Key/Trunk Problems

Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:02 pm

How are all of you doing, i'm new to this site and need some help. After losing my original key to my '86 325e, i just got the the new one made at a dealership and the ignition and car doors work fine, but the trunk will not open. I really need to get into the trunk and was hoping that someone here could be of some help.

Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:09 pm

maybe get a lock smith to pull the boot lock and get a key cut to fit?

It may have been replaced in the past-meaning it had a different key?

alternatively, see if you can either fold down or remove the back seat-should give you access.

good luck

Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:16 pm

thanks for the advice. I figured i would have to get a locksmith, but i need a quicker way to get into the trunk for now. I tried getting in through the back seats, but i can't figure out were any latchers or hooks are at holding it down. Does anyone have a chilton's manual and can tell me how to remove the back seats?

Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:24 pm

try pulling up the base of the rear seat-

there should be a small black lever at each side-

sticking out into where the base of the seat is-

pull/push it to release the seat backs.
good luck

Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:30 pm

thanks, i'll get right on it now.

Wed Feb 16, 2005 7:32 pm

good luck !let me know how it goes

Thu Feb 17, 2005 6:23 pm

Well i tried removing the back seats, i can remove the seat easily, but the back is a bit harder to get out and there's a metal plate behind it, so i don't even think removing the seats will help much. I guess i'm taking a trip to a locksmith today.

Thu Feb 17, 2005 6:30 pm

You can't access the boot from the inside on a saloon...

Best way is to use a socket about the same size as the lock and hit it hard, the circlip that holds it will pop off, but at least you'll have access to the boot.

BTW I think the mods will want you to remove your sig...even though it is very nice!!

Thu Feb 17, 2005 9:59 pm

ok thanks

Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:20 pm

BMW make special keys for valet parking where the attendant cant get into the boot, maybe they cut the wrong key for you?

Andrew

Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:27 pm

Demlotcrew wrote:BMW make special keys for valet parking where the attendant cant get into the boot, maybe they cut the wrong key for you?

Andrew

The way to find out if it's a valet key is to try it in the glovebox, if it doesn't open/lock this then this will be the cause.

My local dealer did tell me they can't cut these keys anymore.

I've got all 4 original keys for my M3...including the one with the top cut off!

Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:41 pm

Simon, its not the cutting of the key its the shape of the base of the key that governs if it opens the boot or not. So they may have given him an old key or the wrong one was ordered. They are still available i had one made for my Black IS.

Andrew

Thu Feb 17, 2005 10:47 pm

The difference between the valet key and the ignition key is at the tip of the key, it is shaved off completely.

What I meant was if he tries his key that doesn't work his bootlid in his glovebox, and it doesn't lock/unlock that then it is a valet key as you said.

I asked about getting a valet key cut ages ago for the sport, and they told me theuy couldn't do them anymore..liars!

Fri Feb 18, 2005 2:52 am

yeah i've allready figured it was the valet key, but i'm just wondering what a locksmith is going to charge me to come to my house and shape a key for me, because the battery died in the car and coincidentally the battery is in the trunk/boot. Anyway i'm going to call the dealership i got the key made from tomorrow just to make sure. And thanks for all the help its very appreciated