Apologies if this has been covered before

In case this post is in violation of any rules, then by all means please remove or feel free to lock.

This is the second time it happens to me in a year. Remotely unlocked and opened the lift gate. Speaking on the phone at the same time, did not realize that I had left the key on the boot liner. Closed the lid, job done...My only key is not in my pocket and I'm locked outside.

Now I could smash a window and claim it from insurance, like I did last time but unlike the last time, I am parked in the safety of my driveway and not in some shady neighborhood. Weather is rainy, had the windows tinted a few months back, so many valid reasons not to smash anything, you catch my drift...

Talked to the local dealers and I would be okay with the 450 euro quote for a key (I fully expected that) if it wasn't for the delivery time, ironically, probably at the worst timing ever, being faced with over a month wait at best.

Their manager was kind enough to give me a follow up call suggesting I didn't waste time and hire the services of a locksmith but he would probably have to mess up the drivers lock, which at least would not be immediately needed for a while...but would still need to order for one so....not much of an option either.

Long story short, there is a way to gain access into the vehicle that doesn't involve smashing windows, shorting wires, destroying the driver's lock or waiting weeks for a new key.

It is very straightforward and involves minimum internal plates bending; I actually think it can even be done without that, if you know where to act.
I had to bend some on mine though as I needed to explore by boldly going where no one had gone before. Still this doesn't result in any kind of visible deformation or real damage.

While gaining access to and starting up an L322 and indeed any car, are two very different different things:

I will not post any further information; pm me if you find yourself in need of this kind of assistance. I will not respond without vetting or to newly joined / low post count members (sorry).

Now I need to order a spare key, because although I cannot be locked outside again, I could still lose my one and only...

Hi Vasilis,

Many thanks for the info by PM - Very useful to know should I ever be in the same position.

John 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Current
2015 E220 with AMG Sport Pack - Currently driven by my son
2010 3.6 TDV8 Vogue - Written off by my son

Been there, done that. Do you still have the plastic emergency key? I did/do. Ron B. VK2OTC
2003 L322 V8 Auto
2007 Yamaha XJR1300
Previous: 1983, 1986 RRC; 1995, 1996 P38A; 1995 Disco1; 1984 V8 County 110; Series IIA

Negative, when the dealer told me they only had one key I specifically enquired about the emergency one. Previous owner however had not included it with the car's stuff...
LR dealership say they're not aware of emergency keys being available so they can't order for one and even a newly cut replacement key can sometimes arrive ...wrongly cut!

A long story short,

Friend locked himself out of a car as he greeted us on the motorway hard shoulder in Texas

Our driver, Catfish, told him to hang on, went home , picked up his implement and opened the door in about 4 seconds .

Catfish had a previous life! Filters are in fact so good that in certain circumstances, when the ambient air is already polluted, a diesel car will tend to extract more particles from the air than it emits. Emissions Analytics worked with........etc etc

He who dies with the most toys wins...

Hi, Would you be good enough to give me the details about this please. It could be very usefull for the future in case it happens to me. Many thanks Ray. 2011 4.4 tdv8 Kahn. 2007 supercharged with 2012 lights and overfinch body kit. P38 with a full J.E.Engineering conversion