51 24 400 Removing and installing/replacing electric spindle drive for rear lid on left or right

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 BMW X5 M, 2012 BMW X5 M, 2011 BMW X5 M, and 2010 BMW X5 M. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: In the event of customer complaints:

Rattling when opening and closing
Drive not functioning
Drive is blocked or sluggish
No longer closes or opens

Or if incorrect operation is suspected:

Rear lid was closed with excessive exertion of force
Bent, broken piston rod
Broken ball head

the internal compression spring must be secured against unintentional sudden release.

WARNING: Danger of injury!
Support rear lid in fully opened position with suitable apparatus.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage to spindle drive!
If spindle drive has been electrically disabled (e.g. connector unplugged) the tailgate must only be moved slowly by hand.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Before starting work, read out and make a note of the set rear lid opening angle (refer to Owner's Handbook).

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove PANEL FOR REAR LID .

NOTE: The operation is described on the left side; proceed in the same way for the right side.

Disconnect plug connections (1).

Release clip (2).

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connections And Clip

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
If you are not careful, the retaining spring may be bent to such an extent that the entire drive spindle will have to be replaced.

Press drive spindle (1) against ball pin (2) in order to relieve strain on retaining spring (3) at ball pin (2).

Insert screwdriver under retaining spring (3).

Fig 2: Pressing Drive Spindle Against Ball Pin Using Screwdriver

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Pull out retaining spring (1) approx. 2-3 mm.

Detach spindle foot (2) in direction of arrow.

Repeat procedure at other end of spindle drive and remove.

Fig 3: Pulling Out Retaining Spring From Spindle Foot Using Screwdriver

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WARNING: Observe warning notices on the damper
Electric spindle drive for rear lid is under mechanical spring bias!
The component must be secured against falling down.

NOTE: To prevent the plug connections from being skewed in the body, fit these plug connections with cable guide (1)* and feed out carefully.
*Cable guide (1) is included in the spindle drive spare part; if necessary, secure plug connections with adhesive tape into a narrow strand.

Fig 4: Identifying Cable Guide

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IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
Do not press on spindle drive at an angle or twisted.

Installation note:

Press ball socket (1) onto ball pin (2) until retaining spring (3) engages correctly (clicking sound).

Fig 5: Pressing Ball Socket Onto Ball Pin

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IMPORTANT: If retaining spring (2) is damaged!

Release pins (1).

Remove spindle drive (4).

Remove ball socket (3).

Remove retaining spring (2) and replace if necessary.

Fig 6: Identifying Spindle Drive, Retaining Spring, Ball Socket And Pins

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Concluding tasks:

Mechanically teach in end stops for rear lid:
1. Lower end stop: Close rear lid (lower end stop is determined when the rear lid contact of the rear lock changes from open to closed)
2. Upper end stop: Rear lid must be fully opened up to upper stop.
After completing work, check adjustment of rear lid opening angle and re-establish adjustment if necessary.