51 24 400 Removing and installing/replacing electric spindle drive for tailgate at (top) left or right

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 21 other vehicles, including the 2017 BMW 550i GT xDrive, 2017 BMW 535i GT xDrive, 2017 BMW 535i GT, 2016 BMW 550i GT xDrive, and 2016 BMW 535i GT 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 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.
Before starting work, read out and make a note of the set rear lid opening angle (refer to Owner's Handbook).
Open tailgate (top) to maximum extent.

Pull rubber hose end piece (1) out of roof frame.

Installation note:

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

Fig 1: Identifying Rubber Hose End Piece

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect plug connection (1).

Installation note:

To avoid rattling noise, wrap plug connection in foam strips again.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: 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 Out Retaining Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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 4: Pressing Ball Socket Onto Ball Pin

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: If retaining spring (4) is damaged!
Release pin (1).
Remove spindle drive (3).
Remove ball socket (2).
Remove retaining spring (4) and replace if necessary.

Fig 5: Identifying Pin, Spindle Drive, Ball Socket And Retaining Spring

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.