Trunk safety latch - BMW Forum

gold · 12-08-2012, 11:22 PM

Hi everybody,
I just bought me a new toy, 1999 328ic e36, and I'm loving it.
While adjusting the trunk safety latch catch, I had to take it out and disengage the link to the lock mechanism. Did the neccecery adjustments, and without connecting the link back to the lock I shut the lid closed. Now, I can not get it open!
Any suggestion on how I can get in the trunk to reach behind the lock.
Thanks
Hoss

Lord Vader · 12-09-2012, 10:30 AM

Uh oh. Do you have rear folding seats?

If not, i really hate to tell you this, but you are going to have to drill a hole in your trunk now. When that rod falls off or breaks the only way into the trunk is drilling a hole and manualy grabbing it.

gold · 12-09-2012, 01:20 PM

Although my prayers were for an easier alternative!...lol
Car is a convertible and I don't think there is any access through back seats.
I had disconnected the linkage at the lock, so I think I should drill the hole right behind the license plate. Any better ideas?
Thanks
Hoss

Lord Vader · 12-09-2012, 01:54 PM

This post shows you where to drill. Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum - View Single Post - Help! Stuck trunk, not the lock either

Some people have said the dealership charges $120 to do it for you. It's an option I would consider. Unfortunately you will have a gaping hole in the trunk. This could be fixed with a small peice of sheet metal tac welded in place.

gold · 12-09-2012, 04:10 PM

Thank you again your lordship
Now I have a holy trunk......
The post you referred above was very helpful.
I drilled the hole big enough to reach the link and pull it up and that did it.
And the hole will be my secret passage to trunk all covered up by the license plate

Thanks for your help
Hoss

Lord Vader · 12-10-2012, 06:09 PM

I'm not sure where you live, but you should attempt to cover that hole to prevent rust from spreading.

gold · 12-11-2012, 08:44 AM

I sure will cover the hole, thanks for reminder.
I still have the initial problem though. The latch does not catch the stop rod. It comes down in front of the rod instead of going over it and locking itself down.
I took the latch out and tried to bend the support bracket but that did not work.
Any more good suggestion.
Thanks
Hoss

Lord Vader · 12-13-2012, 08:15 AM

Your refering to the actual latch that holds the trunk closed correct? If so, i would try cleaning and lubing it. If that doesnt work I would replace it.

Go to BMW parts and BMW OEM auto parts online The part number is 51 24 8 209 730 and retails for $24.

gold · 12-13-2012, 09:13 AM

That's the latch I'm talking about. It seems like it's been bent toward the front. It's clean and functions fine. I'll try to bend it back if that did not work I order another one.
Thanks for the part # and your help and I'm pretty sure I'll have more questions.
Hoss

Lord Vader · 12-14-2012, 09:49 AM

Your welcome. If you have anything else feel free to ask.

I use BimmerSpecialist.com as my main source for OEM parts. They have had everything I have needed (except discountinued stuff) and have great prices. I am especially happy with their shipping. I place order on sunday, it is packed and ships monday, and I have my parts on Friday. And ground shipping, even on $200+ orders has always been less then $12.