Adjusting The Tailgate

Preliminary work 

Precondition 

The convertible top compartment lid has been adjusted.

Check 

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• Check the gap dimensions (arrows) between trunk lid and adjacent components,

Gap dimension between convertible top compartment lid and tailgate
1 Convertible top cover; 2 trunk lid Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.	a	5.0 +1 -1 mm
	b	-0.9 +2.1 -0.4 mm

Gap dimension rear quarter panel to trunk lid
1 rear quarter panel; 2 trunk lid Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.	a	3.5 +1.2 -1.2 mm
	b	0 +1.4 -1.4 mm

Gap dimension trunk lid to rear bumper panel
1 trunk lid; 2 rear bumper panel Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.	a	5.1 +1.5 -1.5 mm

Result 

» The gap dimensions between the tailgate and the adjoining components do not correspond to the specifications.

Measure

• Adjust the tailgate on the tailgate hinge.

Remove tailgate trim panel 

• Open holder (1).
• Remove the warning triangle (2).

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• Release the screws (1) and remove the holders (2).

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• Release the screw (1) and remove the handle recess (2).

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• Release the expanding rivet (1).
• Release and remove tailgate trim panel (2) at the clips (3).

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Remove striker for the tailgate latch 

• Loosen screws (1).
• Remove striker for the tailgate latch (2).

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Adjusting the tailgate 

Precondition 

Convertible top compartment lid is adjusted.

• Release the nut (1) and remove the ground cable (2).
• Slacken the screws (3) on the left and right on the tailgate hinge until the tailgate can be shifted.
• Move the tailgate in a longitudinal direction and sideways until the tailgate has the specified gap dimensions.
• Tighten the screws (3) on the left and right on the tailgate hinge.
  TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION
  
  

  Tailgate hinge on trunk lid
  Hexagon screw, M8 x 18	Tightening torque	19 Nm

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• Position the ground cable (2) on the hinge and tighten the nut (1).
  TIGHTENING TORQUE SPECIFICATION
  
  

  Ground cable to tailgate hinge
  Nut M5	Tightening torque	4.5 Nm

• Slacken the screws (1) on the left and right on the tailgate hinge until the tailgate can be shifted.
• Shift the height of the tailgate until the tailgate has the specified gap dimensions.
• Tighten the screws (1) on the left and right on the tailgate hinge.

Hinge bracket to hinge flap
M8 screw	Tightening torque	12 Nm

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Install striker for the tailgate latch 

• Position striker for the tailgate latch (2) and tighten the screws (1).

Striker to rear lid
Hexagon screw M8x20	Tightening torque	19 Nm

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Follow-up work 

• Refer to INSTALLING THE TAILGATE TRIM PANEL .
• Refer to ADJUST THE LOWER PART OF THE TAILGATE LOCK LOWER SECTION .