A Few Questions... Just Bought a 318ti!

[ignig]

A few questions and problems I've had...

I don't know how to lock my trunk! I've stuck my key in a few times and have tried to turn it... nothing I do seems to work. When I close the trunk I'm just able to push the button on it and it pops open no problem. What am I doing wrong?

There is a lock/unlock button near where the power windows buttons are... what does this do? I press it and nothing happens. No doors lock or unlock.

I don't have a remote to lock/unlock the car... so I have to individually lock both doors... sometimes reaching over to lock the passengers then stepping out then locking the driver door. Is there an easier way? It's not too terrible but I'm wondering if theres another option for me. Also if I buy one of the remotes on like Amazon will it work? I type in 318TI Remotes on Amazon and tons pop up... I don't get how I can just pick one up that locks/unlocks my car... does it have programming or something?

Last but not least... why is it 318TI and not just 318I... I see a lot of other 3 series that are just like 325I and etc.

[BeardoMcWeirdo]

Sounds like you may have a bad lock tumbler. In which case no Key is going to work. When you lock the car from the outside all doors should lock. The tumbler issue is unfortuntely a common issue with the TI. As for why it's called a TI well it goes back to the 2002 ti and essentially it means fun. This label was usually given to the BMW compact models which is what you have. The TI is actually a shorter car then any of the other e36 models.

[tiFreak]

yeah, bad lock tumbler, you can get one from any E36 3 series

the button on the console should lock and unlock the doors and both doors should lock and unlock when you lock them with the key, sounds like you've got a broken connection somewhere in the central locking system

the remotes on eBay will work, you just have to figure out whether your car uses the 2 or 3 button remote, if it's a 95 it should use a 3-button, if it's a 97 or later it should use a 2-button but in 96 they seemed to use both depending on what the dealer had at the time

and like said above, the ti just designates it at the hatchback model and the general consensus is that it stands for "touring international"

[b.u.ti-ful]

You are using the gray "valet" key.

It does not open the hatch.

You need the black master key which you can order from the dealer.

[tiFreak]

Originally Posted by b.u.ti-ful

You are using the gray "valet" key.

It does not open the hatch.

You need the black master key which you can order from the dealer.

not necessarily, neither one of my master keys work in my hatch lock right now because the lock is bad

[MPWR]

First off, you're central locking isn't working. First place to look is your fuse box. If that's not it, there are probably other things to check- but it should be fixable.

The valet key will not mechanically fit into the hatch lock or the glovebox lock. If the key fits into the hatch lock, it's not a valet key. If it just doesn't fit, then a new (master) key blank may solve that issue.

[bmvw]

Before you buy a remote key, make sure your car has the locking system installed. My Base does not.

[MPWR]

Originally Posted by bmvw

make sure your car has the locking system installed. My Base does not.

Central locking system or alarm/keyless entry system?

I think all E36's had central locking standard, regardless of trim level. If there's a lock switch on the cent console, locking is definitely installed.

No E36 came standard with an alarm, regardless of trim level. It could be had as an option when the car was purchased, or as an easy add on. If an alarm is not already installed, the car is prewired for one. A full BMW alarm can be had (with key transmitters) for about $300.

But if the central locking system is not working, an alarm/remote keyless entry will do nothing for you. Get that dealt with first.

[b.u.ti-ful]

Originally Posted by MPWR

The valet key will not mechanically fit into the hatch lock or the glovebox lock.

Not the case with my 1996.

[bmvw]

It does have a central locking system. When you open any lock they all open, and there is a console switch that does the same. Is it possible to have remote door locks without the alarm???

[pdxmotorhead]

yep.

dave

[pdxmotorhead]

Alarm box is behind the Glove Compartment. Or you have a connector with no box.

Central locking is a different box, I think inthe center console? Can't remember...

Dave

[familytruckster]

I'd take it back to the dealer.