body and interior Cannot Get Trunk Open

[Burtons Beamer]

I have a 72 tii with a locked trunk. put my key in and the lock itself is definitely unlocked but trunk will still not open? I am wondering if I will have to drill the lock? This would be a shame:(

[gregpark]

Got AAA?.....call a lock smith

[jgerock]

If you can push the button in without resistance, then it should still be locked.  Turn the key to unlock it, then push down on the lid with one hand while pushing the button in with the other hand.

 

If that doesn't work, is your spare tire well empty and rusted out?  Or is the filler neck rubber trashed?  Or the gas tank not secured to the floor?

[TobyB]

My old street car had a 'feel' position that you had to have the tumbler in to get it to open.

 

So insert the key, and start rotating in small increments, pushing each time.  You may find the sweet spot.

 

Jenn's car had a tumbler come apart- the actuating finger popped right out of an almost- new cylinder.

 

I had to go in through a taillight for that one- I picked the side with the worst chrome, and ground away

the ring where the studs attach.  It took a while, but was very clean, except for destroying the ring.

 

t

[jgerock]

If all else fails, break one of the tail light lenses and reach in to flip the lever that releases the trunk lid.  I have a spare amber-center lens with chrome center piece for you if you need it.

[kaptanoglu]

Ah, something I have experience with!

 

The lock mechanism turns a tab that when locked, is not aligned with the release latch (and the button pushes easily), and when unlocked, pressing the button pushes the tab against the lever.

 

When I couldn't get in my trunk, we found that the tab was turning BEHIND the release latch, so pushing it didn't do anything.

 

If you look behind your license plate, there is likely to be a little round plug, which you could drill out to actuate the lever with a screwdriver.  Otherwise, you can bust a taillight or wedge in a long rod and a borescope to trigger the latch (the moral equivalent to a coat hanger, which is what we did).

 

Good luck!

 

J

[Parkertii]

On my car the tab that pushes against the lever to pop the trunk fell off. I had to go in through my taillight in order to pop the trunk and repair the tab on the backside of the lock.

[nutbehindthewheel]

Great idea about hole behind license plate !!

Hopefully, rotating lock gets it open, otherwise,

small hole under lic plate won't leave damage

and you can put rubber cap over it to seal

I think I have locks with the tab piece and keys

let me know if you need one

[Burtons Beamer]

So many helpful tips! I'm kinda leaning towards the behind the license plate plan. Thanks for all the spare parts offers I think that is really cool. Good mojo here....

[nutbehindthewheel]

Yes, I have 3 trunk locks, no keys however, should be able to rekey to yours ??

[Mike Self]

Before breaking or drilling anything...go back through the archives...years ago this subject was discussed and several people posted a method of opening the trunk that involved applying a smart rap with a 2x4 to the correct spot.  I never wrote the information down as I've never had the problem, but surely some of the old-timers on the Board will remember the postings...

 

cheers

mike

[M3M3]

do forum google search on "trunk locked".  lots of threads from people with same problem and lots of solutions.  third thread in list talks about the 2x4 solution.

[Conserv]

Before breaking or drilling anything...go back through the archives...years ago this subject was discussed and several people posted a method of opening the trunk that involved applying a smart rap with a 2x4 to the correct spot.  I never wrote the information down as I've never had the problem, but surely some of the old-timers on the Board will remember the postings...

 

cheers

mike

+1

I recall it, or a similar methodology, Mike, from the Roundel in the '70's, but someone will need to review those old Roundels!

Best,

Steve

[Burtons Beamer]

I got it open. It was a matter of rotating the lock ever so slightly to the right and then alas...the sweet spot! By the way I am looking for a really nice set of door cards for my "72". I believe the tobacco color is what I have currently.

[John_in_VA]

By the way I am looking for a really nice set of door cards for my "72". I believe the tobacco color is what I have currently.

Place a "WTB" here - http://www.bmw2002faq.com/classifieds/category/4-parts-wanted/?sort_key=date_added&sort_order=desc