Trunk will not stay latched, help

[Danske]

My 1999 Z3 trunk latch will not latch closed. Gently or slam it closed same result, will not latch closed. Purchased a used latch hoping that would fix it but it did not. Any ideas? Thanks

[Tallyho322]

I am sure this is a dumb question, but did you make sure that the latch was “open” so it would accept the metal strap mounted at the base of the trunk?

Greg

[Danske]

Not a dumb question, it got me thinking. The latch is open but the piece attached the car that actuated the latch on the lid was not striking the latch. So I adjusted the piece on the car, inside the truck, up and that fixed it. The piece was worn from years of opening and closing. Embarrassed I did not notice this, I purchased the used latch when all I needed to do was adjust. Thanks!!

[jclausen]

Check that the sheet metal in the trunk lid is not cracking at the bolt holes that hold the latch

[zellamay]

Not a dumb question, it got me thinking. The latch is open but the piece attached the car that actuated the latch on the lid was not striking the latch. So I adjusted the piece on the car, inside the truck, up and that fixed it. The piece was worn from years of opening and closing. Embarrassed I did not notice this, I purchased the used latch when all I needed to do was adjust. Thanks!!

You are not the first to do this. I have plenty of "spare" parts for the same reason. I hate to admit it, but sometimes it's just easier to try a new part. Also, switching parts can help diagnose the situation.

[Tallyho322]

Not a dumb question, it got me thinking. The latch is open but the piece attached the car that actuated the latch on the lid was not striking the latch. So I adjusted the piece on the car, inside the truck, up and that fixed it. The piece was worn from years of opening and closing. Embarrassed I did not notice this, I purchased the used latch when all I needed to do was adjust. Thanks!!

Glad you got it fixed.

dont ask me why I thought of the latch being open! I beat a door (not on my M) to death trying to get it to close...turned out somehow the latch was closed. Beat it to death ��!

Greg