For some obscure reason, the hydraulic cylinder (tailgate) is undone from the top bolt. I need to manually lift the tailgate, position the hydraulic cylinder on the bolt and then it shuts automatically. If I need to replace the hydraulic cylinder, given that it struggles in cold weather, should I just go manual and avoid future headaches???


Any thoughts?

 

I temporarily pushed it back into position however not sure how long it will last. I inquired about a new hydraulic lift and it is a crazy stupid price of $1400. I will most likely retrofit to manual tailgate.

 

I just want to retrofit to the automatic tailgate

I f you are really going to do this, i am interested in the parts that still work

 

Is the manual tailgate so terrible? Yes, your hands get dirty but are there other issues with manual tailgates? That is what I had on my old Audi allroad.

 

I can't imagine it's terrible... it's manual operation. A step backwards in convenience. You've got to pay $1500 to have it all working again vs. cost of switching to manual (?) plus the pain and hassle of doing so (DIY or paying a shop?) should be weighed against each other.

If you decide to fix, and aren't in a rush, perhaps you can find a used one from a wrecker in the US or on Ebay for cheaper...

 

Exactly, not terrible, but i should not make it manual when you have a automatic one, that is the same as selling your E61 and going everywhere with a bike instead of a car

 

Just change the ball point that's mounted in the car. May be enough to sort it out.

I've retrofitted hydraulic tailgate in my car, and I simply love it.