Lift Gate Release Problem

[ChiefRider]

Good afternoon-

My liftgate WILL open via the button on the key, and with the button on the dash. It stopped working using the release handle on the liftgate.

I haven't found this particular issue in my brief search- has anyone encountered and corrected this one before?

Thanks!

[80stech]

That's fairly common, there should be some threads here on replacing or repairing the switch.

[Effduration]

I just replaced the whole "rear grip" which included the rubber coated switch and two license plate lights. I bought an aftermarket part on Amazon or Ebay.

It worked fine.

My original grip on my '06 E53 was black plastic with a chrome plastic outer cover held on with two sided tape..The replacement was black plastic and my chrome plastic cover fit perfectly over it.

[80stech]

This is a really good example of what would be preventable with a few cents of better quality materials when the car was built. Also why we can afford to buy them after the original owners pay the big price and the value quickly drops exactly for the same reason!

[andrewwynn]

On mine the rubber cover failed and water got in and shorted the switch. It would open on its own until the computer looked it out.

People have just replaced the cover I tore it off and that worked. I like the replace the whole part idea.

[getty150]

Oh yeah...the grip strip! Water damage, corrosion or just simply a weak point with the wire being so crimped in a tight space .
I went to the bone yd and picked one. The de-install helps me with the reinstall. Not exactly a difficult job, but as the BMW goes a tedious job.

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[ChiefRider]

Thanks for the responses. I assumed it to be the switch in the liftgate, but you never know-

Mine is outwardly fine- rubber intact. I'll wait for some better weather to address, as my x5 lives outdoors.