Upper tailgate button not working!!

[Isambard]

Hi all, I've just trawled the 5 or 6 threads on a 'tailgate' topic, but there is no answer, nor is there really anything of a similar problem!! (read 'dammit!')

I can open the upper tailgate with the remote, but the button on the tailgate itself is not working. I have taken it off (see pic) to try and see if the contacts in the switch mechanism are the fault and see if it can be repaired, but it is a sealed unit. Unless I completely take this apart and have a nose, which is gonna be a real PITA, it looks like I'm gonna have to buy another one.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=FB32&mospid=47741&btnr=41_1291& hg=41&fg=60

#29 is the button I'm talking about, but it shows that its separate, BUT IT ISN'T. It's one complete unit.

Does anyone have any experience or suggestions they wish to share? Anything/everything welcomed!

[mrbmwx5]

Same thing with mine.
That's just the dummy switch.

[amacman]

maybe you need #15 and/or #31 .

[vivanov1]

change the whole piece, i just purchased an 02 X5 with a faulty module. had the whole trunk lid piece replaced and repainted.

[Isambard]

Thanks for the input fella's. I managed to source one from a breakers yard for £10. Fitted, works, sorted!!

[chigga]

mine was having the infmaous ghost issued so i took it apart and did some cleaning.. after putting it back together the button now works intermittently, i wish there was more junk yards with bimmers here in Vancouver. Hard to come by old parts.

[amacman]

Originally Posted by Isambard

Thanks for the input fella's. I managed to source one from a breakers yard for £10. Fitted, works, sorted!!

what did you buy for £10 to fix the problem

[Isambard]

Originally Posted by amacman

what did you buy for £10 to fix the problem

Sorry for the late reply, I've just been sifting through my crap! For what its worth at this late stage, I bought the complete unit (as pictured) for £10. Fitted it myself. Total cost=£10 + 10 mins of my time removing/re-fitting.

[bluejazzer]

Hi Isembard. I'm having a similar problem. My button doesnt work although my remote and the switch in the dash do. ALSO, my number plate lights don't work, which makes me think fuse? Thing is, I can't find a fuse for tailgate or number plate lights!!! It's doing my head in and I need to sort it as its gone on auto trader today! Anybody out there got any ideas?

[Turbo_Bimmer]

I had that problem on my E46 Touring (same handle/switch design), and after removing the rubber part where you press with your fingers, I found what was wrong.
Under the rubber, there is a plastic piece (kind of 'L' shape) that pivots on a pivot point and the other end pushes on the micro switch. That plastic part was unsnaped from the pivot point. I reinstalled it and it worked since then.
For the non functionning licence lights, open them. Big chances that you will find rust, dirt and corrosion in there. Clean, sand, lube with some grease, install new bulbs, and it should be ok. If you have a voltmeter, test to make sure you have voltage.