My trunk would close but wouldn't latch shut. Took it apart to find out what was wrong, just needed to be adjusted. Hope this helps others with the same issue.
This happened to me today...in a trip with the trunk loaded with stuff! Had to duct tape the trunk -.- just fixed it using this method! Thanks for sharing these kind of things :D
Thanks so much from Glastonbury in the UK! You've helped us have a great day here - and we can now take out the dog :) Great advice -which worked well.
Stick the latch back in thru the opening in the center. then push it in with the rod and pull it thru the end. make sure you connect the latch rod before you shut the trunk. I hope this helps.
After adjusting the latch (trunklid) & striker (body) my trunk still wasn't latching closed. Striker off the body would lock into latch. Moved to the side and watched latch & striker as I closed the lid. Seemed the latch had more tilt than desired even before reaching the latch. Opened the lid and with a mallet gave the backside of latch 5-10 blows outward. Now it latches effortlessly. Also a NOTE:Two latch T30 screws are tapered while one from the bottom is flat so put them back in correct holes.
@Myellowsnow99 I just used a screwdriver to pry up and get them to come out a little. Then I got a pair of side cutters, not to cut the tab, but to use the tapered jaws to sneak between the tab and the carpet. Dont squeeze the side cutters hard, but just a little tension to keep them from opening. I then took the screwdriver and used it as a pivot point between the side cutters and carpet. Just push down on the handle of the side cutters and the tab will pull right out. Hope it works for you.
My E36 convertible did same problem today. My problem is locking system's spring was broken. Spring is inside the lock and you can easily change it to new one even dimesinons is not very important. It will work.
Agreed with an older comment. It's much easier to unscrew the plate that the latch hits at the bottom of the trunk. I did have to do what was done in the video anyway though. The metal where the latch is located was bent way out of shape.. so i bent it back.
So that third bolt is essential as well, mine broke off and it didnt have enough strength to lock it in place. Guess gonna either weld it or buy a new one
oh that is rough. I'm not sure how the convertibles are set up, but can you pull the rear seats down? Climb through them, move the panel from the trunk and pull the release rod... It could have fell out of place if it wasnt locked in. Hope you get it,
It's actually easier to move the bottom plate that it latches into upwards. but the more freqent problem is what vman mentioned: the mechanism you've removed gets bent inwards and you just have to bend it back
I have this exact same problem with my 94 325is it wont lock because the lock isnt alligned with the metal bolt, the two.upper screws are too small and not original screws what size screw do you recomend I get ?
How did you stick the latch back in there....im a girl plz help...I just bought a new latch...and I'm tryin to do it myself...and I seen how you took it out...needing help how to put it in....thhhhaaaaaannnnnkkkkkssss!
After watching this i fixed my trunk in 5 minutes
Thank you sir!
You're welcome, i'm happy it worked for you. And greetings from Ontario, Canada!
This happened to me today...in a trip with the trunk loaded with stuff! Had to duct tape the trunk -.- just fixed it using this method! Thanks for sharing these kind of things :D
TZRobin Anytime my friend! Thank you.
Thanks so much from Glastonbury in the UK! You've helped us have a great day here - and we can now take out the dog :) Great advice -which worked well.
Thanks to your video I was able to get my trunk working and avoid the mechanic altogether
Excellent! No problemo
Stick the latch back in thru the opening in the center. then push it in with the rod and pull it thru the end. make sure you connect the latch rod before you shut the trunk. I hope this helps.
After adjusting the latch (trunklid) & striker (body) my trunk still wasn't latching closed. Striker off the body would lock into latch. Moved to the side and watched latch & striker as I closed the lid. Seemed the latch had more tilt than desired even before
reaching the latch. Opened the lid and with a mallet gave the backside of latch 5-10 blows outward. Now it latches effortlessly.
Also a NOTE:Two latch T30 screws are tapered while one from the bottom is flat so put them back in correct holes.
H.E. Miller good point and tips my friend. thank you!
@agreeney Thanks for letting me know, that does sound more simple. If that happens again I'll try that.
@Myellowsnow99 I just used a screwdriver to pry up and get them to come out a little. Then I got a pair of side cutters, not to cut the tab, but to use the tapered jaws to sneak between the tab and the carpet. Dont squeeze the side cutters hard, but just a little tension to keep them from opening. I then took the screwdriver and used it as a pivot point between the side cutters and carpet. Just push down on the handle of the side cutters and the tab will pull right out. Hope it works for you.
Thanks for that my friend was having some issues with his trunk so tomorrow I will know what to do lol
My E36 convertible did same problem today. My problem is locking system's spring was broken. Spring is inside the lock and you can easily change it to new one even dimesinons is not very important. It will work.
@Cakida75 You're welcome, I'm happy I can help!
Nice! You're welcome, glad to help.
Good job on the video, nice and clear and to the point
Engineerboy100 Hey thanks!
I used the info to fix my latch, had to reinforce the bolts had ripped thru the sheet metal of the trunk lid. works good now.
Engineerboy100 oh man, I'm glad I could be of assistance! Good getting it fixed!
Agreed with an older comment. It's much easier to unscrew the plate that the latch hits at the bottom of the trunk. I did have to do what was done in the video anyway though. The metal where the latch is located was bent way out of shape.. so i bent it back.
So that third bolt is essential as well, mine broke off and it didnt have enough strength to lock it in place.
Guess gonna either weld it or buy a new one
how do you remove those tabs that holds the interior carpet . is there a special way to do it without breaking them?? thanks
oh that is rough. I'm not sure how the convertibles are set up, but can you pull the rear seats down? Climb through them, move the panel from the trunk and pull the release rod... It could have fell out of place if it wasnt locked in. Hope you get it,
what about bmw 750? will it work. it pretty much looks like the sme
Hello, I used a Torx screwdriver, size was T30.
It's actually easier to move the bottom plate that it latches into upwards. but the more freqent problem is what vman mentioned: the mechanism you've removed gets bent inwards and you just have to bend it back
Awesome video bro! Thanks!!
Will Oviedo No problem man! Thanks!
I have this exact same problem with my 94 325is it wont lock because the lock isnt alligned with the metal bolt, the two.upper screws are too small and not original screws what size screw do you recomend I get ?
Oh man, sorry I dont know. Anyting that would fit nicely.
@vman358 Nice, I like these kind of easy fixes, especially with no price on parts :)
what about bmw 750? will it work. it pretty much looks like the same latch
Hey my friend. Im pretty sure it will. Sorry for the late reply.
If I just buy a new actuator will that work as well
mmm, i didnt have to. if it still "actuates" i wouldnt waste the money. try this, if it doesnt work then perhaps your actuator is weak.
How did you stick the latch back in there....im a girl plz help...I just bought a new latch...and I'm tryin to do it myself...and I seen how you took it out...needing help how to put it in....thhhhaaaaaannnnnkkkkkssss!
pradakill1 take your time and do it
I had the same problem. Turns out It got bent closing on my jacket. All I had to do is bend it back into postition. :)
U selling your bmw
in ontario eh? lol wanna part the car out?
Yep :) I do not have it anymore sadly, wish I did!
Sorry, EMP is my other account I replied with XD