We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
keys locked in car with engine running.
jackieglasgow
Posts: 9,436 Forumite
in Motoring
Please help. 
Husband locked the only set of keys for the BMW inside the car with the engine running and a full tank of fuel in it! I have been unable to locate a locksmith who can get here before 2pm. Said car is purring away on my driveway. I had the genius idea of smashing the small side window and retrieving the keys/unlocking the doors, and worked out that through my insurance this will cost £50 :eek: or I can buy a window for £200. Locksmith will be around £60, but all the petrol will have gone by then. OH refuses to let me smash window, and has gone to his lockup unit for window suckers in the vain hope he can pull the window down enough to get at the lock. He won't be able to do it, and we will lose the fuel and the money for locksmith and/or new window. Lots and lots of diaphragmatic breathing going on in my house right now.
Any suggestions? Its an old BMW316 btw. Someone has suggested blocking the exhaust and making it stall, and someone else suggested removing the rim around the window with a stanley knife?
Husband locked the only set of keys for the BMW inside the car with the engine running and a full tank of fuel in it! I have been unable to locate a locksmith who can get here before 2pm. Said car is purring away on my driveway. I had the genius idea of smashing the small side window and retrieving the keys/unlocking the doors, and worked out that through my insurance this will cost £50 :eek: or I can buy a window for £200. Locksmith will be around £60, but all the petrol will have gone by then. OH refuses to let me smash window, and has gone to his lockup unit for window suckers in the vain hope he can pull the window down enough to get at the lock. He won't be able to do it, and we will lose the fuel and the money for locksmith and/or new window. Lots and lots of diaphragmatic breathing going on in my house right now.
Any suggestions? Its an old BMW316 btw. Someone has suggested blocking the exhaust and making it stall, and someone else suggested removing the rim around the window with a stanley knife?
It's what is inside your head that matters in life - not what's outside your window
Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory. - Ghandi
0
Comments
-
It won't use a huge amount of fuel in that time - cars use surprisingly little at idle. I'd guess maybe 3 litres until 2pm.0
-
blocking the exhaust will stall the engine, which will at least save you the fuel while you work out what to do next.
After that its a choice of cost vs inconvenience. If you smash teh window, can you get a replacement (remember you'll be driving around in sub-zero temps with no window, and also lack of security).0 -
Do you have breakdown cover? If so, you could try them. Mind you, there are so many callouts in this weather that they may take a few hours to get to you anyway.
Blocking the exhaust might cause the engine to stop, but bear in mind you'll be left with a flat battery as the ignition will still be on. Worth a try though as the engine could overheat running for a few hours without actually going anywhere.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the In My Home MoneySaving, Energy and Techie Stuff boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
0 -
Blocking the exhaust might work - if the exhaust is airtight and reasonably sound. If the exhaust is old a ropey it could blow a leak somewhere along the way.
Can you get into the boot? Some BMWs have their batteries there.0 -
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I can get it fixed at 4pm, so I will give him another half hour of fighting with the windows to make him feel better then I will go at it with a stanley knife and stick it back on with mastic or similar or smash it, depending on how annoyed I am by then I have stuck a tennis ball in the exhaust so hopefully it will pop soon. Keep 'em coming please. It's what is inside your head that matters in life - not what's outside your window
Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory. - Ghandi0 -
Can't get into the boot. That's what caused the problem, he had the enginge idling to warm up and went to open the boot, which somehow caused the doors to lock! Just as well its not the main car.It's what is inside your head that matters in life - not what's outside your windowEvery worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory. - Ghandi0
-
where are you based? are there any youngsters hanging around ... could one of them help you break in lol ?
Slimming world start 28/01/2012 starting weight 21st 2.5lb current weight 17st 9-total loss 3st 7.5lb
Slimmer of the month February , March ,April
0 -
Hope the tennis ball doesn't fly out and damage something nearby!
Good luck with it. Let us know the outcome.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the In My Home MoneySaving, Energy and Techie Stuff boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
0 -
Tried that rob, they just laughed. OK I talked him into taking off the outside rubber seal with a stanley knife. Just need to figure out how to get the metal clips off. It has stalled now, too. It's what is inside your head that matters in life - not what's outside your windowEvery worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory. - Ghandi0
-
Smash a side window. The drivers one to stop him being so silly again and needing to drive around cold for a wee while.
Mines cost £20 (3 year old Mondeo at the time) and probably one of the easiest to change.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 349.4K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.5K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 452.8K Spending & Discounts
- 242.4K Work, Benefits & Business
- 619K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.2K Life & Family
- 255.3K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards