After completely rebuilding the hatch and tailgate. I cannot find be assured it’s not those. I opened up and regressed the wiper motor and the door lock.
The mechanism now works better and is quieter.
I dug deeper and it seems to be something on the bottom .
The rear shocks ( not airbags) are factory fresh. That means 22 years and
140K miles. No leaks or drips. They look fine. Can a shock fail without leaking oil?

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2003 4.6is X5
2003 525it
2003 E53 X5 Standard shift