locked out my car - zero entry

[gubbabump]

right so sunday I went to put my key in the drivers door (1999 bmw 323i) and the key just span round - my remote central locking doesn't work as the battery knackered. I cant gain entry through the boot as my seats don't fold down. so I literally have no way into the car - I think the handle mechanism that attaches to the barrel must be broken?

I rang my local indy bmw garage who said they can get in and modify the handle etc ( I didn't really understand it etc)

I phoned an auto locksmith who said they would drill the barrel out but then I would need a new barrel etc - if this happened i would need it all reprogrammed no?

can anyone shed any light on what to do, or any other options - its starting to get a bit desperate.

I know its going to cost money but BMW wont give me any sort of price, so i have no clue what itll cost.

Cheers.

[MissChief]

No key slot on passengers side?

[PurpleMoonlight]

No lock on passenger door?

[gubbabump]

no just purely the drivers one.

[tomsugden]

Smash a window. Got to be cheaper than replacing locks, and you can replace with a window from the scrappy.

[PurpleMoonlight]

Buy a new remote battery then.

[mattshiz]

PurpleMoonlight said:

Buy a new remote battery then.

Usually you can get a dozen for a quid. Don't really see what the deal is here :/

[marmitemania]

Beaver tail....Hiab! No just kidding get another battery for the remote, it may have gone out of program, if it has I would just smash a window to gain entry, can't be more than 10 or 15 quid for a window glass from the scrappers.

[gvij]

Get a battery, if that doesn't work then smash a fly window and if you pop the key in the ignition the central locking should release the deadlocks all round if they are anything like VAG cars.
Ps make sure you smash a flywindow next to the ignition barrel and can reach the ignition if the car has deadlocking.

[WaferThinHam]

slim jim?

[eldar]

Stick the remote against the underside of your chin, and try again. Witchcraft, but it may help.

[Welshwonder]

Lever the top of a door open and then shove a wood or plastic wedge in to keep the gap open. Then use some stiff wire to open the lock (or door) from inside.

[Riley Blue]

A wire coat hanger worked for me in similar circumstances.

[9mm]

A wire coat hanger will enable you to pull the door lever on most cars of that vintage.

[gubbabump]

9mm said:

A wire coat hanger will enable you to pull the door lever on most cars of that vintage.

i did this and nothing happened, i pulled the door handle and still nothing.
for those saying change the battery in the fob i have done this previously - but in order to programme it you must be inside the car as you need to use the ignition. its not the fob its the GM5 module s that's no good to me either.

the car isn't deadlocked btw.

[ajondyh]

The remote doesn't have a battery as such, it is a rechargeable cap in the key which is usually sealed. It charges when it is in the ignition and the ign on. Some auto locksmiths will have a machine which can quickly charge the remote which may be worth a try. Alternatively you could try wedging the door frame slightly and try to get key in ignition and turn to on, this will usually unlock the doors but is quite tricky to do but is do-able. If you go to www.autolocksmiths.net you can find a capable auto locksmith near to you.

[jeff666]

The key will be worn out, the reason it turns is that their is a clutch mechanism in the lock, this is to stop the yobs from using a screwdriver to get in, ie it will just turn.

I had this recently on a Berlingo van, new key cut, no need for re-programming as you will still use the fob from the old key.

Try putting some oil down the lock, and put some pressure on the key when you try to unlock it, it may do the job.

[MrAndyW]

Use the coat hanger on the passenger door, If the linkage is knackered on drivers door, internal lever may be disconnected too,

[Welshjohn]

Get the aa out .had the same on my old Renault...

[Who me ?]

Another vote for AA/RAC ETC. I left my keys in boot on an old central locking car . Bloke jacked front of car up and false fed some circuit,form his battery, then tapped the crash sensor. No damage ,just an embarrassed member.