Does the BMW 3 Series have an auto-locking feature?
3 Answers
The new BMW 3 Series does not have an auto-locking feature. The new BMW 3 Series is equipped with a comfort access function. Advantages of auto-locking feature: The benefit of the auto-locking function is theft prevention and enhanced security. It provides protection for passengers with children inside the vehicle, preventing accidents caused by young children opening the door handles while the car is in motion. Disadvantages of auto-locking feature: The downside of the auto-locking function is that it may foster driver complacency, reducing their vigilance and potentially leading to accidents. Additionally, in the event of a traffic accident, the auto-locking feature could hinder passenger escape.
When I first drove the BMW 3 Series, I was also curious whether it would automatically lock. Based on personal experience, most models have this feature, but it's not enabled by default. You need to set the automatic door locking option in the iDrive menu, such as locking automatically when the speed exceeds 15 km/h. This is quite practical, avoiding the risk of forgetting to lock the car when parked. I tried it on a friend's car—setting it up was just a few simple steps: enter the vehicle settings in the system, find the door lock section, and enable automatic locking. Different model years may vary slightly. For example, the 2021 model I drove had Comfort Access, which automatically locks the doors via sensors after leaving. New car owners should check the manual or test the actual car operations to ensure security and theft prevention.
As someone who frequently researches cars, I'd like to share how the BMW 3 Series' automatic locking mechanism works. It typically relies on speed sensors - once you start driving and reach a preset speed, the doors will automatically lock. The settings can be configured in the vehicle's iDrive system. Navigate to the vehicle functions option in the menu and switch to automatic mode. Post-2020 models offer more customization, such as automatic locking when leaving the vehicle, but if not enabled, manual locking is required. It's advisable for owners to develop the habit of checking these settings to avoid unnecessary safety risks. This feature may have slight variations across different market versions, so real-world testing is most reliable.
