As mentioned above my rear window unlocks when I use the tailgate. Sometimes just for the fun of it it’ll unlatch too! I figure it’s that little handle with the release button. Any thoughts from people in the know?

 

I checked the Bentley wiring diagrams. There are two cables which run from the KBM module on the firewall all the way to the back of the car to the rear window latch which contains the switch and latch. These cables run through the tailgate hinges, and I suspect you may have a short or breakage which is actuating the glass release when the tailgate is opening or closing. Have the tailgate wires been replaced yet on your car?

 

It could easily be a wiring harness problem in the hinge area, Also, I had a problem with "unrequested unlatching" on my E61, which turned out to be a spot of grunge growing on the flexible PC board that is in that switch. Here's what that looked like:


The other issue I saw on my rear glass latch was that the mechanism just needed some lube - it latched and unlatched much better after a little schpritz of aerosol grease. Mine is complicated by the fact the rear wiper motor is frozen solid, so the little peg that's supposed to auto-locate into the proper position in the wiper motor's drive disc is trapped in the wrong position, putting more pressure on the mechanism (couldn't get the mounting nut broken loose without applying a scary amount of force, so I gave up trying).

 

This a new car to me. Purchased in September. My first BMW as well. The car is fron northern Nevada. I know nothing about details like that pertaining to this vehicle. The way it has a mind of its own makes a wiring problem seem like a good place to look. Any idea how I gain access to that area?

 

The cap on the handle comes off? Or is it something you make come off?

 

For access to the switch, replacement of the switch, here's a good post to start with:

https://5series.net/forums/e61-touri...ts-own-149630/

Do you have service records for the car? It would be really helpful to know if the wiring in the hatch / rear glass hinges has been replaced yet or not. You can ask the previous owner. Check out this post:

https://5series.net/forums/e61-touri...acement-72751/

Good luck!!

 

Broken wires in the left tailgate hinge. Had the same symptoms- either hard to close or the door keep popping opened when closing tailgate