Problem:Your BMW fuel door is locked shut
Application:All BMWs with central locking system
Solution:Pull the emergency opening wire
Cost:FREE

BMW fuel door manual emergency release procedure:

My 2001 BMW X5 door locks get stuck when it is very cold, usually below 15 degrees fahrenheit. The key remote does not work & if I can get the key to manually unlock the door, and get into the vehicle, when I go to shut the door the latch is stuck 'open' and will not close, therefore making the car un-drivable because the door will not latch close. The contact owns a 2003 BMW X5. The contact stated that the exterior driver's side door latch failed to operate properly. The vehicle was unlocked manually with a spare key and the contact entered the vehicle through the rear driver's side door. My 2001 BMW X5 door locks get stuck when it is very cold, usually below 15 degrees fahrenheit. Once you know in your minds eye the whereabouts of the stuck parts within the door cavity - a little 'keyhole surgery' is all that's needed to get the door open. You will need the following: 20 inches of wire coat hanger or welding rod or similar thin but stiff wire to free the stuck lock mechanism. T20 Torx driver/wrench to remove door card. One disclaimer is that I assume bmw does not make this feature active in the US for safety reasons. 1-16 of 260 results for 'bmw door light logo'. 2005 x3 passeger side door lock was stuck in locked position with door closed now it is stuck in locked popsition with door open.
BMW models equipped with the central locking system feature a locking fuel filler door to prevent theft. Older model BMWs such as the E30 and E36 commonly have issues with the central locking system failing due to corroded power wires, faulty actuators and relays. To verify if your BMW has central locking, check out our post HERE for an easy way to identify.

Where is the pull handle located?

The example shown below is for the BMW E46 3 series model, however, the process is similar on all other BMW models. Some models may have the pull tab under the trunk floor mat or behind a plastic access panel (like in the X5, see the last row of images below). The good thing is ALL BMW models since the late 80s have the fuel filler door on the right side of the car. Because of this, if one hunts around in this area, you will be sure to eventually find the pull tab.

What is the procedure?

The solution to a locked shut / stubborn fuel filler door is simple. There is a green pull handle on the trunk wall common to the same side as the fuel door. There should be a green tab with an image of a fuel pump on it. Simply pull this tab to manually unlock the fuel door. The fuel door should pop open and you are now able to refill your car with gas.
Unfortunately, pulling the emergency release handle is usually a quick fix for the broken fuel door lock actuator in emergency situations. This temporary fix may not remedy the root cause of your problem.

Related BIMMERtips posts:

Adjusting opening height
You can set how far the tailgate should open.
Adjusting the opening height
When adjusting the opening height, ensure that there is a clearance of at least 4 in/ 10 cm above the tailgate. Otherwise, the ceiling may not be high enough for the open tailgate if the load situation changes.◀
1. 'Settings'
2. 'Tailgate'

Bmw X5 Door Latch Stuck Knob

3. Turn the controller until the desired opening height is selected.


Turn the controller until the desired opening height is selected.

Opening
The tailgate pivots back and up when it opens.
Ensure that adequate clearance is available before opening.
The tailgate opens automatically to the adjusted opening height.


The tailgate opens automatically to the adjusted opening height

▷ Press the button on the outside of the tailgate when the vehicle is unlocked.
▷ Press the button in the center console.
▷ Press the button on the remote control for approx. 1 second and release.
Bmw X5 Door Latch Stuck
The opening procedure is interrupted:
▷ When the vehicle starts moving.
▷ By pressing the button in the center console again.
▷ By pressing the button on the remote control for a longer period.
▷ By pressing the button on the outside of the tailgate.
▷ By pressing the button on the inside of the tailgate.
Closing
Danger of pinching
Make sure that the closing path of the tailgate is clear; otherwise, injuries may result.◀
Function requirement:
The lower tailgate is closed and must be locked on both sides.

Bmw X5 Door Latch Stuck Lock


The lower tailgate is closed and must be locked on both sides

The tailgate closes automatically when the button on the inside of the tailgate is pressed.
To stop the closing process:
▷ Press the button on the inside of the tailgate.
▷ Press the button on the exterior of the tailgate.
Closing is not canceled when you put the vehicle into motion.
Bmw x5 door latch stuck knob
Manually opening or closing
In case of an electrical defect of the automatic tailgate operation function:

2005 Bmw X5 Door Handle Broken

1. Manually release the tailgate
2. Open or close the tailgate slowly and without making sudden movements.
Do not use force to open or close
If the tailgate offers increased resistance, do not forcefully open or close the tailgate; otherwise, injury or damage may result.◀

Bmw X5 Door Handle Broken

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Bmw X5 Door Handle Stuck

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