I have done a search and spent some time going through some other threads and cannot locate a problem like this.
When I press the boot release, it makes a loud buzz. It unlocks and opens just fine, but the noise is loud and I can't quite figure out exactly where it's coming from.
A couple of times, when it's been cold and wet, the boot won't stay latched when closed, but a swift smack with the heel of my hand to right under the wiper and she closes/latches just fine.

Can someone tell me if they have heard of this and/or where the buzz might be coming from?

Thanks.

 

There have been threads about the boot not staying latched. Most were due to moisture in the switch/wiring at the handle. Maybe it's causing some type of arcing you can hear?

 

My wife drives an '03 New Beetle and we had issues with the boot latch. It got wet and shorted, we had no noise, but the new one makes a lot more noise than the old one did. I would say that it could definitely be a switch going bad and possibly hesitating while trying to unlatch and then finally working.

I am no mechanic, but it could be.

 

i dont think its just with the boot, i think it happens with the doors too...on my r56 it happens with both/when they are unlocked, not just unlatched...i thought it was wierd at first, but everything works fine, and i mean, if there is no problem then maybe it is just one of those things...

 

I've heard that noise sometimes. It doesnt bother me since I rarely open the back.

 

The boot latch has a small motor and a set of gears to unlock the hatch. Mine buzzes periodically, and more frequently now, does not unlock the hatch. The buzzing is the motor/gears trying to unlatch. I've lubed the mechanism but no help. And this is on an '02MCS - no emergency release cable under the rear seat. So until I figure out what's going on and how to repair (or replace --$$$) the latch, I've left the black trim plastic off so that I can get to the latch from the inside if I have to.