I'm new here, and just got my 328iS a few weeks ago. I had this problem as well. It looks like a very common problem. I'm able to get the trunk open now after looking at how it works (I'm lucky and have fold down seats). Seems the lock actuator doesn't like to engage when turned to the unlock position. It just hits the finger instead of sliding under it as suppose to.
Anyone who has a good fix for this, it'd be nice to see.
2006 Dodge Charger Daytona (Top Banana #3874 of 4000)
1996 BMW 328is
1970 Dodge Dart Custom (225 Slant Six, unrestored)
OneTimeCRX had it right (1996 328i Convertible): drill there and the rod is right in front of you. Pull it up (down?) and you're in. A 1/2" hole allowed my electrician's pliers in. Great!
HOWEVER! There was no broken plastic pin -- clearly, the mechanism was completely intact, even though it was exactly as described (push the button in and there's no resistance, turn left and hear unlock mechanism clicking.) But when I closed the trunk again, it wouldn't open. Here's what fixed it: I pushed down on the right side of the top-storage lid, immediately behind and to the right of the convertible top (I expect the same might happen with the left) and I heard a click at the lock and I was in again (i.e., I never needed to drill a hole, just push down on the lid.)
BMW's logic goes like this: we know that you have close the trunk to put the top up or down. But evidently you also have to have the top fully up or down to open the trunk. Now, if I could just get the top working...
reviving an old thread to see if I can get some help. I am having the same problem on a 98 323 ci, so I drilled the hole in the location described. I don't see a rod, but I see where the rod would go, so I suspect the rod broke or came out of the mechanism. without the rod to pull on, is there any other way to open the trunk?
Does anyone know where I drill to do this? Pop the latch with a screwdriver? I drilled a hole and was able to grab the rod connected to the latch, but the rod seems to have come off the latch now as I'm now able to see the bottom of the rod after pulling up on it....so that's out of the picture.
**edit**
aaaaand nevermind! I was able to extend my existing hole a little further downward and flip the latch itself with a screwdriver. People should go straight for the latch instead of the rod.
Last edited by deathsled; 03-08-2016 at 05:20 PM.
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98 318ti M-Sport 5spd
98 M3 Sedan 5spd
Sorry, I know this was a while ago, but I just bought my first BMW and on my 07 328i I drilled the hole and don't see any rods. Just 2 cables. Looks to be electrical for the actuator maybe. I really don't want to take it in to the dealer so I'm hoping someone knows how to get to this rod. Thank you!
This is the E36 forum, better ask for your 2007 328i in the 2006 - 2012 (E90, E91, E92, E93) forum https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/f...0-E91-E92-E93)
Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!
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