Battery is dead...I can't get in

Is there a manual method of gaining entry when the battery is dead???

Originally Posted by k8nalli

Is there a manual method of gaining entry when the battery is dead???

The metal key.

Insert key, turn left.
Which reminds me the new comfort access "proximity" fobs - are a problem in this case - happened to a friend last week.

+1 for all of the above! The new fangled "proximity fobs" -- aside from costing a mint when you lose one (or go swimming with it in your pocket) could be problems here. Perhaps an outside mechanical hood release (to reach the "jump terminals") would be prudent to have as these batteries and cars age. Of course that means anyone could get under the hood too.

The new FOB's have a removable metal key like thingy to open drivers door with.

Also on the comfort keys, I dont think the remote battery is rechargeable. There's a back panel that can be removed when you pull out the metal key.

Originally Posted by Kamdog

The metal key.

Or "Rock meets glass"! Expensive option though!

Thank you all for your suggestions. I can see the lock button move (slightly) and hear a click when I turn the key, but no entry. A locksmith will be out tomorrow...hopefully they can gain entry without further issues.

Had a couple dead battery episodes on the05 x3. Metal key worked finer both times.

Cheers

There is another alternative. Underneath the front driver's side of the car, there is a terminal surrounded with red plastic that can be used to jump or charge the car. So if you a charger positive up to this terminal, hook the negative up to the chassis, you can charge the battery & then use the remote.

Originally Posted by timarnold

There is another alternative. Underneath the front driver's side of the car, there is a terminal surrounded with red plastic that can be used to jump or charge the car. So if you a charger positive up to this terminal, hook the negative up to the chassis, you can charge the battery & then use the remote.

I never knew that!

Originally Posted by timarnold

There is another alternative. Underneath the front driver's side of the car, there is a terminal surrounded with red plastic that can be used to jump or charge the car. So if you a charger positive up to this terminal, hook the negative up to the chassis, you can charge the battery & then use the remote.

What terminal are you talking about? The alternator connection?

NM... delete post.

Sorry about the bad terminal info. I thought I was on the E39 forum. It does have a convenient positive access point, the X83 does not. If you had to, you should be able to get to the back of the alternator and remove the plastic nut to get to the positive side of the battery, but it would be more difficult.

Originally Posted by timarnold

If you had to, you should be able to get to the back of the alternator and remove the plastic nut to get to the positive side of the battery, but it would be more difficult.

It would be very unusual to need to do that.

I really think K8's problem is an isolated case where the driver's door lock mechanism somehow seized mechanically while drawing power - draining the battery as a result.

In general for the X3, it's only the rear hatch that would be inoperative with a flat or disconnected battery, because it doesn't have a lock cylinder.
(Many other SUVs do have a key operated hatch.)

There's pros and cons to locking your X3 when it is parked in your garage.