PLEASE HELP: Trunk is stuck and won't unlock/open

[raamses]

I've got a 1997 BMW 328i and the the trunk suddenly won't unlock. Does anyone have any ideas how to get it to work?

When I try to unlock it (using the key in the trunk and in the doors), the power door locks will unlock but the trunk will not.

If I can't get it to unlock, is there another way to get into the trunk? Can the back seats be removed from inside the car?

I just bought groceries and they're stuck in the back (including lots of frozen stuff).

[Tefal]

Bet u wish u had folding rear seats! have u tryed wiggling the key around while trying to open it?

[raamses]

Yeah, I've tried that, and I'm about to go try some more.

I have the chrome push button on the trunk. I can put the key in and turn it both ways to unlock and lock the doors, but apparently the the trunk lock isn't responding like the doors. When I push the button to open the trunk there is no resistance at all, so it seems the lock isn't unlocking.

[MJFX328]

Try turning the key to the right and holding it there - then Push!

My button has a mind of its own.. it doesnt lock/unlock the other doors.. and has to be opened manually. I have to turn off my car to unlock my trunk!

p.s. Do the ski-pass mod (it involves knocking out the metal plate behind your armrest)

[raamses]

Yeah, tried that too. Still not working. Man, this is frustrating!

Anyone know how to get through the trunk through the back seat?

My back seat is one solid piece across the back. It does not have an arm rest. I got the lower seat out but now it's getting dark and I can't see a way to get the upper (back rest) part of the seat out. Any pointers would be appreciated!

[raamses]

Nevermind getting the back seat out: I found that in another thread, got the seat out, and found out that there's no way to access the trunk even with the seat out; it's completely separated by a metal wall!!

Back to trying to find out some back-up way to get the trunk open when the lock/latch fails. I'm gonna keep trying; if anyone stumbles across this thread and has some helpful advice, I'd appreciate it!

[Winter]

As if it wasnt bad enough that you cant open the trunk anymore, it has to be after putting a bunch of frozen food in the back. Could be worse though, you could have stuck a body in there

[afizidris]

that sucks raamses, bump for a brother in need

[boeing328i]

Drill lock, remove lock, take food out of trunk, replace old lock with new one .

[pwlorraine]

Ok - if this is a vert this happens when the top is not fully lowered or raised or if the indicator switch for same is stuck. If not then I don't have any helpful ideas.

Peter

[raamses]

Thanks for the help everyone. There's not much I can do so I guess I have to take it in to the shop today.

I'm slightly paranoid about drilling out the lock because I've never done that type of work before and I don't want to do irreparable damage. I'll check for a DIY but one probably doesn't exist for that. I'd hate to drill it and then not be able to remove it, or drill through something vitally important.

Guess I gotta pay some money to "the man" to fix her up!

[raamses]

And, btw, it's not a convertable. I wish that fix would work though!

[e36ilir]

hey raamses..

i know what ur going throgh, believe me.. the same happened to me. I have a 323i 96 all of sudden the boot lock didnt open!!

i tell u, ur probably going to get a big suprise as to how much the new boot lid lock actually costs.

because it is the first of its kind, it's called a EWS BOOT LID LOCK which apparently was new security technology in 1996 and first used then on e36's.

Anyways i was quoted $400 (AUD) for the part and $200 (AUD) for labour!!!!!
I hope u find another way around it!! groceries in the boot is a shame, luckily mine was empty at the time.

goodluck.

[onetrillionrpm]

well you can take your back seat out and punch the center of the metal wall with a hammer and it will come off, its just spot welded in 4 places from the factory, this would allow you to get all the stuff out for the time being

[raamses]

Thanks peeps (yes, I said peeps). I ended up taking it to the dealership. They had to drill a hole through the trunk lid (behind the license plate) just to get the thing unlocked. Then all they had to do was re-attach the linkage which apparently came loose from its assembly!! Even though it probably only took them about 15 minutes to fix, it was still expensive!!

I'm not sure if it would've been cheaper for me to drill out the lock and replace the whole thing myself, but at least this way I got the groceries out before they left a permanent smell in the trunk!!

[boeing328i]

Thanks peeps (yes, I said peeps). I ended up taking it to the dealership. They had to drill a hole through the trunk lid (behind the license plate) just to get the thing unlocked. Then all they had to do was re-attach the linkage which apparently came loose from its assembly!! Even though it probably only took them about 15 minutes to fix, it was still expensive!!

I'm not sure if it would've been cheaper for me to drill out the lock and replace the whole thing myself, but at least this way I got the groceries out before they left a permanent smell in the trunk!!

How expensive?

[raamses]

It cost $120. To me, that's pretty expensive just for re-attaching the linkage.

[afizidris]

could have been worse, glad she's back home

[boeing328i]

It cost $120. To me, that's pretty expensive just for re-attaching the linkage.

I agree.

[Righteous]

I posted the same issue last night. I have the fold down seats so its not a really big problem. What can I do to get the damn trunk open? Any more options since I can access the inside of trunk?

[raamses]

I posted the same issue last night. I have the fold down seats so its not a really big problem. What can I do to get the damn trunk open? Any more options since I can access the inside of trunk?

I wish I could help you out. There may be a way to open it from the inside (maybe a way to pop the locking mechanism open), but I don't know it.

If you can fit in there with a light to see what you're doing, you might be able to look around or maybe even take the carpet/covering off of the inside of the trunk lid right there near the lock and get to the linkage; I don't know for sure though. The mechanic had to drill a hole through the outside of my trunk to get right to that area. Godspeed bro!

[AuburnGrad323is]

any idea about fixing the linkage.

I have folding rear seats, and can get in the trunk. I am tempted to unbolt the latch and hope that works. Any thing bad about doing that?

[Tefal]

If you can get in the trunk/boot then remove the plastic panel from inside and then have a look at the mechanism, you should be able to work out how to open it from here.

[AuburnGrad323is]

So, I was able to get the trunk open. Now I am trying to figure out how to fix it. A small metal peice fell out, and I am not sure where it goes. It has a round top with slots on two sides, and a stem sticking out the back. Any ideas

Pics to come

[ermajn]

So, I was able to get the trunk open. Now I am trying to figure out how to fix it. A small metal peice fell out, and I am not sure where it goes. It has a round top with slots on two sides, and a stem sticking out the back. Any ideas

Pics to come

Can you please describe how did you manage to open trunk lid from inside?
I have the same problem, I'm have remove sits and I have ski hole.. and now I don't know how to open trunk lid. Pleeaassee help. Pics are welcome