Locked out

[kenny320]

Could someone please advise me on the best method of getting in the chim when the battery is flat. Given the trouble I'm having with the locks at the mo, it may be easier than standing for 10 mins in the cold fiddling with the key.

[k4trv]

You have mail

Trev McM

[Simpo Two]

Er - on a 1989 BMW 320i?

[k4trv]

Simpo Two said:

Er - on a 1989 BMW 320i?

Profile says that, but earlier messages indicate he's lookin after a 94 Chim for his "friend"....Maybe he'll read the posts & E-Mail !!!

Trev McM

[shnozz]

k4trv said:

Simpo Two said: Er - on a 1989 BMW 320i? Profile says that, but earlier messages indicate he's lookin after a 94 Chim for his "friend"....Maybe he'll read the posts & E-Mail !!! Trev McM

sorry to be rude Kenny but since you havent been around too long I didnt really want to tell you how to effectively break in to a chim.

Sad to say but you can be anyone you want under the disguise of the internet (McLaren F1 anyone...)

no disrespect intended mate. Sure you are genuine but dont trust the internet I am afraid.

[kenny320]

Ok here's the situation. My own car is an F-reg 320i. I have regular access to a scoob and an mx5, which is why I may post questions elsewhere regarding them. A girl who works with my dad has bought a Chimaera but due to travel commitments, tends to leave it at my place occasionally.

Due to the cold weather it was decided that to leave it for a week+ without running was unwise, so I have been insured on it. Have driven it a couple of time, and its brilliant. Except for two separate lock problems.

The driver's doorlock appears to have a mechanical problem, where it is very difficult to get it to turn anti-clockwise to vertical in order to begin locking/unlocking. Last night took best part of an hour wiggling and jiggling to get in. After driving, it then then locked without any difficulty.

The passenger lock seems to have an electrical problem.

Shnozz: Fair enough totally understandable. I would be wary too. If you mail me I will reply from my work account at strathclyde university.

[raceboy]

I probably try squirting a small amount of WD40 down the key hole using the plastic straw, and keeping a rag handy to mop up any that spills out the top, leave this to do it's business for a few minutes then give it a try

[kenny320]

Ah yes... WD40... Much WD40 has already been used attempting to sort this. You have just described my sunday afternoon

I am totally bewildered by the problem, it seems almost random. I only got in after I had used almost every item in my swearing toolbox. The most surprising part was when i put the key in after driving and it all worked first time.

I suspect the locks need some professional attention. I'm beginning to wonder if the driver's doorlock has had a screwdriver in it at some point...

>> Edited by kenny320 on Wednesday 10th December 11:14

>> Edited by kenny320 on Wednesday 10th December 11:23

>> Edited by kenny320 on Wednesday 10th December 11:33

[MrTees]

Its much easier when you have a chimp with no key lock......cus when you lock yourself out of them, thats when the fun begins

[kenny320]

Yes, I've read much about getting locked out of chimaeras. I had expected this forum to be full of stories of people having near misses with hedges and wall, but it seems the real problem is getting into the car

[NigeW]

Had exactly the same problem with my 94 Chimaera. The barrel was broken and just wouldn't turn. In the end I got so fed up with the temporary repairs I had it converted to an automatic job with a plipper. It only cost £188 and was worth the time and aggravation saved.

[V8 Archie]

kenny320 said:

Due to the cold weather it was decided that to leave it for a week+ without running was unwise

Shouldn't be a problem. Two weeks up would be when I would think things might slip.

Mine is always left for a week between trips (and recently two) and has had no problems at all. Not even a slow start. That said, it is garaged.