BMW E36 boot lock wont engage - new boot!?!!

My boot lock wont engage. Even if I slam it or put my 220lbs plus frame on it. However it does click if I push it using a hard object to simulate the lower pin.

The chap in tne BMW spares place suggests I need a new boot lid because it has a hairline crack near where the upper catch is bolted on to the boot. He siad the same thing happened to him. He tried to weld it but it didnt work right.

2nd hand boot lid 40 GBP Fitting 40 GBP Painting 100 GBP

1994 E36 Coupe. Looks like its time to find it a new owner ...

Any short term fixes? I think if I could put some tape or solder on the upper pin or under the catch ? I reckon this is less than 1 mm. Causing the problem.

Reply to
Lordy
Loading thread data ...

Is the catch not adjustable?

Si

Reply to
Mungo "two sheds" Toadfoot

"Mungo \"two sheds\" Toadfoot" wrote in news:TcydnX3T snipped-for-privacy@pipex.net:

Doesnt look so. I'll have a play....

Reply to
Lordy

They usually are but perhaps BMWs are better built than the cars I've owned :)

Si

Reply to
Mungo "two sheds" Toadfoot

"Mungo \"two sheds\" Toadfoot" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@pipex.net:

AMC in Wandsworth (SW London) sorted it out in 20 minutes (pushing, pulling & bending) and didnt charge me! They did say it was a known issue, and the official fix is a new boot lid, however they can tweak severe cases using washers etc..

Phew - saved 180 GBP.

AMC Are not usually cheap but they do know their stuff. In this case, cheap too! (

formatting link
) Note AMC in Lee (SE London and around the corner from me) said I needed a new locking mechanism which was entirely wrong!

Reply to
Lordy

Wow!

There are adjustable cushions that set the striker distance. Perhaps you need to 1.) adjust the cushions, and 2.) stop slamming the lid so damn hard.

I have seen pictures of the cracks in the area of the latch, so I know what you are talking about, but by looking at my car, I can't see how those cracks can get there unless the cushions are maladjusted, and/or the latch is abused by slamming the lid way too hard.

Reply to
Jeff Strickland

"Jeff Strickland" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@ez2.net:

All I can say is it is a known fault over time with this age Bimmers, (10 years +) Both BMW "specialists" I went to were aware of it. I usually let the lid "drop" with a slight bit of momentum but one it became faulty I was body slamming of £$"%$""% !!!

Reply to
Lordy

Yes. I've use them a few times and they've been fine. They also have a waiting room which overlooks the workshop - sort of reassuring.

They failed when I asked them about changing the exterior door handle on an E39, though. Said the door would have to be stripped out.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

The catch bolts onto the metalwork, probably with a torx bolt.

You should be able to take it off insert a couple of washers (or a blank you cut out yourself) and then you will have made up the couple of mm required.

Reply to
R. Mark Clayton

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.