On my 2013 GT if you look where the key hole is there is an arrow that says release. Turn key in that direction.

 

I did many times no go

 

Stupid question but do you have central locking and are they unlocked?

 

I assume you've tried lifting gently on the handle with the key turned toward "release"?

 

Another stupid question: you said GT and GTL; if you have both, did you happen to swap the bags?

 

have both did not swap bags haven't had them off in a year, tried everything alarm off, locks unlocked side latch opens easily as it should key pointed to unlock position button presses down freely, top carrying handle will not rise up so I can lift bags off mounts.

NW

 

To be clear, pushing the button doesn’t release the handle. Turning the key against the spring tension in the direction of “release” is supposed to release the handle. I assume you’re doing that?

 

If I remember right, don’t you turn the key slightly past “release”, like turning an ignition key to the “start” position? Then the handle pops up and you just lift it up and lift the bag off?

I’d try it but I don’t want to walk all the way out to the shop 😜🤓

 

Twist the key further. Look closely at the direction the arrow is pointing. It is not obvious.

 

If you are having a problem with all 4 handles, sounds like it is a user issue, not a bag issue.

As said, turn the key further to get it to release.

 

try leaning against the bag with your leg while you turn the key

 

I was going to suggest pushing your leg into it while you turn the key, that helps when installing the bags.

 

Look, I had to go to the dealer for something that turned out to be embarrassingly obvious. They were lovely. Go by.

 

C'mon, man! I can barely stand the suspense!!

 

Buddy, can you post a little video clip of you operating the key?

 

@Ninjawarrior , this is a new one... What a PIA! As suggested by @Jonnybow , I'd place my knee 1/3 of the way back from the front of the case and half way down. Apply very firm pressure with your knee into the side and then try to turn key. This is the procedure used to 'lock' some side cases when the handle/lever won't go down.

Duane

 

I owned an early 2000's BMW 5-series with a special DSP based stereo (sounded nice) and etc... The clock on the dash was hooked into the clock on the stereo system, which also had all the car settings for oil temp and etc.

Got the picture?

When DST was about to change the dealer would call me for my appointment to bring the car in to have the time changed. That was the day a roving technician would come by with some magical box that changed the time.

Twice a year for five years.

I'll NEVER assume any BMW device is easy to use.