51 24 350 Removing and installing/replacing left spindle drive (automatic luggage compartment lid actuation)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 50 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW M5, 2016 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, 2016 BMW 550i xDrive, 2016 BMW 550i, and 2016 BMW 535i xDrive. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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

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).

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.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

Remove LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH PANEL ON LEFT .

Complete removal of spindle drive only:

Remove THE COVER FROM THE TOP TAIL PANEL
Remove RIGHT LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH PANEL

When removing the spindle drive:

Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Unfasten plug connection (2) and disconnect.

Installation note:

First: Connect plug connection (2).

Second: Connect plug connection (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Spindle Drive Plug Connection

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: In event of incorrect dismantling sequence, connect diagnosis system and place control unit in delivery status.

Unclip all cable clips on wiring harness (2) and feed out in leftward direction.

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 in order to relieve strain on retaining spring (2) at ball pin.

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

Pull off spindle foot.

Fig 2: Pulling Spindle Drive Retaining Spring

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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 3: 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 4: Identifying Ball Socket, Spindle Drive And Retaining 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 operation of tailgate
  - Power tailgate initialization

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