Liftgate Question

[srdiamond]

I have a 2000 X5 4.4. When I open the rear liftgate by pressing the dash button the top half of the liftgate unlocks and opens fine. If I need to unlock the lower portion of the liftgate I then push the black rubber button on the lower liftgate. My question is how does one lock the lower liftgate into place without closing the top half?

[PersonaNonGrata]

Sorry if this sounds overly simplistic or glib but the answer is: you close it. I think the lower part locks into place and holds securely without the top being closed on top. The lower has separate latches. I have done this to transport long items.

Did I answer your question?

[srdiamond]

my lower hatch does not latch when I simply close it - it seems like one should push the rubber button to lock and unlock it but it only unlocks it on mine - maybe mine is broken but the only way the lower hatch will lock itself is if I close the upper hatch and that only works 50% of the time.

[PersonaNonGrata]

Originally Posted by srdiamond

my lower hatch does not latch when I simply close it - it seems like one should push the rubber button to lock and unlock it but it only unlocks it on mine - maybe mine is broken but the only way the lower hatch will lock itself is if I close the upper hatch and that only works 50% of the time.

Strange. Sometimes my lower gate doesn't quite engage with a really solid feeling so I have to give it a good firm shutting. It's a weird feeling, almost electronic. If you hold the rubber lock button the gate will not latch. It is only an unlock button.

Do you ever have problems with the upper hatch button? There have been some problems with that switch. I, and several others here, have had them replaced.

[asiax]

ditto...mine won't latch either if its just lifted into place, it needs a very soft slam.

[X5devon]

All lower tailgates lock by simply closing them, you need to place yours hands at each corner and give it a soft slam.

[srdiamond]

oh rest assured over the last couple yrs I have done plenty of slamming trying to get it to lock - I bought it used so I assume it was broken before I got it - as long as I know its supposed to be locking by simply closing it tells me mine is definitely broken... thanks all!

[mrbmwx5]

you need this parts.

TRUNK LID LOCK, BOTTOM LEFT 151248408963 $41.85
TRUNK LID LOCK, BOTTOM RIGHT 151248408964 $41.85

[Ldiggs910]

I just got my X and I too thought the hatch was broken. I found out by mistake that you have to slam the lower portion (pretty hard on mine) to get it to lock.