for the key, rear for the key, and jump start. However, I can't see the emergency cable where it should be (in its usual location) located from the inside when seats are folded, no place for key on the rear flap or the glovebox. There is also no trunk opening button on the driver's side.
Can someone please help me access the trunk without using the jumpstart cables? Thanks.

[dfc888]

I think the emergency trunk release (pull cable) is on the bottom left of the photo, behind where those papers and bags are.

[IAMXX]

Originally Posted by dfc888

I think the emergency trunk release (pull cable) is on the bottom left of the photo, behind where those papers and bags are.

Thanks for the reply,
Sadly, it's neither on the left nor on the right side. I've checked both thoroughly. Picture for reference

[Te311]

Jumper cables on starter from underneath???

[IAMXX]

Originally Posted by Te311

Jumper cables on starter from underneath???

I asked specifically about the possibility of opening the trunk without using the cables.
There are several different tutorials around the web for BMW but not a single one came useful to me.
I can't simply comprehend if there is no such option available to me as of now for a fairly new car.
The car is EU/UK specs.

[dfc888]

Originally Posted by IAMXX

Thanks for the reply,
Sadly, it's neither on the left nor on the right side. I've checked both thoroughly. Picture for reference

That is so interesting… I wonder if this is a US thing where we have glow in dark emergency boot release (for kidnapped persons, or accidental locked children). This “feature” has been in our US sedans for quite some time.

[Bc2005]

That’s exactly what I have in my 2021 M340i (US spec).

[HFW003]

I've just had a look in mine (2024 Eu Spec) and we do not get a pull cable.

I think the only way would be to do either connect a trickle charge or leads to another car.

[IAMXX]

Originally Posted by HFW003

I've just had a look in mine (2024 Eu Spec) and we do not get a pull cable.

I think the only way would be to do either connect a trickle charge or leads to another car.

Seeing the previous post from a fellow member, I certainly have more questions than answers. From what I see, it looks like UK/AUS cars with the steering wheel on the right side are affected by the lack of an emergency trunk opening cable from the inside, which, all things considered, would be an essential or even critical part of the car's setup. But it appears to me that's not the case. Whereas US cars have this on the wall of the right compartment, it's a solid piece of the inner wall on mine.

[lnlyssg]

It's a US standard so I'm guessing only US cars have this (unless there are similar laws in any other countries?): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federa...y_Standard_401

[IAMXX]

So why does my UK-labelled Manual for 3series G20 show this exact handle presented on its 95th page without an asterisk*
To me, it clearly shows that the handle is there and it's "a given", unless I just found a potential legal flaw.

[lnlyssg]

The fact it says trunk suggests that it’s not actually a UK version of the manual to me... I'm in the UK and I just checked both the paper manual and the PDF version for my car and neither has any mention of the word "trunk" (mine says "boot" as expected) or contain any mention of the emergency handle.

[IAMXX]

Originally Posted by lnlyssg

The fact it says trunk suggests that it’s not actually a UK version of the manual to me... I'm in the UK and I just checked both the paper manual and the PDF version for my car and neither has any mention of the word "trunk" (mine says "boot" as expected) or contain any mention of the emergency handle.

There you go, my UK manual book was delivered with my G20 straight from the manufacturer.
This proves my point. The wording was an inconsiderable detail.
I think I might have found by accident potential legal liability on BMW's end.

[lnlyssg]

Is there anything at the start of the manual about per-country exclusions? What model year is your car? I wonder if BMW are cost-cutting and providing just one English language manual rather than regional variations...

[paulockenden]

I’m sure there will be a small print disclaimer somewhere saying that things in the manual might vary based on the vehicle spec and country.

[IAMXX]

Originally Posted by lnlyssg

Is there anything at the start of the manual about per-country exclusions? What model year is your car? I wonder if BMW are cost-cutting and providing just one English language manual rather than regional variations...

The 2021 G20 330i M Sport, configured and purchased at Park Lane BMW London, was not skimped on options, especially on the "emergency boot handle," as it was equipped with nearly top-of-the-line features.
There is something amiss with UK-based cars if others are equipped with the handle as they should.

[carolinahurricane]

Try removing the rear seat and look (thoroughly) for a pull cable. My E60 has this. Good luck!

[cyam]

Originally Posted by IAMXX

There you go, my UK manual book was delivered with my G20 straight from the manufacturer.
This proves my point. The wording was an inconsiderable detail.
I think I might have found by accident potential legal liability on BMW's end.

I'm in Australia and my manual shows the exact same. Shows the picture for emergency boot (not trunk) release, but I do not have the release inside my boot/trunk.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by IAMXX

There you go, my UK manual book was delivered with my G20 straight from the manufacturer.
This proves my point. The wording was an inconsiderable detail.
I think I might have found by accident potential legal liability on BMW's end.

Have u checked on both sides of the trunk?

A forum search found this option code for the boot emergency unlocking, do check with a VIN decoder if your VIN has this.

5DS Luggage-compartment Emerg. Release Kofferraumnotentriegelung

(my US-spec G20 330i does have 5DS)

[cyam]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

Have u checked on both sides of the trunk?

A forum search found this option code for the boot emergency unlocking, do check with a VIN decoder if your VIN has this.

5DS Luggage-compartment Emerg. Release Kofferraumnotentriegelung

(my US-spec G20 330i does have 5DS)

I do not have 5DS

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by cyam

I do not have 5DS

I think this feature is likely based on local legislations.

[drdino]

It's market-specific for North America. FMVSS 401 mandates this, not applicable to Europe. My online manual (which is VIN-specific) does not have any references to a release handle. If you exclude any external power source (that's what I surmise from your not allowing the use of jumper cables) I am not aware of an easy way of opening the boot. Otherwise, jumper cables on the +ve/-ve terminals in the engine bay, or a battery booster (but it wills till have short leads that will use the same points) to power the body controller up. That's obviously for if the 12v battery is flat and you can't use the remote button.