[Wayne 962]

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