Footwell courtesy lights, trunk closure

[trogdor1138]

I just bought a '04 M45 with only 90,000 miles. It was owned by a guy who worked at a dealer, so other than a few small things it's in great shape.

1. Does anyone know where the front footwell light wiring branches from? The passenger one at least is completely missing. I just had the whole glovebox assembly out to replace the cabin air filter and repair some wiring for the stereo and there's no trace of it. The glovebox light wasn't working, but I found the wiring for it and reconnected it; all good. I also saw the air bag circuit connector attached to the lower dash panel, and obviously the trunk disabler switch. I can see where the light should be, but there's no trace of the wiring. I have no idea where to look that it might be tucked.

2. How automatic is the "automatic closure" for the trunk? The owner's manual makes it sound like the trunk will pull itself down if closed most of the way, but this doesn't seem to be the case. Does this feature refer only to the actual mechanism being powered and engaging the latch itself, instead of a mechanical unit that must be closed with some force?

[geojaxon]

Hello fellow Utah M owner, I am not so sure about the lights I will look later and let you know, but as far as the trunk goes, it has to be shut almost the entire way, then the motor takes over and moves it about the last 1/2 inch on my M45 so it doesn't close automatically to me. Mine doesn't even open correctly though I have to pull up on it while pressing the button or it just closes on its own. I think I need new struts for the trunk, but I haven't had the chance to replace them yet.

[Double E]

Jaxon is correct and yes, he needs new struts. Replacement is straightforward but it usually requires removal of the rear seat to access the mount point.

The cabin air filter should not require significant disassembly of the glove box area. I just unhook the travel limit strap and lower the cover, remove the cover on the back wall of the glove box and pull out the filter.

Trog, Did yours have some hatchet work done to it making you remove more stuff?

Be careful of the travel limit strap connector breaking. The plastic used on the strap connector gets brittle over time.

For the light, I cannot answer that but let me know if I can send a pic.

[EdBwoy]

I just bought a '04 M45 with only 90,000 miles. It was owned by a guy who worked at a dealer, so other than a few small things it's in great shape.

1. Does anyone know where the front footwell light wiring branches from? The passenger one at least is completely missing...

2. How automatic is the "automatic closure" for the trunk? ...

1. In my 03 M, there are no footwell lights. The passenger side has a hole that would seem to hold a bulb, but as far as I've looked in the owner's and service manuals, no factory footwell lighting. The Q45 might have them though.
2. As other's have said before me, it is a funky feature because you pretty much have to shut your trunk then the motor will close it for you. I like it because I prefer not to slam my trunk or hood. I dislike it because if you have weak struts, then it just closes the trunk as soon as you pop it.
Otherwise, I know I'm in a very small minority because I like a trunk that doesn't open all the way when popped.