Driver door opening whilst driving (knee hitting the button)

[somal007]

Sometimes I’ve had my driver door open whilst driving when my knee hits the door button on the door. Is there a way to make sure this does not happen? It should be locked when vehicle is in motion!

[somal007]

Nobody knows a fix for this?

[DroMike]

Holy Bat-Ejector-Seat, somal007!!

This seems like an extremely dangerous engineering miscue and potentially HUGE legal liability issue for BMW!

Just trying to think out of the box with something helpful, I might offer you a Rube Goldberg-type of solution: Perhaps you could, say, duct- or masking-tape some type of concave lid or similar over the button so when your knee pushes against it, the force presses around the button instead of directly upon it. I know it sounds tacky, but as Hippocrates (the ancient Greek physician, NOT the animal shipping guy) said, "Desperate times call for desperate measures." Another offering I might add -- and remember, I don't have my G70 just yet -- are you locking your doors or does the manual button override or trump the locking system altogether?

Not to make light of your situation but it reminds me of the old motorcycle joke about Adam's girlfriend Ruth on the back of his motorcycle. Adam hit a bump, she flew off, and he rode on, uh, ruthlessly.

[AlteBMW]

I cannot believe BMW lawyers would let them have a car door open while in motion. Gear interlock of something like that would seem to mandatory. I know the doors lock automatically at a cetian speed, so clearly the electronics are there to prevent opening.
I can see allowing it if car is stopped and in neutral. I will have a look later or tomorrow on mine.

[JEMichel]

Originally Posted by somal007

Sometimes I’ve had my driver door open whilst driving when my knee hits the door button on the door. Is there a way to make sure this does not happen? It should be locked when vehicle is in motion!

This has happened to me 3 times since I got the car in June 2023… it seems that it’s only possible at lower speeds. It is really freaky. I’m 6’3” so might not be an issue for everyone.

[AlteBMW]

Originally Posted by JEMichel

This has happened to me 3 times since I got the car in June 2023… it seems that it’s only possible at lower speeds. It is really freaky. I’m 6’3” so might not be an issue for everyone.

Another reason to wear your seat belt!!!

[AlteBMW]

I understand there is also option code EJPA, which allows the driver to eject passengers who complain about his (or her) driving. The automatic doors open and whoosh . . . This is a modification of earlier versions that ejected through the sunroof.

[rollingtaser]

do you have the automatic doors?

[somal007]

Yes

[rollingtaser]

if you don't actually use this button, have it disabled or disconnected or electronically destroyed so it doesn't work anymore.

you still have the menue, the button on the cristal bar and the mechanical emergency lever to open the door

[DroMike]

BMW: Can you spell "RECALL?!?"

I mean seriously*, what if during those times I'm driving when I fall asleep -- how would I prevent myself from being ejected from the car?!?!

Uh-oh. Maybe I just identified a more immediate problem....



*OK, not really

[aosman]

I thought I was the only one caught in this door drama thing! At least 2-4 times a week, my car decides it's time for a surprise door opening and to scare the heck out of me!

As someone mentioned above, it will not open at higher speeds (thank God!), only at slow speeds but it is still scary and not to mention embarrassing.

Its all about the poor button placement. It's like BMW hired a mischievous poltergeist to design where it goes on the door. And that lock/unlock electronic button? It's about as useful as a umbrella in a hurricane. If the door is supposed to be locked (red), why does it swing open like it's auditioning for a dance competition at the slightest touch?

I am planning to complain about it next time I take the car for service but unless BMW issues a recall or sends out a "Doors Behaving Badly" bulletin, I fear my car will continue its quest to scare me with unexpected openings!

And by the way, I do not have the automatic door feature...

[todao]

What is hitting the button… Your knees?

I think this is primarily a problem of our adaptation to a new technology or feature. Think about it; the shift knob is right next to your right hand. What if all the car was at speed and you accidentally shifted into reverse or park. That’s an easy press of the shift lever at the bottom of your hand.

Or what if, while fiddling with the cup holder, your hand is dangerously close to the on off button and you accidentally press the off button at speed.

To me, these are similar critical buttons that operate the car and have key critical safety implications for correctly operating that button.

My point is, we just learn to adapt to doing things, or in this case NOT doing things, and operating the car knowing what are the critical components that operate the car.

[DroMike]

Originally Posted by todao

My point is, we just learn to adapt to doing things, or in this case NOT doing things, and operating the car knowing what are the critical components that operate the car.

I have a feeling this is going to be the most pragmatic and prescient observation. It makes me think of folks who grow up in areas amongst snakes. You pretty much learn that you don't wander off into grassy areas or simple ways to avoid them. I doubt BMW will recall this (although they may), but until then, this may very well be our "snake" that we'll soon learn how to get along with...

[aosman]

I disagree. This is undoubtedly a design oversight. I shouldn't have to sacrifice my comfort or adjust my seating position simply because I'm concerned that even the gentlest touch of my knee might accidentally open the door.

The gear shifter analogy is irrelevant here. The gear shifter is an upper hand control, whereas this issue pertains to the positioning of controls in relation to legs, setting position, and comfort.

[seans]

Originally Posted by aosman

I strongly disagree. This is undoubtedly a design oversight. I shouldn't have to sacrifice my comfort or adjust my seating position simply because I'm concerned that even the gentlest touch of my knee might accidentally open the door.

The gear shifter analogy is irrelevant here. The gear shifter is an upper hand control, whereas this issue pertains to the positioning of controls in relation to legs, setting position, and comfort.

This happened to me one day, and my i7 made an awful noise as the parking pawl tried to engage while the vehicle was moving.

That said, my aunt also lost her ankle (and foot) in a severe car accident with a large truck.
Your left foot should remain on the dead pedal while in motion for added stability when cornering or hard braking as examples.

Additionally the dead pedal serves as a safer place to keep your left foot in the event of an accident, helping to keep your foot away from the crumple zone and to keep the driver squarely in their seats.

Although I agree that the doors should open only at a complete stop, this experience reminded me of my poor driving technique and I’ve begun resting my left foot where it’s intended to be.

[AKSteve]

Somehow I just know this is going to happen to me one day while I'm in the touchless car wash.

[aosman]

Originally Posted by AKSteve

Somehow I just know this is going to happen to me one day while I'm in the touchless car wash.

Leather seats would be perfect for those unfortunate car wash surprises!

[Jetson]

I have the same problem. They should come up with a fix for this! It is dangerous.

[DroMike]

Originally Posted by Jetson

I have the same problem. They should come up with a fix for this! It is dangerous.

Yikes George -- this means while driving you're also in jeopardy of losing your boy Elroy, daughter Judy, or Jane (your wife)!

Sorry, I know this is a real problem, but I just couldn't resist... and.... willpower......weak....

[AlteBMW]

I do not have the automatic doors. I tried to open the drivers door while driving down the street near my home at about 20mph. The way I sit my knee is not hear the button so I reached over with my left hand and pushed the button. The doors were locked and the the door did not open

[somal007]

When the vehicle is in motion the button should be disabled/locked. It shouldn’t matter what speed ur going. Multiple instances when backing out of driveway or slowing down at intersections and the door opens when knee hits the button. Shouldn’t be happening at all.