e36 trunk stuck shut

[LPM911]

After years of hearing loose metal roll around inside the trunk, I think its worked itself into a bad spot. The e36 trunk button will no longer depress all the way, so I'm unable to open the trunk from the outside.

I haven't crawled in through the back seats yet to see if I can find an emergency release. After I do, does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to fish out whatever is in there blocking the lock button? Is this is a common problem, does someone know what it is?

[Goggles Paesano]

I've probably had 20 e36's and will say this is not a common problem, but I do recall having to take that assembly apart for a different reason. Once you get the trunk open, you will see how it comes apart and hopefully find the issue. Sorry I have no other advice. I just can't imagine what loose metal could be rolling around inside the trunk lid - unless a nut came off the trim piece that surrounds the lock and houses the tag lights.

[cmartin]

Hope this helps. With the panel off the inside. Since you mentioned the button try to lube it from the outside first.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=275667&d=1303500842

[Goggles Paesano]

maybe this will help????
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUqbkMC9f4c

[Uncle ENzo]

I spent hours working on this same issue with my neighbors E36..we ended up drilling a hole just behind the pate to access the lock and set it free.

[LPM911]

Finally had a chance to crawl into the trunk through the back seats. Couldn't find an emergency release, but I did manage to pop off an edge of the carpet for access. The spring fell out immediately and I fished the other piece out of the bottom of the inside of the trunk which was impeding the operation of the lock. I haven't looked at the parts diagram yet, but so far I don't see any issues with functionality. Trunk lock works just fine. Will be curious to find out what these go to...



http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160413/ba9cd2fc36b0ad5bfef589d1444b5263.jpg

[LPM911]

I think I finally figured it out what those parts go to. I had the trunk open and noticed the two trunk bumper stops were different. One had the spring loaded plunger out and the other had the spring loaded plunger stuck in. I haven't tried to reassemble, but I bet they are BMW part #51248187291:

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-9423-51248187291-genuine-bmw-part/

https://1c2a8a2161d644d95009-22d26b38e78c173d82b3a9a01c774ffa.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.c om/image/body/51248187291-2.jpghttps://1c2a8a2161d644d95009-22d26b38e78c173d82b3a9a01c774ffa.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.c om/image/body/51248187291-1.jpg

Not my car, but you can see the part here:
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/rr199/IanG_01/E36%20Trunk%20Wiring%20Harness%20Repair/100_6689.jpg