Trunk Release - 96 328ic
 

I'm a new owner of a used 328 and am having some problem unlocking the trunk. It first happened a couple of weeks ago, couldn't get the trunk to unlock. After driving to the store, tried again in the parking lot it would open. Now again today it won't unlock. I can feel something happening with the lock when I remotely unlock the car but even using the key, no luck.

Is there a certain procedure for unlocking the trunk or do I probably have a mechanical/electrical problem? I'd rather not take it to the dealer with wallet open but I do need a reliable trunk.

Thanks for any assistance.

Dave
'96 328IC

Are you having problems with it locking/unlocking or physically opening/remaining-latched?

With it unlocking. While turning the key, there is no resistance at all. Remotely won't unlock it either. The manual says something about turning the key counterclockwise to unlock in case of power problem and that just clicks but doesn't unlock the trunk. I haven't tried disconnecting the battery yet and trying the key.

Ah... as far as I can tell, the key lock should be mechanical, and the electrical is just a soldenoid to actuate that mechanical mechanism. The part I'm not sure of is if the turning of the key in the trunk is actually within the lock, or if it just pushes an arm that locks it, as does the electrical solenoid when you auto-lock it. In other words, the lock/latch is a discrete piece. The button on the trunk and the electrical auto-lock are just 'links' to that latch (much like the little plunger on a car door is just a link down to the actual door lock). I have a feeling this is the way it works. It sounds like the 'link' may be worn on your lock system. It should be an minor/easy fix or replacement. I think this is the part... I wish there was a pic with it: http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/tayco/wizard.jsp?partner=tayco&clientid=oem-bmw&baseurl=http://www.oem-bmw-parts.com/&cookieid=13C0V5KAQ&year=1995&make=BM&model=325-IS-002&category=O&part=Trunk+Actuator

Ahh, I have the solution, and the answer 100% lies with the last line of your post:

"'96 328IC"

I have had the same exact problem with my car (CONVERTIBLE), and it took me several moments of cursing and tire kicking to figure it out. The cabriolets have a different lock mechanism (I believe) that prevents you from opening the trunk when the roof is in the way.

If the roof is not completely extended, or there is something blocking the roof from 100% completely lowering, then the trunk will not be allowed to open under any circumstances. I originally thought it was a sticky solenoid, but it worked immediately after raising the roof - worked each and every time. If your headliner is caught in the flap, then this may cause a switch to not engage properly - leading the car to think the roof is still slightly open. Try pushing down on the back padded flap, and see if that solves the problem.

For a longer-term solution, I am currently working on a convertible top adjustment article.

Hope this helps,

-Wayne

Hmm... I didn't know that. I too have a cabrio. I've never had that happen, but I'm kinda anal about always double checking that the headliner is nicely tucked under the lid before fully closing it. I know there is a micro switch in the convertible compartment that ensures it is fully retracted before the cover lid comes down, and a switch/latch on the cover, but I didn't know it was tied to the trunk. Wayne, I too would be interested in that article when you finish. Thanks

I don't have factory documentation on that, but from my own experiments, that is the case. Makes perfect sense though, huh?

-Wayne

Thanks guys - that was it. The cover wasn't fully seated because the headliner was not storing correctly. Top up or fully stored and the trunk works great.

Again thanks

Dave

Not a problem - tell all your BMW friends that real tech answers are here!

-Wayne