E46 Boot Opening

[Lord Pikey]

Well, i lasted 7 months without a bmw in my life since i sold my old E34 540 to a friend. I am now back in my comfort zone with a carbon black m3 cab

However, as with most 10 year old cars it does have a couple of issues that i need to sort out.

I have tired to search on this and bmw specific forums but i am not sure wether i have two issues or if its just one causing two issues.

Basically the boot release button on the key works but the boot does not open, the motor actuates when you press the button (it actually actuates several times which can be right, its continuous) but the boot does not open. You have to press the button and pull the boot up to open it. It doesnt pop.

Second issue is that the soft pad button under the boot handle doesnt work. im not entirely sure what it should do but i guess it should "unlock" it so i can open it.

so, in summation at the moment to open my boot i have to press the button the on the key and pull up at the same time. It doesnt lift by itself and also the pad under the handle doesnt do anything.

So i am thorwing myself to the BMW beards as i assume this is a common problem and i am overcomplicating it....
Cheers

LP

[ghibbett]

The button on the key fob merely releases the latch - it does not open the boot.

As for the release strip switch not working, I believe this is a common fault due to water getting into and corroding the switch terminal. I had a new strip fitted by my local dealer which cured the problem. I can look back through my records and get the cost if it helps?

[Lord Pikey]

ghibbett said:

The button on the key fob merely releases the latch - it does not open the boot.

As for the release strip switch not working, I believe this is a common fault due to water getting into and corroding the switch terminal. I had a new strip fitted by my local dealer which cured the problem. I can look back through my records and get the cost if it helps?

Thanks Ghibbert, no need to have a look ill be ordering the part anyway.

i guess my boot doesnt lift because the gas struts have weeped then? I dont really see what the key button does if the boot stays down so that it latches again

[Lord Pikey]

Was it the whole strip they replaced, not just the switch?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BR92...

pt number - 51138231892

[ANOpax]

Lord said:

Thanks Ghibbert, no need to have a look ill be ordering the part anyway.

i guess my boot doesnt lift because the gas struts have weeped then? I dont really see what the key button does if the boot stays down so that it latches again

No- you've got it wrong. The boots don't lift, period. The boot unlock control on your keyfob merely unlatches the boot lock (thereby 'opening' it) while the rest of the car remains locked.

[Lord Pikey]

ANOpax said:

No- you've got it wrong. The boots don't lift, period. The boot unlock control on your keyfob merely unlatches the boot lock (thereby 'opening' it) while the rest of the car remains locked.

Ah, got ya.

Thanks

[to3m]

The boot should lift up a little, though, so that it's ever-so-slightly ajar - well, it has done on both the E46s I've had anyway.

Once you've used the key's 'boot' button to unlock the boot, it's unlocked and open. You just swing it up by pushing it (e.g., using your foot). No need to press the pad, like you'd do if you'd used the 'doors' button.

I tried to find a youtube video, but I couldn't find one! Seems that nobody, ever, has thought to film the unlatching of an E46 BMW boot. What IS the internet coming to...

[ghibbett]

Ok just checked my records as to when I had the 'grip strip' replaced due to the release button not working:

Initial quote from BMW:
Replace grip strip (part number: 5113903) = £47.90
Paint handle & materials = £60
Labour = £172.79
VAT (@17.5%)= £49.12
TOTAL = £329.81

Actual cost from BMW:
Replace grip strip (part number: 5113903) = £40.72
Paint handle & materials = £60
Labour = £52.95
VAT (@17.5%)= £26.89
TOTAL = £180.56

Hope this helps.

[grh85]

Have you tried changing the key position in the glovebox? With the key position at 3 o'clock the glovebox will not open without the key and nore will the boot. If you change the key position to 12 o'clock you should find the boot will release when the car is unlocked without needing to use the key buttons.

Give that a try before you start replacing parts