TheTherapist

Have been trying to get into boot for a few days now - it has been a real ordeal!

Initially I had to jump start the car to get home with the battery reporting only 11.5 volts. issued a couple of warning messages on the dash including "convenience functions only" and after I turned off "Stopping Distance Decreased - Start Car Now" and the equally cryptic "Brake Function Impaired - Start Car Now" both in danger red.

We checked it out and discovered the alternator had given up the ghost so jumped it again to park the car for repairs. As I drove it in I noticed some message about the boot being open but ignored it as the boot was definitely closed.

Anyway after parking the boot release wouldn't operate as convenience functions were disabled which isn't a problem normally since the mechanical key can be used to access the trunk only in this instance the key seemed to turn a little too easy in the boot and no matter how we turned and twisted while tugging on the handle refused to open.

So next step was to try and gain access to the trunk through the back seat - or so we thought. First obstacle was the rear headrests which were in the upright position and obstructed the removal of the seat. These were a pain in the proverbial to remove and took far longer than necessary but we got them off eventually only to discover that the only access to the trunk was through a couple of small openings. We did poke around aimlessly with a pole and wire thinking we had half a chance of accessing the trunk release before realizing we were poking in vain.

So now it's reached the point where I'm hoping someone with more knowledge might be able to provide a fresh perspective.

wes459

I had the same problem, but when you put the key into the latch you have to turn it (I can't remember which way though) to the point where it feels like it won't go any further and then suddenly it will release the trunk mechanically. I didn't mess with the handle though when I did it. Sorry if I can't help further!

thumper823

underneath the hood, back of SAM, you can hook up power+ and then ground to anything, than you can use the remote trunk open button on key

V12Godspeed

Here is what you do, Hope it works:

Pull the passenger side carpet, underneath it (not sure if the E55 has it) you should see a thick red wire for Power. Get a car and some jumper cables and jump the car thru there. Terminal should be some where around there that would allow you to Tag the red + with the jumper cable and the - black cable place it on any clean and clear metal surface of the car. Hopefully this will get you access to opening the car.

I did the exact same procedure on my CL65 when the battery died, worked like a charm.

shardul

iTrader: (1)

+1

biggking

+2 W211 rear trunks are the most difficult to get into. At one point I got it on the 50th try. Dead battery's SUCK! Also guys who get the 'red voltage message' please take note with caution and TEST YOUR BATTERIES immediately. OP said he got the DANGEROUS 'braking distance increased' message and your brakes are less than 5% of what they were before (happened to me!). Invest in a $25 battery tender so you can at least top off your battery every once in a while.

Exotic-metal55

I have used this method several times as well.

I heard for cars that lock thier keys in the trunk; you have to pull off the rear trunk trim and go in that way. (per dealer).

rockthemullet

Just jump from underneath the passenger carpet and then hit the trunk release in the driver side door... I do it all the time

TheTherapist

Thanks guys I managed to gain entry to that damn elusive trunk eventually! Did attempt the "under the passenger side carpet" method but couldn't locate any red cable? Maybe since my E55 is an Australian RHD model things like that could be different? The connection under the hood worked a treat though.

Jaymausantos

Hi guys, just read all the post about jumping the battery. If I do that "jump under the carpet thing" will my car start at all? It's been dead for a couple if weeks now, charged the main battery already and both battery (including the aux) are good but yesterday I put I back on my e500 and still no power! My ignition key won't even turn so I can't take it to the dealer at all. If anyone has an advice please I would love to hear it... I don't know what to do anymore!
Thanks

TheTherapist

Use the connection points under the hood. You will need to remove the wipers and the plastic panel that holds them. This is the only way that I managed to start the car. As you can see from my post above I did remove the carpet and everything underneath including a metal kickpad and various modules etc etc from both the passenger side and drivers side since my vehicle is right hand drive I thought maybe they have swapped sides with this 'apparent' red lead, but no, nothing! I did see the collection of brown earth leads but that was it and I searched thoroughly.

The only reliable way is as I say under the hood and under the wipers. You will get it started immediately this way. Do not stuff around for 4-5 days like I did trying absolutely everything and wasting many many hours. You WILL get in straight away if you follow these instructions.

rockthemullet

I'll take a picture of the wire in the passenger footwell. It really should be on the forum for everyone

Jaymausantos

Ok once I removed the wipers and plastic panel, I will see wires and that's were I'm gonna put the jumper cables to start the car?

N_Jay

Are you 100% sure you are using the mechanical key correctly.
Turning the key (I forget which way, try each), holding turned and then pulling the handle (while holding the key turned)

rockthemullet

Here ya go. This is a power wire... hook the positive side of your jump box or second battery to this and the negative side to a ground. I usually use one of the passenger seat bolts because I have skinny extenders on my jump box leads, but you can use anything on the chassis.

TheTherapist

I've had the battery disconnected may times for work and never had an issue gaining entry to the trunk with the mechanical key. No idea why it proved an obstacle on this occasion.

Yep as mentioned by thumper823 above you simply locate the SAM module and connect the positive terminal then ground to any appropriate surface and bam your good to go.

TheTherapist

Dayum! I was looking for the RED cable but there was no red cable to be found. If I'd have known that would have made pulling the floor up worthwhile and avoided the extra work under the hood. Cest la vie!

Cheers for going to the trouble of posting a pic Mullet.

rockthemullet

No worries, I would've been tricked as well. Took it on my lunch, no biggie... hopefully this becomes more common knowledge

Hey, at least you know for next time, no disassembly required (aside from the 3 10mm nuts on the metal plate)

N_Jay

How many people have dead batteries and bad locks at the same time?

Jaymausantos

I'm just curious, will the car start if there's something wrong with the bcm? I'm thinking the bcm is the problem why there's no power at all. I was gonna get a new bcm already but I'm thinking of getting new battery first... Maybe the problem is just my old battery. So is it a good idea to get a new battery first which would be cheaper that getting a new bcm. And any suggestions on what battery I should get because the one they sell at the dealership cost too much. Thanks

Kelvin07

..

rockthemullet

Test another battery first. Also, a battery does not need to be in the factory location to jump it from the passenger area. If you've already done this, then check all of the main fuses in the car... driver side of the trunk and engine bay near the cowl.

Jaymausantos

I checked the small fuses and they're all good but the big fuses I don't know how to check them and know if they are still good... How can you tell?im talking about them square ones with 3 metal thing on them

rockthemullet

Those are relays, not fuses. You could have anyone with STAR run diagnostics to check and see if it's the BCM. I wouldn't replace anything expensive without narrowing down the root cause first

Jaymausantos

That's my problem, I can't start the car even with a fresh re charged battery. Can I remove the bcm and bring it to a shop so they can run the diagnostics?