51 24 350 Removing and installing/replacing left spindle drive (automatic tailgate activation)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 328i xDrive, 2016 BMW 328d xDrive, 2015 BMW 328i xDrive, 2015 BMW 328d xDrive, and 2014 BMW 328i xDrive. 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 inner compression spring must be secured against sudden unintended release.

WARNING: Danger of injury!
Support tailgate in fully opened position by suitable means.

Attention!

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.

Attention!

Before starting work, read off and make a note of the boot lid opening angle setting (refer to Owner's Handbook).

Open tailgate (top) to maximum extent.

Necessary preliminary work:

REMOVE TAILGATE TRIM PANEL

Pull rubber hose end piece (1) out of tailgate.

Installation note:

To avoid water leaks, it is essential to slide the rubber hose end piece (1) accurately into the tailgate opening.

Fig 1: Tailgate Rubber Hose End Piece

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connection (1) and feed out cable from tailgate.

Installation note:

To avoid rattling noises, wrap electrical connector in foam strips if required.

Fig 2: Tailgate Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Attention!

Risk of damage!

If you are not careful, retaining spring (2) may be bent to such an extent that the entire drive spindle will have to be replaced.

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

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

Pull off spindle foot.

Fig 3: Pulling Retaining Spring With Screwdriver

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

WARNING: Observe warning notices on the damper
Electrical spindle drive for tailgate is under mechanical spring load!
The component must be secured against falling down.

Attention!

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 4: Pressing Ball Socket Onto Ball Pin

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Concluding tasks:

Initialize automatic operation of tailgate using the service function in the diagnosis system.

Selection via:

Body
Automatic luggage compartment lid actuation
- Power tailgate initialization

Check the opening angle setting of the tailgate and restore the customer setting if necessary.