MGS5 Emergency Key

[Just Jules]

Hi. Our early model MGS5 has the normal key and a metal key attached which I understand is the emergency key if the 12v battery fails. I’ve scanned the manual but can’t see any info on using, but I can see an aperture underneath the door handle. Can anyone confirm that’s where the key should be inserted?

 

[MG Clive]

Yes you'll insert the key blade into that slot under the handle, and use it to pop the red cover off to reveal a manual door lock for unlocking the door with the same key blade.

Similar to this on the MG4 >

 

[Just Jules]

Yes you'll insert the key blade into that slot under the handle, and use it to pop the red cover off to reveal a manual door lock for unlocking the door with the same key blade.

Similar to this on the MG4 >

Thank you. I didn’t realise the cover came off.

 

[Lovemyev]

When we were first shown our new S5 it was still wearing all of the factory shipping protection ( plastic seat covers etc ).
The colour coded lock protection cover, was missing from the drivers door.
When I pointed this out to the sales agent, he said that the cover will be in the glovebox, as they all come without the cover already fitted for shipping purposes.
It will be fitted when we do the PDI / final clean and polish, prior to delivery, which it was.
I think they leave the cover off, just in case the 12 battery runs low and they then can use the emergency blade to gain entry into the car.
If it had to be removed in transit, it would very likely be lost somewhere on route.
Replacing the missing cover is easy enough, but I would guess that the replacement is not colour coded, so a real faff having to paint a tiny cover every time one is lost.
I know the replacement external door handles are not colour coded as standard on the ZS EV, they are only supplied in primer finish.
Like many of the plastic parts, bumper covers / petrol / charging flaps etc ( if coloured ).

 

[brilig]

Nothing worse than to discover your MG is all dark and can’t be opened!

Do not despair. The 12 volt battery can still be got at using the emergency key, as we know, which of course is contained in the remote after pushing the small button on its side to open the handle retaining it.

Inserting this mechanical key into the small hole at the bottom of the cap beside the driver’ s door-handle will NOT release the cap by itself! One must carefully PRY the cap off by pulling the bottom of the inserted key carefully towards you, (The cap is hanging on two small plastic teeth at the top and a lip at the bottom). Insert the key into the door lock and turn 1/8 of a turn counter-clockwise. Now you’re in!

(btw: in England, if a “Trunk” is a “Boot” why isn’t a “Frunk” a “Froot”?)

 

[Ian Key]

Nothing worse than to discover your MG is all dark and can’t be opened!

Do not despair. The 12 volt battery can still be got at using the emergency key, as we know, which of course is contained in the remote after pushing the small button on its side to open the handle retaining it.

Inserting this mechanical key into the small hole at the bottom of the cap beside the driver’ s door-handle will NOT release the cap by itself! One must carefully PRY the cap off by pulling the bottom of the inserted key carefully towards you, (The cap is hanging on two small plastic teeth at the top and a lip at the bottom). Insert the key into the door lock and turn 1/8 of a turn counter-clockwise. Now you’re in!

(btw: in England, if a “Trunk” is a “Boot” why isn’t a “Frunk” a “Froot”?)

The mechanical key for the MGS5 is different to the MG4 in that it's a separate item and isn't contained within the fob.

If you have an MG4 its worth checking that there is a mechanical key in both fobs as some have been supplied with it in only one of them.

Also if you have a battery booster keep it in the car not the boot otherwise it will be difficult to get to. I keep mine in the storage bin under the centre arm rest.

 

[brilig]

The mechanical key for the MGS5 is different to the MG4 in that it's a separate item and isn't contained within the fob.

If you have an MG4 its worth checking that there is a mechanical key in both fobs as some have been supplied with it in only one of them.

Also if you have a battery booster keep it in the car not the boot otherwise it will be difficult to get to. I keep mine in the storage bin under the centre arm rest.

thanks for this. I hope my next car will be the S5! I DID find an extra key on my second remote. I keep my booster under the passenger seat to leave my rubbish bin free! =

 

[tsedge]

The mechanical key for the MGS5 is different to the MG4 in that it's a separate item and isn't contained within the fob.

If you have an MG4 its worth checking that there is a mechanical key in both fobs as some have been supplied with it in only one of them.

Yes, I agree and I ended up with only one mechanical key in mine.

 

[Lovemyev]

Because the emergency blade is not storable inside the fob on the S5 model, as it is on the ZS EV this makes it more liable to be lost, I think.
The S5 fob is a nice design ( it’s the same fob as the Cyberster ) but lacks the facility to store the emergency blade internally.
Typical case of design over function here I think.
Having the blade separate means you have to carry it with you of course, but it looks a bit untidy and a bit of a Heath Robison solution.
You can imagine the head of design saying this ;-
“Well done, really nice pear drop design for the fob, but where do we store the emergency blade ?”.
Aarrhhhh….. Crap, never thought about that one .