51 24 400 Removing and installing/replacing electric spindle drive for rear lid on left or right

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 BMW X6. 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 internal compression spring must be secured against unintentional sudden release.

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

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage to spindle drive!
If the spindle drive has been electrically disabled (e.g. plug connection disconnected), move the tailgate only 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 CAPPING IN LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT

NOTE: The operation is described on the left side; proceed in the same way for the right side.

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage!
If you are not careful, the retaining spring may be bent to such an extent that the entire spindle drive will have to be replaced.

Press spindle drive (1) against ball pin (2) in order to relieve strain on retaining spring (3) at ball pin (2).

Insert screwdriver under retaining spring (4).

Fig 1: Relieving Strain On Retaining Spring

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Pull out retaining spring (1) approx. 2-3 mm to open retaining spring at bottom (2).

Pull spindle drive (4) in direction of arrow from ball pin (3).

Repeat procedure at other end of spindle drive.

Remove spindle drive.

Fig 2: Pulling Spindle Drive From Ball Pin

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Remove cable from holders (1).

Remove quick ties (2).

Disconnect plug connection (3).

Release screw (4).

Fig 3: Identifying Cable Holders, Quick Ties, Plug Connection And Screw

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

NOTE: To prevent the plug connections (1) from being skewed in the body, fit these plug connections with cable guide (2)* and feed out carefully.

*Cable guide (2) is included in the spindle drive spare part; if necessary, secure plug connections (1) with adhesive tape into a narrow strand.

Fig 4: Identifying Plug Connections And Cable Guides

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Installation note:

Feed wiring harness (1) with guide through correct opening (2) in body.

Fig 5: Identifying Wiring Harness And Body Opening

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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 6: Pressing Ball Socket Onto Ball Pin

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IMPORTANT: If retaining spring (2) is damaged!

Release pins (1).

Remove spindle (4).

Remove ball socket (3).

Remove retaining spring (2) and replace if necessary.

Fig 7: Identifying Pins, Spindle, Ball Socket And Retaining Spring

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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.