Hi guys, I think I am having the same problem as you and I also need some more flued in mine. My question is, where is the hydraulic fluid pump? If I open the trunk there is a compartment on the left side, is it forward from that? And if so how do I remove the "carpet"?

 

Hi, newbie here, just traded my E45 330ci vert for an E61 525SE so getting used to the new bits. Do all E61 have auto tailgates as mine is very stiff to open but seems to have new struts? Also when I press the boot unlock button it does nothing. Its a 2004 model.

 

It's behind the cover on the left side in the boot. You have to remove the amplifier first, if you have an extended stereo.

No, it was an option. You have it if you have this button on the bottom of the hatch:

 

I can't for the life of me find anything on shellair 4 - where do you guys source this from? even Shells own site doesn't have it.

Edit: Searching forums it looks like Aeroshell fluid 41 might be the replacement.

 

can you guys post another picture with the position of the reservoir i have a problem to find it!! please!

 

Did you read post 8, with the tech bulletin?

 

Just refilled my hydraulic fluid this weekend. I found it necessary to remove both pieces of the audio system that are mounted behind the driver's side panel in the cargo hold in order to get access to the hydraulic motor. Then I was able to remove the three nuts that secure the bracket that the hydraulic unit is attached to, then remove the hydraulic unit from the bracket. Only then can you tip it upside down to refill it. I used an oral medicine syringe to add the hydraulic fluid. Purchased the fluid on Amazon. Amazon.com: ACDelco 10-5041 Power Lift Gate Hydraulic Fluid - 1 qt: Automotive

 

Started the same project yesterday to get to the bottom of why the tailgate was getting stuck and sounding like a dieing cat.

When I went looking for, and couldn't find the hydraulics, I made the mistake of attempting to remove all the panelling in the trunk area. Big mistake and real pain. I should have read the posts advising the unit was behind the radio stuff.

Anyway, just ordered the fluid, but can anyone answer the question as to why these things are failing. My concern is that once I've filled it up again, does it not run the risk of leaking again?

 

I detailed my wagon lift gate refill on another forum.


How to refill the liftgate pump on an E60 - Tailgate not opening fully


It's not so much that the liftgate or pump break, it's that the seals just go bad over time. Could be bad seals, could be less than ideal design. Simply adding fluid addresses the issue as long as the leak is very slow.


I also suspect that the leaking pump can be fixed without removal. I think that just pulling that bottom plate will allow you to replace all the O-rings that leak.


Jose

 

the write-up above is a good one. I believe you can also find information from people who have removed the metal clamp, refilled the canister, and used a large worm-drive clamp to reattach the canister. this should save you from having to remove the entire pump assembly.