[MicroStation v8i SS1] deleting elements connected to the base

MicroStation V8i SS1 is a rather old version of MicroStation: see the History of MicroStation.

Mateusz Czajkowski said:

I have cells in my drawing that are probably connected to the base

What do you mean by 'connected to the base'?

because there is ODBC information in the raw data / linkages

clicking on the information about the element does not show the cell but the

cell:infrared feature: CELLNAME

Mateusz Czajkowski said:

there is ODBC information

OK — the element has a database (DB) linkage.

Mateusz Czajkowski said:

I don't care about connecting to the base

You can modify or delete an element that has a DB linkage.  That linkage doesn't lock the element. 

However, when you delete such an element the DB will retain the information about that element. 

Your first screenshot shows that the element is Unlocked.  You can modify or delete the element.

yes it is unlocked but shows an error when trying to modify it:

Mateusz Czajkowski said:

it is unlocked but shows an error when trying to modify it

That's not normal MicroStation behaviour.  Another app. may be required to manipulate your elements. 

1. What was used to create your DGN file?
2. Are you using another app. on top of MicroStation?