Open Boot

[john528]

How does one open the boot/trunk/luggage compartment when the key, remote, and buttons do not work?

I have power and when I try any of the obvious ways of opening the boot I can hear the solinoid cycle through several times but the latch does not open.

I do not appear to have any portal into the boot from the passenger cabin like fold down seats of ski hole.

Any suggestions? I have seen a few postings wimilar to this but with no fixes articulated.

btw - sods law I need the boot today to pack the car up for our summer holidays!

[john528]

I should have noted I have a 1998 e39 528i sedan.

[billB]

Below was a reply to a similar problem posted on the net..I haven't tried it myself.

ok do you have 2 holes behind your licence plate to where you attach your licence plate via screws.....if so then from the right one in a dead straight line approx 7 cm away going to the right drill a hole approx 0.5cm in diameter once your through the metal plate behind the bodywork insert a small piece of wire but something quite rigid and just try to locate the rod that connects from the boot (trunk) lock in which you insert your key to where the
actuall lock is between the boot (trunk) and the body of the car, once you move that, it will pop the soleniod open.....the reason for the sticky pad is that here in the uk we dont use the screws to hold the licence plate as it spoils the look instead we use very strong adhesive pads so what i maent was after you finished you would just apply one of these over the hole and it we never even be seen again....hope this helps....

MAKE SENSE? ANYONE?

[PJV 528]

I have a button in the cabin to open my boot. Its right next to the lever which pops the bonnet.

[billB]

Originally posted by PJV 528@Jan 10 2005, 08:00 PM
I have a button in the cabin to open my boot. Its right next to the lever which pops the bonnet.

[snapback]268153[/snapback]

True but I am sorry PJV: John 528 stated that he tried the KEY, REMOTE, BUTTON and it did not work.

[LOS]

John528, try calling or sending bavauto.com an email

Vey likely the'll have a solution or at least tell you what to replace once you open the trunk!


LOS

[PJV 528]

Oh ok, sorry bill, gotta start readin stuff properly!

[john528]

Thanks guys, found the solution went on holidays just returned.

BTW - the solution was a little embarrassingly simple, use the manual key in the boot lock turned anticlockwise to the second notch. The extension to the second notch is a mechanical link to the boot latch bypassing the solinoid. I was stopping at the first notch unaware of the extension to the second notch.

[BARBAROS]

Hi Guys, I had the same problem in my car 520 I 98, I tried John528's method and opened the boot, but, the boot light on the screen in the cabin is still on, What could be the reason for this and what is the solution ?. Thanks for your reply.

[saltshaker185]

wow i would be poed if this happened to me... good luck!