URGENT: trunk lock won't open

[Mless5]

Boils down to actuator's arm that has a ball at the end is no more (no more ball) and it came out from the plastic piece where it is supposed to sit resulting in a non working button and all that no so good stuff. I remember how somebody drilled the rubber piece around the lock to get it open. Any help here guys? It MUST be open within 6hrs or I am screwed a big time!!!

Thanks!

[pdx 528e]

Hopefully this will help:

although it does involve drilling a 1/16 inch or so hole.

There is a rectangular black surround piece around the trunk push button lock cylinder. Drill a small hole just at the junction of the top of this surround piece with the sheet metal. Drill parallel to the push button, and exactly above it, in the midline of the car. The drill will penetrate outer sheet metal, then drop through a space, and hit the thicker metal of the lock assembly. Drill through this. The drill bit should penetrate through this a a depth of 2 7/8 inches (measured from the outher surface of the push button. Then just advance the bit (without drilling) another half-inch or so. It will hit the lock's opening mechanism. Give it a small push, and the trunk lid will pop open.

The hole will not be visible unless you kneel down and look for it. It can be sealed with a small dab of silicone, and you can use the hole again if you are ever locked out of the trunk.

This is taken from roadfly: http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/e28/2570147-1.html

[Mless5]

You're DA MAN!

Thank you!!! :p

[Paul in N FL]

Five years old, but just saved me from having the body shop guys F-up my trunk lid!!!!!

Tech FAQs anyone?

[slammin_e28]

+1 for Tech FAQ

[unt0uchable]

Gonna have to try this one out very soon. My truck has been locked up on me since last Fall...I don't even remember what's back there....

Definitely need to Tech FAQ this...

[davintosh]

Definitely Tech FAQ material. DO EET!

My trunk isn't stuck, but it may not be a bad idea to drill ahead of time just in case... I've had trouble with the e32 in the past; might have to see if the same shortcut will work on that car.

[Waynesie]

So i just picked up an '85 Euro 535i with electric locks. The trunk key will unlock the whole car but not open the trunk. You push the button, no open.

i tried this method and it did not work. Is there something different with the euro electric locks?

[Waynesie]

Never mind, I figured it out.
Somehow the middle of the back panel was pushed in about an inch, but the trunk lid is straight. The catch was too far pushed in too release. I was able to pull the license plate lights out, fish a strap through and pull the center of the panel out enough to release the lid.

Everything bent staight again and works perfect.

[Beigemobile]

Having a similar issue, but the "button" to unlock the trunk is stuck "in." Previous owner said the lock return spring was busted. Any clue on how to pull it out, or is drilling the lock the only way?

[John in VA]

Any clue on how to pull it out, or is drilling the lock the only way?

Can you put the key in the lock, turn it, and use the key to pull the button out?

[Beigemobile]

No go, the lock stays stuck in and the electronic locks in the car just start freaking out - locking and unlocking over and over again until I take the key out.

[adrian in florida]

No go, the lock stays stuck in and the electronic locks in the car just start freaking out - locking and unlocking over and over again until I take the key out.

Try disconnecting the battery and then use the key to pull the lock back out as John suggested. Most likely you have already completed this task.