Where is the BMW trunk emergency release located?
4 Answers
BMW trunk emergency release is located behind the rear seats, which is a specially shaped red handle. Taking the BMW 5 Series 2021 facelift 525Li Luxury Package as an example, its body dimensions are 5106mm in length, 1868mm in width, and 1500mm in height, making it a 4-door 5-seater sedan. The car is equipped with a 2.0t inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine and an 8-speed automatic manual transmission, with a top speed of 230km/h, maximum power of 135kw, maximum torque of 290nm, front suspension type of double wishbone independent suspension, and rear suspension type of multi-link independent suspension.
The emergency trunk release switch in BMWs is quite ingeniously designed. Taking the models I've driven as examples, in the 3 Series, it's usually located on the inner trunk wall, under a small square cover covered with felt material. You just need to pull the orange ring inside to open it. For the 5 Series or X5, you might find a mechanical keyhole near the taillight or above the license plate frame. Last time when I helped my cousin deal with an unopenable trunk on her X3, I realized how practical this design is – in case the car key runs out of battery or the electronic lock malfunctions, the manual release is a real lifesaver. I remember some models require folding down the rear seats to access that switch.
When searching for the BMW trunk emergency release, note that its location isn't fixed. I previously tried an older 5 Series model where it was cleverly hidden near the license plate lights—requiring insertion of a mechanical key into a concealed lock cylinder. Newer models typically position it inside the trunk lid behind a plastic panel that needs prying to reveal an orange pull loop. Special reminder for SUV owners: check behind sidewall trim panels or seatbacks too—don't just look downward, inspect higher areas. This mechanism can be lifesaving in emergencies but remains notoriously hard to spot during normal use.
As someone who often helps neighbors with their cars, I've noticed that BMW's emergency release locations are really inconsistent. In sedans, it's usually a small hidden handle near the interior trunk light. SUVs are more complicated – sometimes it's hidden near the mechanism behind the rear seat backrest, or you have to carefully search around the license plate frame. Last week, while looking for this device on a friend's 740Li, I discovered there's actually a labeled movable panel on the left interior lining that needs to be removed to access the emergency pull cord. The most easily overlooked feature is the mechanical key lock cylinder – some cars hide the keyhole beneath the trim molding at the bottom.
