Convertible Release Lever - Botched Install and Stuck Deck Lid

[exhaust]

So tonight I went and tried to install a new release lever for the convertible deck lid. The car came without a lever and just the two loose cables. PO had been using a pair of pliers individually pull the cables to release the deck.

I bought a new handle and went to try and mount the cables to it. Thought I had it but then the deck wouldn't release. I tried taking the new lever off and pull the cables again but no luck.

Looking at more diagrams, it looks like I need more of this handle than I got from Pelican. Thoughts?

No most importantly....how do I release the deck lid now that the release cables won't do it?

[exhaust]

Did a better search and found this for releasing the stuck lid:

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1936381-Convertible-Boot-Lid-Won-t-Open

Will post back with results

[rcsoundn1]

post back, others will like the info, me included. good link for a write up

[exhaust]

I talked to Pelican Parts this afternoon and asked them the same questions I've asked here. Mike Speer from Pelican got back to me and said that more parts are needed. He pointed out part numbers 51251933472 and 51251933473 which are the upper and lower bushings seen here:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=BB23-USA-01-1987-E30-BMW-325i&diagId=41_0805

I asked if those two and the handle are all this is needed to reinstall the release. Still waiting on a response.

Edit 7/9: Got a response. It's just those two bushings. Ordered them, will update again once I get them.

[fight4life28]

I am ordering the same bushings. Not sure what the PO did to theses but he never had them in the car....Thanks for the thread it helped me out with this issue.

[exhaust]

I forgot to post back with this but here are what the bushings look like and how the attach to the handle.




Reinstalling the handle with the bowden cables in the bushings is tricky because without the tension that comes from the handle being installed, they fall right out. To prevent this, I zip tied the two cables together to create tension so that they stayed in the bushings while moving the handle around.

[jeffnhiscars]

The metal tab that your bushing screws to is plastic on the new handles.however, you can swap the metal tab over from your old broken handle by sliding out the aluminum pivot shaft. I can't imagine that plastic tab surviving long given the stress on the deck lid cables so keep your old handle....or put your new plastic tab handle in the passenger door and use the door handle for the lid

[MC Hammered]

Reinstalling the handle with the bowden cables in the bushings is tricky because without the tension that comes from the handle being installed, they fall right out. To prevent this, I zip tied the two cables together to create tension so that they stayed in the bushings while moving the handle around.

I recently installed a new handle and there are two plastic caps that go over either end of the brass bushing to hold the end of the cables in place.

You then have to adjust the cable tension so both sides pop open with just enough leverage.