Tailgate Strut Fault
#1
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Location: Chippenham, Wiltshire UK
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My Ride: F11 535i M-Sport,, Silver, Black Leather, LED Adaptive headlights
Model Year: 2015
Engine: N55
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Last week I noticed a strange 'plastic grating' sound when opening the tailgate.
On closer inspection the left (Nearside) tailgate strut had developed a longitudinal split, right along where the part number is imprinted.
At the dealers today they noticed that the right strut was also showing signs of imminent failure, there was a slight deformation in exactly the same spot as the left one.
Both were replaced under warranty.
The tailgate now opens much smoother and feels lighter than it ever has.
![Think](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/think.gif)
On closer inspection the left (Nearside) tailgate strut had developed a longitudinal split, right along where the part number is imprinted.
At the dealers today they noticed that the right strut was also showing signs of imminent failure, there was a slight deformation in exactly the same spot as the left one.
Both were replaced under warranty.
![Thumbsup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/thumbsup.gif)
The tailgate now opens much smoother and feels lighter than it ever has.
#3
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My Ride: F11 535i M-Sport,, Silver, Black Leather, LED Adaptive headlights
Model Year: 2015
Engine: N55
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
By virtue of the dealers having the parts in stock, it cannot be too rare a problem !
#4
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Mine is also May 2004. Off side went and had it repaired under warranty in June. The dealer didn't have in stock.
I agree the tailgate now opens much smoother and feels lighter than it ever did before.
I agree the tailgate now opens much smoother and feels lighter than it ever did before.
#5
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Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
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My Ride: 2006 530xiT Titanium Silver, 6-speed Manual, new style Start/Stop ignition, Black Dakota Leather, anthracite maple wood trim, heated seats front and rear, heated steering wheel, headlight washers, automatic tailgate, auto dimming mirrors, Logic 7, 6-disc changer, sport seats, shadow line trim, rear sun blinds, PDC, adaptive xenons, 18" style 123 wheels, , navigation, voice control, bluetooth, BMW roof rack + bike attachments,
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I just noticed the same problem today. Back to the dealer. I hope they have in stock.
#6
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Location: Espoo, Finland
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My Ride: 2005 (born 11/04) 525i Touring: jet black, bi-xenons, sports suspension, extended air conditioning.
Retrofits: hinged cubby hole, AUX-input, generic I-Drive video interface (a.k.a. xbox-e60)
Warranty repairs:
software update, door seals replaced, loose aluminium trim fixed.
Repairs:
Self-levelling compressor.
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Hi,
I've always felt that mine is quite stiff to open... I mean it's not easy/light to lift up the hatch. I've been wondering can that be adjusted somehow.... or should I get replacements parts.
how smoothly E61 tailgate should be opened anyway.
I've always felt that mine is quite stiff to open... I mean it's not easy/light to lift up the hatch. I've been wondering can that be adjusted somehow.... or should I get replacements parts.
how smoothly E61 tailgate should be opened anyway.
![Smile](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/smile.gif)
#7
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Peterborough - UK
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My Ride: -Current-
535d Sport LCI
Bi-Xenon Adaptive Lights, S.A.T, Professional SatNav, Logic7, Elec Memory seats, iPod interface, 19" Alloys WITHOUT RUNFLATS!
CIC and Combox Retrofit, White Angel Eyes, Speed in Centre console.
-Previous-
Mini Cooper S
525d Tourer Auto
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Had the same issue on my Nov 05 525d Tourer. Onday it just didn't open as well as before and i noticed bits of plastic on the boot (sorry, trunk
) floor. Took a look and sure enough it had split. I use the 'trunk' a lot so it was a pain given the trunk no longer opened as far AND i was concerned that it might explode or similar
Regardless it was changed under warranty with no issues.
![Tongue](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/tongue.gif)
![Nono](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/nono.gif)
Regardless it was changed under warranty with no issues.
#8
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Location: London, UK
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My Ride: 02/05 E61 535D M SPORT - Silver Grey*Grey Dakota Leather*Bi Xenon Adaptive Headlights * Professional Navigation System * Extended Voice Control * TV * Bluetooth With Telematics * BMW 6 CD Changer * STYLE 172 18" RIMS * Moonroof * Velour Mats * Dimming/ Folding Ext/Int Mirrors * Electric Heated Front Seats * Sports Seats * High Beam Assist * M Aerodynamic Pack * M Rear Spoiler * High Gloss Shadow Line * Sun Protection Glass * Anthracite Headlining * ISOFIX Package * Tracker Monitor * Top Tint Screen* IPOD MOST* DMS*
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Had the same problem. Strut split and I think it was due to my wife closing the lid from one side rather than the middle. Replaced under warranty with no issue at all.
#9
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I have had both struts replaced.
Now - the car is going in again to have the motor which retracts the load area cover to be replaced. Any others had this fault?
The car is 2yrs 9mths old, I wonder if the motor on the other side will fail before or after the 3 yr warranty expires?
Still enjoying the car though.
Now - the car is going in again to have the motor which retracts the load area cover to be replaced. Any others had this fault?
The car is 2yrs 9mths old, I wonder if the motor on the other side will fail before or after the 3 yr warranty expires?
Still enjoying the car though.
#10
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Location: Stockholm, Sweden
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My Ride: Booked: E70n X5 40d M. Carbonblack, oyster, comfortseats, Nav Pro, Active Drive, Panoramic, Hifi PRO DSP, HUD, Alutrim, Satin ext, gloss rails, towconnector, elctric lid, alarm and more.
FS: E61 535D -06, Activesteering, Comfort seats, Hifi, M-steeringwheel, PDC, Rails, Tinted windows, Folding mirrors, Towconnector, Alu trims, Panoramic roof, ISO FIX, SonyEricsson BT-HF, 124 wheels, Alarm, Electric lid, Aburn interior, Xenons, Silvergrey and the crappy cupholders!!!
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Are you shure that it's the motor? There is a mod for the roller pin to one with bearings instead of bushings.