Subject: Re: E30 trunk latch does not open - solution Author: chuckcolomb : member since September, 2005 : 1 post Posted on: 2005-09-18 16:46:03

You must have solved the problem by now, but I though I'd answer for benefit of others. I just had this ptoblem on my 89 E30, and solved it as follows:
1) Remove the back seat (bottom U back)
2) Unclip the ski bag and set it to one side. The hole will be big enough for your head and one shoulder. If you're small, you may get both shoulders in, but I'm a 6'2" 220 pounder.
3) You will need a flashlight, o 10 mm open-ended wrench and a pair of vice grips, preferably with cueved jaws.
4) Clamp the edges of the wrench at the end opposite the 10mm open end into the vice grips, thereby extending the wrench about 10 inches.
5) Go into the trunk with your head, arm & shoulder and look at the trunk lid just above the lock. You will see two 10mm bolts holding part of the latch onto the lid, and what looks to be a longer, thicker bolt between them. Ignore this longer bolt - it's just part of the latch and will come off without being touched.
6) Using the extended 10mm wrench, undo both bolts. Be patient, as this will take a while. The trunk lid will then open and you can go outside to see what is wrong with the lock.
7) In my case, the lock solenoid was stuck in the "locked" position, preventing the little tab on the lock cylinder from aligning with the latch. Removing the solenoid solved the problem. I'll get a new solenoid in the coming weeks.

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      • Re: E30 trunk latch does not open - solution - chuckcolomb 2005-09-18 16:46:03 (1450 views)