Last week I noticed a strange 'plastic grating' sound when opening the tailgate. :think:

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:

The tailgate now opens much smoother and feels lighter than it ever has.

Good warning. Mine is May 2004 and had the same problem last year.

By virtue of the dealers having the parts in stock, it cannot be too rare a problem !

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 just noticed the same problem today. Back to the dealer. I hope they have in stock.

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. :)

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 :P ) 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 :nono:



Regardless it was changed under warranty with no issues.

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.

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.

Are you shure that it's the motor? There is a mod for the roller pin to one with bearings instead of bushings.