Trunk release not working, any ideas why?

[9secdeuce]

Also the dummy light on the dash has been on since I bought the car. Could this have something to do with it? I can hear a small clicking from console area when I push the release button but thats it.
Thanks for any help you can provide!

[Qsilver7]

Have you had an opportunity yet to read your owners manual? If you don't have one, you can download one to your desktop (in PDF format)...look at the bottom of the right column here: www.e38.org/e39

If your model year is NOT listed...download the one that is CLOSEST to your model year. There aren't that many changes between model years that you can't extrapolate to your model. :)

The trunk can be disconnected form the central locking system...that's why BMW gives us a "valet/service" key. If the trunk lock cylinder is horizontal ( -- )...the buttons inside the cabin (ctr console nor trunk release button in driver's footwell) will NOT unlock the trunk...it can only be opened manually with the key OR with the trunk button on the key fob.

In order to open the trunk using the buttons inside the car...insert the key into the trunk lock cylinder and turn it vertical ( | ) then remove the key and leave the trunk lock cylinder in the vertical position. The trunk will now be connected to the central locking system.

(from owners manual: see SECURE SEPARATELY)

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/manual_trunk_lock.jpg

[jamesdc4]

Also the dummy light on the dash has been on since I bought the car.
:ponder

[Qsilver7]

:ponder

I assumed he meant #4 in the graphic display (assuming his 528i has the low cluster) :dunno ...us e39 owners with the high cluster may forget about the graphic display in the low cluster...but definitely a more specific description of the light that is illuminated would have helped. :)

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/E39%20Graphic%20Display%20instr%20cluster%20index. jpg-http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/Dot%20on%20e39%20low%20cluster%20OBC%20Range%20Dis play.jpg