The trunk will not release on our 1998 bmw 328 i convertible . The mech makes the sound likeit wants to release but it looks like the key button is in just a little. Also it will not release from the lever under the back seat. What about drilling a hole behind the license plate? sounds scarry but something has to be done.

Hi, you have 3 options.
Use either:
1. The key
2. The key fob trunk release button
3. The trunk release button by the drivers side door (car must be unlocked, or the ignition on)

Turn on the radio so the battery is engaged, or turn on the engine.

2 Fold down the cargo partition in the trunk and lock it on both sides. If the cargo partition is not down, there will be no place in the trunk to store the convertible top.

3 Press the convertible button forward to open the top. It's located under the circular control button on the consul. The button has a picture of a window with one arrow pointing up and another pointing down.

4 Pull the convertible button backward to close the top.

5 Use your key to open or close the top when you are outside of the BMW but still close to it. Press and hold the arrow button on top of your key to open the top. To close the top, press and hold the Lock button. The car does not need to be turned on to operate the top with the key.

Search the BMW forums like Pelican Parts or DTM Power or United Bimmer Community. When I read of problems with convertible trunk lids, a common suspect is a failure in the system that won't allow the trunk to open when the roof is down.

There's a button in the glove box and there's a pull cable in the trunk on the driver side also. Hope it helps.

it might help, worth a shot.

go through the back seat into the trunk to get to the release

UPDATE: I thought I was posting regarding a 1998 E36. Not sure a 99 has the same fuse or interlock.

I vaguely recall reading something in the owners manual of my '97 328 regarding the trunk and the master key. Something about locking things with the master key so that valets cannot open your trunk with the valet key.
Try unlocking the driver door or the trunk with the master key (the original key that had the LED flashlight in it.

The problem is that your roof(SOFT TOP) lid isnt closing properly. If you open the roof lid you see there is a button on one of the latches that tells the car that the roof is securely closed if your roof lid is not secure the trunk wont open. To test this press down on the roof lid and the try to open the trunk.