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Question

I have recently purchased a 1999BMW 3 Series Convertible. I must have done something unknowing but my trunk latch will not latch down. I can physically open the latch or close it but the key does not activate the lock. The clicking sound is evident but no action within the latch. In addition the convertible top will not lower as long as the trunk lid is not secure.   What's the point of owning a convertible?   Also the keys are wor. The doors have to be locked or unlocked physically with the key while the remote key buttons do nothing. All that we get is the cheerping.

There is so much security on this car that I feel that I have do something that I should not have done causing these problems.   

Many thanks,        Dee Carroll

Submitted: 88 days and 1 hours ago.
Category: BMW
Value: $40
Status: AWAITING EXPERT REPLY
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Optional Information

Year: 1999
Make: BMW
Model: M3 Convertible

Already Tried:
To use the key and activate the trunk lock.

Posted by jacob 88 days ago.

Answer

Hello,

It sounds as though the trunk lock itself has failed mechanically. From what you have stated it sounds like the trunk lid will not shut. You also stated you can work the lock itself mechanically? I assume you mean by flipping the latch with your fingers. I understand the top and central locking is not working.

These are all related to the trunk lock, linkage, and actuator. Obviously the top does not work because of the trunk problem. As far as the central locking is concerned it will also fail to operate if there is a missing or incorrect signal from either the doors,trunk, radio, or hood. Being that the trunk physically will not shut I would first start with that.

The lock assembly may be just worn out. One other thing to check is that the metal around the lock is not bent or cracked. This can cause the lock to be miss aligned and latch properly.

-Jacob

87 days and 11 hours ago.

Reply

Thanks for the tips. I have activated the lock to shut,it will do that with the button. By doing this I was able to put the top down. That would indicate that the signal mechanism seems to be working. I can close the latch(small hook in the latch)and then open it with the button. Although I can't close the hook part of the lock with the key. The latch seems to work but the problem evidently is with allignment of the latch and the pole with which the lock connects.

Also we can't seem to use the remote key. When we try to use it three chirps are sounded and the locking action does nothing. This happens when we try to unlock or lock the doors. We can only lock/unlock the doors with the physical key    

Posted by jacob 87 days and 11 hours ago.

Answer

Hello.

There is a lock rod that connects the lock to the key cylinder and another that connects to the actuator.

You can remove the inner trunk panel to check to see if these have come off. It is common for the retainer clips to break.

As far as the locks go -they are not working because a signal such as a door,hood,or trunk lid id perceived as open.

I would get the trunk lid working first as it may also be the problem with the remote function.

85 days and 10 hours ago.

Reply

Jacob, thanks for the additional info on the problem I am having. We have been out of town for a surgery procedure for my wife and just returned. My wife has been having back problems. Seems the surgery was successful and she now can get back on track.

Tomorrow I will try the suggestions that you have provided and see where we are then.   

Thanks, I'll be back soon.    Dee

Accepted Answer

Alright Dee,

Hope all is well. Let me know what you find.

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Expert: jacob
Pos. Feedback: 97.4 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 8/30/2009

BMW Technician

Master BMW and Master ASE Certified

63 days and 10 hours ago.

Reply

Jacob, It seems that we can't find the problem so I am going to accept your attempts and plan to make a trip to the dealership. Not what I wanted to do but we do want the problem fixed.   Thanks.   Dee

22 days and 12 hours ago.

Reply

I used the service at the suggestion of a friend. I did get several suggestions concerning my problem and have since gone to a BMW service and had the problem corrected. I authorized payment of $40.0 to the mechanic that had offered help .. I find now that my credit card has been charged twice - Once on 8-28 for $40.00 and again 9-21 for $46.00. ??????????? If this is a monthly service charge then please cancel my membershop and credit one of the charges to my card. Otherwise please correct the double charge. Thanks, Dee

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