My tailgate is inoperable and the independent mechanic says the power strut itself is broken. Only thing he can get is the entire assembly parts for $1600 from BMW. Anyone know where I cna find just the power strut?

 

Did the power unit fail, or did the hydraulic arm just pop off of the stud?

 

Mechanic said the powers strut itself has snapped and needs replacing. any idea of when to find an affordable replacement part?

 

Sorry, I don't know where to find an affordable replacement.
I just am skeptical of the diagnosis...

 

seems fishy. do you have any pictures of this "broken" strut. I recently services my rear liftgate to add fluid to the pump and I have a hard time seeing how the strut would snap. if that's the case, it should be readily apparent.

what happens when you hit the button to open the liftgate?

how handy are you? have you checked to see if the pump has fluid in it?

 

i may have one for you...

E61

 

My tailgate hydraulic arm has popped off the stud. Do you have any ideas on how to fix this?

Thanks in advance.

 

I've had similar problems with mine. I've got a 2008 535xi.
First the unit would not lift in the winter - so I found out a method to fix a hydraulic leak, and top off fluids. I did that. It worked well for a while - than the arm kept popping off. I replaced the ball - 10mm, pretty easy to do. Popped the hydraulic back on. It stuck for a while, but now keeps falling off again.

I think the problem with the hydraulic thing keeps popping off - there is a small circular clip in there that is supposed to hold it on. This fails over time. I just ordered a new generic end socket, I'm hoping I can somehow get the spring out of the new one, and put it in the old one.

I've always thought the automatic door was pretty ridiculous, not that is is broken, it is even more ridiculous. I'll let you all know if I have any luck.

I've seen some folks put a screw in the end near the ball socket - and that keeps if from falling off. I just could never figure out how they got the screw in there.

 

I look forward to hear back on your success! BTW, what generic part? source?

Thanks in advance!
Hans