Hi people,
my son has had an e21 for well over a year now and we have done a few repairs together on it.
thermostat
steering rack rubbers (that was a hellova job)
changed the seats
but this one is baffling me though. the push button lock for opening the boot has failed. ho w the hell can we open the boot, or remove the lock to gain access to the boot?
thanks if you can help....
cannot open boot!!!
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silver-stue21
- E21 starter
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Re: cannot open boot!!!
I'm not sure what the case is with your sons but mine will not open if you push the button in when operating in normal conditions either.
The trick with mine is to unlock it as normal then push the button in really fast a few of times which seems to unstick the mechanism although i also have to lift the boot lid up manually as it doesnt spring open.
Not sure whether these used the operation in the boot as the old Mercedes & Volks which had a type of compressed air system?
All the more fun i think to owning a classic
Good Luck
The trick with mine is to unlock it as normal then push the button in really fast a few of times which seems to unstick the mechanism although i also have to lift the boot lid up manually as it doesnt spring open.
Not sure whether these used the operation in the boot as the old Mercedes & Volks which had a type of compressed air system?
All the more fun i think to owning a classic
Good Luck
BMW e21 323
Chipped Audi A3 TDI Sport
Chipped Audi A3 TDI Sport
- Jeroen
- Site Admin
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Re: cannot open boot!!!
As mechanical as can be! What exactly fails, can't turn the key, or can't press it all the way? Tried excess quantities of WD40 in and around it? It may not go in to far, or it might not fully come back to its stationary position not allowing you to turn the key. Tried pushing the trunklid down while pressing the button? Details please...
Regards/groeten, Jeroen
Re: cannot open boot!!!
the round button goes right in as before, even feels the same. only difference is that the boot doesnt 'click' anymore and of course...doesnt open.
we may try to remove the back seat and maybe try and level it open. if anyone has remvoved the back seat can you let me know if there is a chance of gaining access to the boot.....
thanks guys
we may try to remove the back seat and maybe try and level it open. if anyone has remvoved the back seat can you let me know if there is a chance of gaining access to the boot.....
thanks guys
E21 - most satisfying car ever driven
- Thegs
- E21 VIP

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'80 323i 5-sp - Location: Wezep (Gld, The Netherlands)
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Re: cannot open boot!!!
All closed back there, no excess to the boot through the back seat!jphanna wrote:the round button goes right in as before, even feels the same. only difference is that the boot doesnt 'click' anymore and of course...doesnt open.
we may try to remove the back seat and maybe try and level it open. if anyone has remvoved the back seat can you let me know if there is a chance of gaining access to the boot.....
thanks guys
Regards, Gerwin
1980 BMW E21 323i in Hennarot
1985 BMW E23 735i EXE in Zobelbraun
1988 BMW E34 535iA in Lachssilber
2004 BMW E53 X5 4.8iS in LeMansblau
2007 Mini R56 Cooper in Chilired
1980 BMW E21 323i in Hennarot
1985 BMW E23 735i EXE in Zobelbraun
1988 BMW E34 535iA in Lachssilber
2004 BMW E53 X5 4.8iS in LeMansblau
2007 Mini R56 Cooper in Chilired
Re: cannot open boot!!!
Jeroen wrote:And the lock is turned to the horizontal position?
i thought the key was vertical.....so if i turn the round chrome button horizontal, it may be the fix!!!
fingers crossed......
E21 - most satisfying car ever driven