BMW question

[mudman]

I posted this over in the BMW forum but it didn't look very active (a lot of unanswered posts) so I thought you guys might have some good ideas* for me.

*Right now good ideas don't include large caliber firearms or microwaving anything, but we may have to resort to that as snow tires were involved in this whole mess.



Here is my post from the BMW forum:

My buddy has an '88(?) 325e and his trunk won't open. It was semi operable until a tire tech used a screw driver on the lock to open it (he had snow tires put on and the tech was putting old wheels/tires in there).

Yesterday my friend was trying everything to get the trunk to work when he broke the key off inside the cylinder. Now what? What is the best way to gain access to fix the lock button assembly?

Thanks!

[poorsche930]

try www.e30tech.com if no one speaks up.

[TerryH]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=14118750

[mudman]

Originally Posted by TerryH

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?p=14118750

Thanks, this may be the route we take as I haven't found any other leads!


I couldn't find anything helpful on the e30tech website but it will be a good resource for my friend as he starts modding his car. Thanks!

[onewhippedpuppy]

First, an important question: how many dead hookers are in the trunk?

[SoCal911T]

I've opened an e28 chassis trunk which is the same as an e30. I wrote up a How-to on it and if I can find it, I'll send it to you. At the very least I can take pics of the internals that might help you figure something out.
Also check http://mye28.com.

[TerryBPP]

You can push the top of the rear seat down and pull forward. It will allow you to pull the the whole thing out. Then you can crawl into the truck and fiddle with it.

[mudman]

Terry, that is what I figured too. After convincing my friend of the same we yanked out the seats (bottom has to come out before the back) only to find solid sheet metal. I think we are going to punch out the ski access hole and go through that unless we find an easier way.

Thanks for your help guys!

[Heel n Toe]

Originally Posted by mudman

.... his trunk won't open. It was semi operable until a tire tech used a screw driver on the lock to open it (he had snow tires put on and the tech was putting old wheels/tires in there).

Is this SOP for a "tire tech" (?!) to use to open a trunk on a Bimmer?

Does this mean he didn't have the guy's keys or that he couldn't find the interior trunk pop lever?

Or does it mean he is usually assigned to tire work on pickup trucks?

[mudman]

Last time I checked thinking was not in their job description. I don't know why my friend didn't 'take care of' that situation.

[Chocaholic]

Originally Posted by mudman

My buddy has an '88(?) 325e and his trunk won't open. . .

Uhhhh, huh. Tire tech, eh? I'm just thinkin' that there is no "buddy" and someone isn't willing to fess up to a stupid human trick. You're among friends here...no need to be embarassed. Let's sing kum-ba-ya together and all will be good.

[SoCal911T]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

Does this mean he didn't have the guy's keys or that he couldn't find the interior trunk pop lever?

These era cars didn't have interior releases.

Besides the sheet metal between the seat and the trunk, you would also have to get through a vinyl covered fiber-board type trim panel.
The ski opening doesn't really just pop out either........
Sorry, not trying to be a downer

[mudman]

Hey SoCal, can you snap some pics of whatever has to be unbolted inside? I've never seen the inside of this trunk and have no idea of how the latch works.

Mike, I've made plenty of mistakes in my exciting life and never felt I had to hide any, no matter how stupid the mistake. Thanks for the advice, err uh, notsohelpful post

[on2wheels52]

I'm so blessed that I know guys who would know how to get it open (and they owe me money). But most people would be better off doing it the hard way.
Jim