Where is the emergency trunk release switch located in the BMW 5 Series?
3 Answers
BMW 5 Series trunk release switch is positioned at the bottommost button of the window control panel on the driver's door. Below are additional details: 1. Configuration: The BMW 5 Series comes with abundant features including rear-seat entertainment, adaptive headlights, and rain sensors. The trunk is equipped with hooks for hanging loose items, which helps save space and prevents items from scattering during sudden braking. 2. Rain Sensor: When the automatic driving light control system is activated, the rain sensor automatically starts the windshield wipers and adjusts their frequency. The automatic headlight system turns on the low beams when external light intensity decreases.
I remember encountering a situation where the trunk wouldn't open on my BMW 5 Series before, and later discovered there's an emergency release inside the car. It's located right in the center on the inner side of the trunk lid, usually a small square panel with a cover, marked with a vehicle escape icon. I used the tip of my key to gently pry open the plastic cover, revealing an orange pull ring inside. A firm downward tug manually releases the trunk. Once when taking the kids on an outing with a dead key fob, this switch saved the day by allowing us to retrieve the picnic blanket and food. I recommend keeping a flashlight in the car - if this happens at night, you won't panic. Details may vary across different model years of the 5 Series, so the safest approach is to check the owner's manual in the glovebox, which contains illustrated instructions for the exact location and operation method.
Auto repair shops often encounter BMW 5 Series owners complaining about trunk malfunctions. In reality, if you lift the trunk lid and look inside, the mechanical switch is located beneath the warning-labeled cover in the center. Use a coin to pry open the cover panel to reveal the cable mechanism—pulling it vertically with force will unlock the trunk. In some models, the rear seatbacks can be folded down, allowing access to operate the mechanism from inside the trunk if the switch is unreachable. This design accounts for extreme scenarios like flooding or power failure after accidents. However, metal components may rust over time, so it’s advisable to lubricate the mechanism with WD-40 during routine car washes. Remember not to insert foreign objects into the switch hole—there was a case where a parking card jammed the mechanism, causing it to seize up.