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Odd Prob: Trunk Locked Shut

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    Odd Prob: Trunk Locked Shut

    Long story short, my trunk is locked shut. Unlocking the doors does nothing to change this. Using the key in the truck lock doesn't do anything either. I know what's causing the issue: the short metal rod which connects the lock solenoid to the latch mechanism slipped out last weekend and I had to re-insert it twice this week. Now its slipped out while the trunk was locked.

    Any ideas on how to open this?

    Jon
    Rides...
    1991 325i - sold :(
    2004 2WD Frontier King Cab

    RIP #17 Jules Bianchi

    #2
    Sorry Jon, but you be fucked.

    The easiest and least risky way (risk of paint dmg) is to break out your choice of the 2 tail lights and reach in to correct the problem.

    Drilling out the black aluminum lock housing works too, but risk of damging paint is high.
    Tenured Automotive Service Professional - Avid BMW Enthusiast

    Vapor Honing & E30 ABS Pump Refurbishment Service
    https://mtechniqueabs.com/

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      #3
      Originally posted by Jordan
      Sorry Jon, but you be fucked
      I was afraid that might be the case. I'm going to stop by a friend's shop in the morning to see if there's something he can do (he's been wrenching on E30s since they first showed up in the US). Hopefully he will have a trick up his sleave.

      Jon
      Rides...
      1991 325i - sold :(
      2004 2WD Frontier King Cab

      RIP #17 Jules Bianchi

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Jon325i
        Hopefully he will have a trick up his sleave.
        Like training your dog to fix it and feeding it through the ski-hole? If your ski hole is banged out (that sounds disturbing), then Im sure you can rig a combination of coat hangers and bailing wire and attack it from inside the car.
        Last edited by browntown; 03-12-2015, 07:06 AM.

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          #5
          Originally posted by browntown
          Honestly if your ski hole is banged out (that sounds disturbing), then Im sure you can rig a combination of coat hangers and bailing wire and attack it from inside the car.
          Banging out a ski hole isn't nearly as distrubing as banging out your bung hole......but I digress :-o

          I may have to get that ski panel out....anyone try removing this from the inside? The bailing wire idea could probably work with some finess. Too bad I don't know of any circus midgets....it'd make the whole process easier.

          Jon

          Edit: On an extreme note (and a partially related one at that), what structural significance does the entire steel panel which serves as the 'bulkhead' between the interior and the trunk offer? I've seen these cut out on track cars to facilitate the installation of a welded in rollcage. I know cutting this out seems mighty excessive to get the trunk opened......just a wild-ass thought. Ultimately my car will become a dedicated track toy, probably in about a year (or less).
          Rides...
          1991 325i - sold :(
          2004 2WD Frontier King Cab

          RIP #17 Jules Bianchi

          Comment


            #6
            If you have a small child in the family you could feed them through the ski hole if you have one. Definately don't cut it out if your car doesn't have the preforation.

            Keep in mind a good used tail is ~$25-40. Not that bad...
            Tenured Automotive Service Professional - Avid BMW Enthusiast

            Vapor Honing & E30 ABS Pump Refurbishment Service
            https://mtechniqueabs.com/

            Comment


              #7
              you don't by chance have a left old style taillight hanging around, do ya?

              Luke

              Closing SOON!
              "LAST CHANCE FOR G.A.S." DEAL IS ON NOW

              Luke AT germanaudiospecialties DOT com or text 425-761-6450, or for quickest answers, call me at the shop 360-669-0398

              Thanks for 10 years of fun!

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                #8
                When mine got stuck (broken key) I drilled it out. Just be careful.
                Current Cars
                2014 M235i
                2009 R56 Cooper S
                1998 M3
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