Compact Central locking

[Jhonno]

Boot isn't working on the central locking, yet you can lock and unlock the turd from the boot lock.. Any ideas?

[fingerman]

Have the wires for the electrics fraid going into the boot - think this affects all E36's ?

[harry_p]

it's a problem on normal e36s because the boot wiring doubles back on itself allong the side of the boot opening, i've not heard of it affecting compacts before, although it could well be the issue.

could it be the lock itself starting to sieze up the the lock arm connected to the locking actuator is moving when it shouldnt?

i can't remember ever using the boot key on mine, but i'm fairly sure you should be able to lock it independantly on the cl

[Jhonno]

You should be able to lock it on the CL, it'd be madness not to.. You can work the central locking from it! I think I might have to strip the panel off and look at it. My boot light is playing up also, so could be connected!

[harry_p]

yeah, i know it should lock with the cl, but i think normally you should be able to lock the boot with the key leaving the doors unlocked.

has it always played up or just started?

my 36s bot lock was siezed solid, but would still lock / unlock from the cl, theyre quite easy to strip down and clean out / lubricate to see if it helps, i even took a load of photos when i did mine. i'd assume the compact lock works exactly the same as any other e36 one?

[Jhonno]

I would reckon it does..

Ahh I see what you mean! I would have thought so also, the number of times I've come close to locking my keys in the car!! It sometimes does lock independantly btw.

[bss325i]

Check the wiring where is passed through a rubber boot/grommet from the tailgate to the body.

Wiring can break and short out here as its a flexible join.

This is a common problem on nearly all BMW tourings. I've seen it on E36 and E46 saloons as well.