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Thread: Trunk release button...

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Windy City
    Posts
    606

    Default Trunk release button...

    Recently, my trunk release button on the trunk seemed to get stuck a lot. I tried WD40 and other lubricant but only last for very short time before it gets stuck again. Do I need to take this apart and clean it from inside or is there a specific lubricant I can use that will last longer?
    RICK
    BMW 1995 525i (Alpine White)

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Dayton Ohio
    Posts
    1,483

    Default

    WD40 ...WD stands for water displacement. It is not a lubricant or a cleaner. You need electric contact cleaner for switches.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    NH
    Posts
    2,062

    Default

    Liquid wrench dry lube... I advise you to Inspect the little White Plastic insert into which the trigger rod fits that the Button operates. On mine that white plastic insert broke and allowed the rod to come loose. I was unable to open my trunk and had to resort to breaking in thru the ski opening plate. It was an emergency situation. I had the trunk full of Boxed IV Drugs for a pharmacy/customer's patient and therefore couldn't push the rear liner away to reach to the Trunk Latch. I had to first Sawz All away the trunk liner after tearing out the ski hole opening plate before I could get some extended reach tool I fabricated to open it from inside...
    1995 540i Manual build 1/95

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Chicago, Il. U.S.A.
    Posts
    4,243

    Default

    The lock probably isn't the issue but the grommet around the button is. Some of the silicone lube used for brake parts should help.
    The lock can be cleaned out just fine with WD40(or contact cleaner) but as stated it's not a very good lubricant. Graphite powder is best for locks, but clean them first.
    "The gas pedal wouldn't go to the floor if it weren't meant to be there"

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Windy City
    Posts
    606

    Default

    Thanks for the info guys. Yeah, I also think it is the grommet around the button. I'll try cleaning that first and try few different silicone lube to see if that work better.
    RICK
    BMW 1995 525i (Alpine White)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Eastern Tennessee USi
    Posts
    14,839

    Default

    I ended up taking mine apart, it got so bad that it wouldn't come out at all. It was a simple process once I figured out how the puzzle went.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Windy City
    Posts
    606

    Default

    I think I'll just lub it for now and wait for the warmer weather to figure out the puzzle.

    Quote Originally Posted by 632 Regal View Post
    I ended up taking mine apart, it got so bad that it wouldn't come out at all. It was a simple process once I figured out how the puzzle went.
    RICK
    BMW 1995 525i (Alpine White)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Lexington, Kentucky
    Posts
    2,561

    Default

    I cleaned my trunk lock button with wd-40 then used a graphite lubricant. Then used Tri-flow lubricant (works on guns) on the lock mechanism (also sprayed w4-40 on first) in the trunk. Then I did the same for the other door locks. Seemed to resolve some central locking issues i had with the passenger door not locking.
    Thanks,

    1995 525i Auto, M50TU 2.5L, EAT chip, 1/95 build, USA, 205/65/15 tires, ASC+T, HID, lumbar, EC Mirror, BMW Alpine 5 radio with BMW-Pioneer CD Changer, abt 236k miles, Oxford Green/Parchment

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    703

    Default

    Trunk release? is that that plastic handle on newer E34s?

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Chicago, Il. U.S.A.
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    Default

    Not the grommet I just found out.
    The grommet doesn't contact the lock button.
    The housing the lock made of is potmetal and corrodes. The crud collects on the pushbutton and the bore of the housing swells as it corrodes.
    Disassembly and some cleaning are all that is needed, just did one.
    "The gas pedal wouldn't go to the floor if it weren't meant to be there"

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