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      07-20-2012, 07:00 AM   #1
xdragon
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Hands free trunk release problem

Is there anyone else having problem getting the hands free trunk release to work? Or is it just me?

It only worked twice since I picked up my 328 two weeks ago. Now no matter how I kick it, just won't open.
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      07-20-2012, 07:11 AM   #2
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I haven't had a problem...
Try to stand right behind the license plate and a short and quick kick straight ahead.
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      07-20-2012, 07:45 AM   #3
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It seems a bit hit and miss... as there's a technique?

discussed here as well...
http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=685836
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      07-20-2012, 09:52 AM   #4
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I also found it difficult at first. I think what photoman said is the way to go. Find a nice non-public place and practice your technique
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      07-20-2012, 05:31 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dcg71
I also found it difficult at first. I think what photoman said is the way to go. Find a nice non-public place and practice your technique
Hehe, was embarrassed trying to show off this trick in a shopping centre car park.
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      07-21-2012, 01:22 AM   #6
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haha yeah, I've had a few moments like that. Was showing it off to a friend today though and managed to get it first time.
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      08-07-2012, 11:20 PM   #7
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Ok, I've got the technique for this sorted.

My colleague took delivery of his 328i last weekend (mines still getting its compliance done - long story ), and was talking about how three people at the dealership were all standing around trying to figure out how to make it work. Truly a Kodak moment

Anyway, we went downstairs to the building carpark and I think I've figured it out. I stuck my head under the car to look for a sensor and couldn't see anything. Then I figured it's probably either using the reversing sensors or rear camera. I'm guessing the parking sensors rather than the camera as it's an option (and I can't recall if you have to take the camera if you take CA).

Initially, we stood right behind the tail of the car and were busy thrusting our feet under the bumper to very limited success. Then, inspiration took hold and I had my mate move the car out of the car park (it was reversed in, tail to the wall), and instead walked toward the car from a couple of meters away before placing the foot underneath.

Worked every time.

So, good doctors, I'm hypothesising that the act of appoaching to the car is a requirement for the boot release option to work and thought I'd share to others who may have written this option off as a bit dodgy.
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      08-07-2012, 11:57 PM   #8
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not standing too close to the tail is the key.
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      08-08-2012, 12:23 AM   #9
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I think you're onto something! approaching the car and immediately sticking your foot out once you're within range seems to help.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Dabaitu View Post
Ok, I've got the technique for this sorted.

My colleague took delivery of his 328i last weekend (mines still getting its compliance done - long story ), and was talking about how three people at the dealership were all standing around trying to figure out how to make it work. Truly a Kodak moment

Anyway, we went downstairs to the building carpark and I think I've figured it out. I stuck my head under the car to look for a sensor and couldn't see anything. Then I figured it's probably either using the reversing sensors or rear camera. I'm guessing the parking sensors rather than the camera as it's an option (and I can't recall if you have to take the camera if you take CA).

Initially, we stood right behind the tail of the car and were busy thrusting our feet under the bumper to very limited success. Then, inspiration took hold and I had my mate move the car out of the car park (it was reversed in, tail to the wall), and instead walked toward the car from a couple of meters away before placing the foot underneath.

Worked every time.

So, good doctors, I'm hypothesising that the act of appoaching to the car is a requirement for the boot release option to work and thought I'd share to others who may have written this option off as a bit dodgy.
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      08-08-2012, 02:33 AM   #10
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According to the Trunk video from the BMW USA Owners portal, you have to "simply put your foot underneath the rear bumper, and then pull back" (begins at 00:28s)...

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...8-0c5129ff9e56

In the video the trunk doesn't open until the guy moves slightly away (it seems to be a safety feature so the lid doesn't hit you if you stand too close).
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      08-10-2012, 10:39 PM   #11
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Another way to do it is to jack up the car using the centre rear jack point (diff cover) whist having your keys in your pocket. Motion of pumping the jack handle inadvertantly causes the trunk to open. Scared the bejesus out of me.
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      09-04-2015, 07:25 AM   #12
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Problems with hands free "foot" trunk release

My dealer could not get the hands free trunk release to work either. It would work 0% of the time for me and about 10% of the time for the dealer. They replaced everything but it worked the same. They checked another vehicle and it acted the same way - so they are finished working on it.
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      09-04-2015, 06:33 PM   #13
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You Boot Fu is weak, once you know how to do it you can nail it every time.
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      09-05-2015, 06:59 PM   #14
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Haha...this is classic!
Yeah, had me too for a while but now I get it to work every time.
Everyone has their own trick, mine is line up foot with BMW badge, lean slightly back and kick.
There is a sensor to make sure your head(or anything) is not above the trunk when it flips open. So leaning back helps, and ensuring no bags or anything else are closer to the car than you (as this may also trigger the safety sensor).
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      09-05-2015, 10:37 PM   #15
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Picked up my first BMW a month or so ago and had given up on the boot. This definitely has helped. Kick in and straight back in the middle seems to work really well.

I was trying to swipe my foot underneath and it only worked a quarter of the time.
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      09-06-2015, 02:19 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xdragon View Post
not standing too close to the tail is the key.
This - stand back far enough so that the boot won't hit you on the way up - you get more of a swing in your foot this way as well. Works every time for me.
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      09-06-2015, 08:42 AM   #17
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I found that one I had read that it activates based on your foot coming back towards you - and put my foot closer to the car rather than the ground that I can nail it 90% of the time.

Before that it was very frustrating..
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      09-06-2015, 09:16 AM   #18
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OK. Here's the deal.

There is a separate sensor but it's not visible. It's behind the rear diffuser. It's part of the comfort access system.

Part 2 in the diagram:



The trick is this:

Pretend your dog is lying under there and you're going to poke him in the nose with your big toe but as soon as you do he's going to try and bite you.

Therefore you're going to put it straight in and pull it out quite quickly. It's actually the act of REMOVING your foot that triggers the boot release.

If you leave your foot in there too long or withdraw it too slowly it won't work.

Do it with what I said above in mind and it will work every single time.
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Last edited by Harlequin; 09-06-2015 at 09:23 AM..
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      09-06-2015, 08:20 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Harlequin View Post

Pretend your dog is lying under there and you're going to poke him in the nose with your big toe but as soon as you do he's going to try and bite you.
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      09-06-2015, 08:47 PM   #20
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Dealer told me to kick. Works 10% of the time. Now I swipe from center to left and it works 95% of the time.
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      09-17-2015, 11:42 PM   #21
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I have a 2014 F30 with Comfort Access, does it mean i have this feature too.. I've tried and it doesn't work..
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      09-17-2015, 11:55 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ducsta View Post
I have a 2014 F30 with Comfort Access, does it mean i have this feature too.. I've tried and it doesn't work..
Yes, you're just not doing it right. Or something is broken.
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