Broken trunk latch fix (easy DIY)

[kelliebrooke]

who would have thought i'd find the answer to my broken trunk latch so easily. god bless the internet.

[MKpoto]

very nice, my trunk latch just stopped working. I assume if your latch (the inner part that locks the trunk) is flimsy and just goes up and down with my finger) this will do the trick if the spring is still in the car?

[Spirit Force]

very nice, my trunk latch just stopped working. I assume if your latch (the inner part that locks the trunk) is flimsy and just goes up and down with my finger) this will do the trick if the spring is still in the car?

Just for future reference: yes it will, I did this today.. Just to find out that I got two wires broken at the trunk loom. The wires must have broken when I tryed to close the trunk few times after the spring went.. I had zero problems with the trunk until now.. The odds for the trunk wires to break at the same time with the spring must be pretty slim, nevertheless it happened to me. So when fixing the latch check the trunk lid wiring loom.

[Qmetro540ia]

Thx easy fix after reading threads. Broke latch = fix spring. Took needle nose pliers and made a eye.

On to next D.I.Y. Project.

[arianf]

This post might seem a little out of place.... But I feel like it will help some of you. I had the same problem on my E53 X5 2002 3.0i .





My occupation gives me some extra knowledge about spring... I'm a rocket scientist, structural engineer for Boeing, and we work with springs all the time. The thing to remember is that if you bend the coils to remake the hook, you reduce the shell life dramatically. I took my spring to work to see if my engineers could figure out if I could get an exact replacement.

They found the exact spring for my E53 at www.mcmaster.com Product Number: 9432K32 mine was a zinc-plated steel music wire, it comes in a package of 6 for 10 dollars. This spring will be an exact fit instead of buying the $130 part, 51 24 8 408 492.

I hope my post helps some of you.

[NinetyEight540i]

Thank you very much original poster! I was prepared to take my car in to my local mechanic tomorrow morning with a quote of $300. Your photos showed and described my issue EXACTLY! My handyman neighbor was to follow your lead and fixed the issue in about 20-min for $60 (re: 1998 540i)

Also thank you arianf for your post and info on parts at McMaster. I ordered my springs as cheap insurance in case this happens again.

[MNsport528i]

original poster here...
seems the original photos I had included have gone away (with our mobile me site...)
I will try to get them added back via another hosting site.
thanks for the feedback - still running fine with the repaired spring!

[siny528i]

Can anyone help me out with my trunk problem?

My problem is, that the trunk won't open with the key, nor will it open when I press the button on the trunk latch.

The only way of opening it is by using the key turning it, and then it will open. Anyone know what's up with my trunk?

Yep, I just start having the same problem. No success with pressing any button. Only turning the key does open it.

Where should I start?

[siny528i]

Is the central locking system working properly?
You may need a new trunk latch relay.
I also wonder if it has to do with the wires running from the trunk to the car. Check to see if the insulation on any of the wires is worn through.

This is exatly the picture I have. Besides NO SOUND when pressing the trunk button and NO LIGHT in the trunk either.

I dont think its JUST trunk latch. Probably something electrical involved.

Thank you in advance,
siny528i

[Catfshxxx]

does this apply to the 2003 x5? also any body know best place to buy parts and part number?

some what same problem mine locks and then while driveing down the street it unlock and rattle. then stand ing behind car pressn key fob or dash unlock button makes sound and finally will lock let m know any help thanks

[Catfshxxx]

bump for answers thanks

[Catfshxxx]

fix the spring, worked for me,did it my self for free, good read here!

[wbmasonry]

used this idea, the spring broke at the cure attachment , bent a new curve out of the spring with a needle nose vice grips, has worked for over a year now!!

[FlipredE36]

I was fortunate enough to find the same spring for .06 cents from the hardware store...bought 2 actually.

[chappy227]

i know this is an old thread, but the trunk latch on my 98 528 just stopped working yesterday. from what i've read on this thread, it seems like it may be a spring, and therefore an easy fix. but i cant view the pics for some reason that mnsport originally posted in 2005. i dont want to try taking it apart without seeing the pics first. can anyone help me? much thanks!

[happiegolucky]

My friends trunk lash stopped working and I was a broken spring. Very easy fix.

[siny528i]

So after a nice time at Oktoberfest in Chippewa Falls, WI - loading up the car to head home on Sunday our trunk latch failed. With a little duct tape holding the trunk shut (no, that's not the easy fix...) we got home without losing anything.
Called the dealer for a replacement trunk lock actuator $139 or Crown auto $89 - yikes!.
Looked here for removal info - great reference:
http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/t...20actuator.htm
So here was the culprit:


After 5 minutes noodling with two pliers:


Test fit in the lock mechanism:





So far, so good. I'll get a real replacement if the spring breaks again...
Hope this helps.

MNsport528i,

If you send me your pics I will upload them on my server and give you links so you will be able to Edit you post and we all finally enjoy them

[siny528i]

Ok guys,

Are we talking about this spring (I couldn't find any other)?


If so its there...

[siny528i]

Guys,

I have a dilemma.

Since my spring is Ok, but I have NO LIGHT in the trunk and TRUNKLID OPEN message on dashboard, can it be connected to broken Trunk Lock Actuator (67118377569)? Or I have broken circuit somewhere and as a result nothing works?

I just want to pinpoint the problem before start buying parts.

Thank you in advance,
siny528i

[siny528i]

Did you ever get this figured out? It sounds like the same problem I had. It makes a "repeating-type" sound, right? Lots of short bursts, sort of like an automatic weapon?

The problem is the actual (electrical) mechanism that controls the movement of the locking/unlocking rod. The plastic gears inside are broken. I tried fixing mine (you have to cut the black, plastic box open), but it didn't last too long.

I think I have a same problem. Do/Did you have a Light in the Trunk?

Thank you in advance,
siny528i

[DennisG01]

I still had a functioning light and the actuator would make a sound. I ended up replacing the actuator module as gluing the gears didn't last too long.

It sound like you're not getting power to the trunk. I don't have my manual in front of me to check, but I wonder if both items are served by the same fuse? Another thought would be to (1) verify with a DVM whether or not you are getting 12v at the two items, then trace the wiring backwards looking for broken wires/contacts.

[siny528i]

I still had a functioning light and the actuator would make a sound. I ended up replacing the actuator module as gluing the gears didn't last too long.

It sound like you're not getting power to the trunk. I don't have my manual in front of me to check, but I wonder if both items are served by the same fuse? Another thought would be to (1) verify with a DVM whether or not you are getting 12v at the two items, then trace the wiring backwards looking for broken wires/contacts.

Hey DennisG01,
Thanks a bunch!

I just (couple minutes ago) ordered a new Trunk Lock Actuator (67118377569)...
I also started a new TRUNK: No Sound, No Lock, No Light thread with explanation of my problem and Trunk electrical diagram.

So if you dont mind please reply there.

Thank you in advance,
siny528i

[gravityslave]

Just had this one happen - Trunk wouldn't lock. My simple - followed the tips link for easy trim removal.

Then found the issue being the little spring was broken.

Went to OSH Hardware, and found a suitable replacement spring, not exactly the same, but close enough.

-> Servalite #74U Extension Spring 1-3/16" Lgth, 5/16" Out.Dia., .035 Wire Gauge.

$2.29 & 30 minutes start to finish.

[andyr1]

just wanted to say thanks for this thread...saved me a quoted £160 at my BMW specialist...re-used the existing spring and will see how long that lasts....well done guys.

[bmb527]

This morning, I open the trunk, put my bag in and shut the trunk. It wouldn't latch. I had to drive 60 miles home, it stayed shut at 80 MPH! Found broken spring, bent it, put it together and now it's fixed! I would be pissed if someone charged me $250+ to replace this.