51 24 350 Removing and installing/replacing left spindle drive

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2016 BMW 760Li, 2015 BMW 760Li, 2014 BMW 760Li, 2013 BMW 760Li, and 2012 BMW 760Li. 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 to spindle drive:!
If the electric spindle drive has been disabled (e.g. plug connection disconnected), the tailgate may 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 LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT WHEEL ARCH PANEL

Unfasten plug connection (1) and disconnect.

Unfasten plug connection (2) and disconnect.

Installation note:

First: Connect plug connection (2).

Secondly: Connect plug connection (1).

Fig 1: Identifying Plug Connections

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 cable clips and feed out wiring harness.

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 Out 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 Pin Socket

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 Retaining Spring, Pin, Spindle Drive And Ball Socket

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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.