On my GT3 pictured in the sig, it had the same thing. We were able to cut a wire to get it to stay open. But I Dont remember what it was. Yes I am sure that gate is controlled electronically. Somebody has to do the research, but I looked underneath and you can see the gate valve. It looks like some kind of valve on a Turbo I used to have.

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2011 X5M
2006 X5 4.8is
2009 Porsche 911 PDK