slemmer
03-10-2001, 11:30 PM
I currently own a '99 323i and wonder if anyone knows if this car has a pre-wired harness for a remote trunk release.
I've seen ads for this similar year and model but wonder if it can be activated by purchasing the identical switch from the local BMW dealer and plugging it in since BMW tends to pre-wire alot of there available options.
So far, I've removed the dummy plug by the lower driver's foot panel and don't see the harness. I still need to figure out how to remove the kick panel. Any suggestions?
I have never seen any plugs in the wiring harness for a boot switch, it is likely that BMW will only have this button fitted if the car doesn't have the radio remote keys. In some markets they may only have the remote keys as a cost option so instead they will put a boot release button in the car.
PortlandRacer
03-16-2001, 03:07 PM
I have both the trunk release button and remote trunk release. The only thing I can suggest is getting hold of one with the trunk release button and see where the wires go, then check yours. I have never taken the kick panels off so wouldnt know how you would go about it. But if you have the remore key trunk release then its almost certain that all the necessary hardware is at the trunk side.
slemmer
03-16-2001, 09:40 PM
Exactly. It make sense that if I can locate the wires that control the electric release then 'theoretically' I should be able to rig up a momentary contact switch. I never really paid attention to this detail as I assumed it would be standard. I also thought it would be located in the glove box and never did start to look until I saw a similar one out there.
///MDriver
07-18-2002, 12:18 PM
I do not believe that the car is capable of a remote trunk release
jblack
07-18-2002, 12:40 PM
BMW does not prewire many things.....Alarm, CD and Cell are about it, as they are dealer installed. Things like the on-boards computer, rear fog lights, front fog lights, heated seats and cruise control are completely non-existant if you did not order those options. Believe it or not, BMW at the factory installs the correct wiring harness for the options you choose. Seems more dificult that way, but it is the truth.