Odd Prob: Trunk Locked Shut

[Jon325i]

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

[Jordan]

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.

[Jon325i]

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

[browntown]

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.

[Jon325i]

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).

[Jordan]

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...

[StereoInstaller1]

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

Luke

[Dave]

When mine got stuck (broken key) I drilled it out. Just be careful.