Where is the door unlock button on high end MB's and BMWs?

paul34 · 08-19-07, 07:17

I know, it seems like a silly question... but I've been doing my valet job for about two weeks now, and still can't figure out where that dang button is! heh.

Its amazing how much you learn about the sheer variety of different wiper, headlight, unlock, window switches, etc configurations from car to car. I think this unlock door mystery is the only thing I still have yet to figure out from the cars I normally do.

On the higher-end MBs, I can't find it. On any BMW, I can't find it.

I discussed it with some other valets... they said its sorta tricky, but it should be in the center console either directly under the armrest or on the bottom part of the console. But when I'm delivering a car, you don't exactly sit in their car hunting for a button.

So can anyone tell me? Maybe PICTURES even? thanks

jeteast99 · 08-19-07, 09:03

yea most of the time they are in the center of the dash below the air vents and also in the center console by the arm rest. what valet company do you work for in Orlando?

Picus · 08-19-07, 09:39

Top of the picture between the vents, the door symbol button.

DFTowel · 08-20-07, 07:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Picus

Top of the picture between the vents, the door symbol button.

What an odd and illogical place to put that!

SpoiledMan · 08-20-07, 07:06

Yeah and looking at the HVAC controls there is no obvious way to turn that off either. I just use the key fob to unlock the doors.

Picus · 08-20-07, 07:14

Turn the HVAC off? Either turn the fan all the way down, or turn the knob all the way to the right. It's pretty easy.

SpoiledMan · 08-20-07, 07:16

Yeah but what wrong with just a button that says "Off"?

Setec Astronomy · 08-20-07, 08:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpoiledMan

Yeah but what wrong with just a button that says "Off"?

Everything is so dang complicated these days...I used to blame it on NAFTA or globalization that they had to use symbols instead of words on hard buttons, but even now when everything is software (cell phones, nav systems) and language-selectable, they STILL use obtuse symbols...it's taken me 15 years to be able to remember the O and the | for off and on...and I still have to think about it

The sunroof buttons on my newest car are just ridiculous...after about 6 months (while messing around with my ill-fated Invisicord) I realized that the buttons had markings on them! That face away from the driver out the windshield! How some ergonomics expert decided to angle the panel away from the driver and expect you to be able to see the markings I don't know...unless they are designed for the export version where you sit where the dashboard is and face the back of the car while you're driving...

paul34 · 08-20-07, 10:16

thanks guys.

And yea, I find a lot of cars these days are getting more and more complicated. Especially the HVAC controls on some of these German and American cars. Most of the time I'm EXTREMELY thankful to find an "auto" button that takes care of everything for me

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeteast99

yea most of the time they are in the center of the dash below the air vents and also in the center console by the arm rest. what valet company do you work for in Orlando?

I work at the valet at Universal Studios

Oh and Picus, thanks much for the picture! I do recall the button being there on a C-Class I once drove, but don't recall that on a X3 and a 7-series I had to try to figure out the other day. Are they in the same place on those cars? I recall a LOT of switches and buttons in the center on a 7-series... so much so that I knew I never, ever, ever had ANY hope of figuring it all out without reading through quite a few pages of the manual.

Plus, the pictures on top of these buttons are rather cryptic. Too many buttons

Picus · 08-20-07, 08:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpoiledMan

Yeah but what wrong with just a button that says "Off"?

It's another button, that's what's wrong. I don't know about you guys, but I prefer a spartan interior. The less buttons the better, so if one button can accomplish two things I am fine with that.

SpoiledMan · 08-20-07, 08:11

I do as well and my Honda accomplishes the whole HVAC thing with 5-6 buttons (about the same number) and it has a "Off" button. It's that easy.

Danforz · 08-20-07, 09:37

I fail to see how putting the unlock (and other emergency symbols) at eye level is cryptic or illogical.

As for the off button, Bimmer seems to have gone with a "MAX" button instead... putting the AC on FULL blast with the touch of a button. I suppose whether a max or off button is better is somewhat subjective. Living in CA, the max comes in handy.

The only objective complaint I could make about the interior (this coming from an owner of two consecutive 3 series - '02 325 and '07 328) is the extra HOT --- COLD dial near the top middle vents. The problem is as follows: If you want to heat the car, you need to turn the temp knob AND turn the dial to red. Otherwise the upper vents won't get very warm. Maybe this is to accommodate upper and lower temp zones? Maybe its to keep some of the vents cool when defrosting? I don't know. But I find it a pain.

EDIT: May I also add, I'd LOVE for someone to explain that extra dial to me. Even the car salesmen couldn't figure out why its there.