Boot lid does not lock - BMW Forum

arh · 05-25-2006, 09:50 AM

Hi

I have just found that my bootlid is not locking on my 1999 E39. Dash keeps showing bootlid open and it does not lock with the key. It has just happened today. Could it be the locking solenoid or something else? Is there anything I can check? Could it be a mechanical fault rather than electrical?

Thanks

cnn · 05-25-2006, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arh

Hi

I have just found that my bootlid is not locking on my 1999 E39. Dash keeps showing bootlid open and it does not lock with the key. It has just happened today. Could it be the locking solenoid or something else? Is there anything I can check? Could it be a mechanical fault rather than electrical?

Thanks

Go to realoem.com to see the part number.
Very easy DIY item.

cn

arh · 05-25-2006, 01:45 PM

I can not lock it with the key and only sometimes I can hear the solenoid sound when pressing the boot button. Could it be the switch or the solenoid? Should it not lock with the key? Could it be the mechanism itself?

cnn · 05-25-2006, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arh

I can not lock it with the key and only sometimes I can hear the solenoid sound when pressing the boot button. Could it be the switch or the solenoid? Should it not lock with the key? Could it be the mechanism itself?

http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/t...20actuator.htm

Let me know if you need more help.
Basically a DIY item.

cn

winters97E39 · 05-25-2006, 10:44 PM

I concur. I had the same issue on mine. replaced the actuator.. BAM! good as new.

saltshaker185 · 05-25-2006, 11:01 PM

+1 on actuator...

arh · 05-26-2006, 05:24 PM

The actuator turned out to be fine and the issue ended up being a broken spring on the boot latch.

mi5tery · 04-06-2007, 04:23 AM

Hi,

I'm new to the site - found it because of this topic.

I'm having the same problem as was mentioned here initially - boot has stopped locking shut (can just push it back up and open!), but when I press the open boot button on my key, I can hear the electric opening mechanism thing, but nothing is moving.

Quote:

Originally Posted by arh

The actuator turned out to be fine and the issue ended up being a broken spring on the boot latch.

I think I may also have a broken spring - how do I change this spring? Any ideas?

Thank you in advance for your help.

-mi5tery-

mi5tery · 04-08-2007, 08:34 AM

For anyone with the same problem I worked it out by using the link given by cnn (How to Replace the Trunk Lock Actuator on an e39) to remove the boot lock actuator.

Then I located the broken spring from within the actuator part. I didn't even buy a new one - I used one long nosed plier and a cutter (because it was at hand and probably the best tool I had for the job - be careful not to cut the spring) to bend the broken end into a loop. I then reseated the spring - this took some fiddling - but I worked out that the bit which is most accessible is the hardest to seat the spring on - so I put the reshaped bit I made on this easily accessible bit first then seated the "good loop" on the other end (very fiddly).

Put everything back together again and hey presto my boot locks again!

Thanks cnn.

-mi5tery-

ronaldmacdonald · 08-18-2007, 08:43 AM

I have the same probem, the spring in the old actuator looks good. I purchased a new actuator and the problem still exists. Fuse looks good. Cannot lock with a key either. If i push the boot lock shut with a penor something I can unlock it with the boot unlock button but nothing on this planet will get it to lock!

tinsohtee · 12-11-2007, 06:01 AM

Thanks! - had exactly same problem and followed your instructions with re-forming loop in spring and all works fine now. Just remember to take the middle bit' of the retaining plastic clips out to release the trim covering access to the torx screws.
Thanks again!

WNeill · 09-27-2008, 06:00 PM

Thanks a lot for the tip mi5tery, Ive used an rubber band right now as I couldnt re-form the spring (embarrassing!!), but I will get another spring as soon as I can be bothered, rubber band works good enough right now

mi5tery · 12-03-2008, 07:15 AM

It's been a while since I've been on the forums, glad to have been of service tinsohtee and WNeill.

WNeill I do hope you've managed to get that replacement spring (or reshape the end) as with winter upon us the rubber band may not last very long. Novel solution by the way! =)

540i Quad pipe · 02-01-2009, 07:22 AM

Thanks from me too mi5tery - using two pairs of long-nosed pliers, we were as good as new in a couple of minutes.

mi5tery · 02-01-2009, 12:20 PM

You're most welcome 540i Quad pipe, glad to be of service. =)
Btw, I think using two long-nosed pliers as you did, is a much better idea then mine with using a cutter (but I was lazy and couldn't be bothered to look for another one - lol). =)