Rear Hatch Liftgate Latch Not Engaging -- Fixed

[BMWAddict_W]

I just experienced a broken liftgate lock. My liftgate could not lock in place. Externally examined the lock lever while manually moving it. I drove to the local dealer where they removed the trim and examined the lock finding a piece of metal broke. This was surprising since it was always closed carefully and never stuffed the back with items. I had the dealer order the part since it was not in stock while they taped shut the lift to prevent it from opening. They also disconnected the lights to avoid draining the battery while I waited over the weekend for the part. (It had to happen on a Friday afternoon.) I was quoted a $360 price for labor and parts. I found the lock ranges from $101-$126 on the Net. I guess I could have done this all myself but this occurred while I was driving around with my kids doing chores.

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by BMWAddict_W

I just experienced a broken liftgate lock. My liftgate could not lock in place. Externally examined the lock lever while manually moving it. I drove to the local dealer where they removed the trim and examined the lock finding a piece of metal broke. This was surprising since it was always closed carefully and never stuffed the back with items. I had dealer order the part since they did not have it while they taped shut the lift to prevent it from opening. They also disconnected the lights to avoid draining the battery while I wait after the weekend for the part. (It had to happen on a Friday afternoon.) I was quoted a $360 price for labor and parts. I found the lock ranges from $101-$126 on the Net. I guess I could have done this all myself but this occurred while I was driving around with my kids doing chores.

Where did you find the lock for that price. I just ordered one, and it was nearly $300. Still waiting for it though. I'm going to take the old one apart.

Bulk, maybe you want to take a stab at it?

[BMWAddict_W]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

Where did you find the lock for that price. I just ordered one, and it was nearly $300. Still waiting for it though. I'm going to take the old one apart...

Here is the link for the lock at the price. It maybe an old page. I did not call dealership.
2007 BMW X3 Parts - getBMWparts.com powered by Tischer BMW - Your #1 Source for all OEM BMW Parts/Accessories!

[SlickGT1]

Oh ok, that doesn't seem to be the same thing as this

2006 BMW X5 Parts - getBMWparts.com powered by Tischer BMW - Your #1 Source for all OEM BMW Parts/Accessories!

Although I found what you linked for the 4.8 X. I don't get it, did you manage to take that entire unit apart and replace only the lock? Please explain. I feel like I got shafted for $200 all of a sudden.

[BMWAddict_W]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

Oh ok, that doesn't seem to be the same thing as this

2006 BMW X5 Parts - getBMWparts.com powered by Tischer BMW - Your #1 Source for all OEM BMW Parts/Accessories!

.

Sorry, wrong link. Don't know what happened. Here is the one for 2007 X3. I am waiting for call from dealer who will instead part today. I sent service manager this link and hope to negotiate price with him since I am a long time customer and presently unemployed. I did not know I placed into the wrong forum. Will move it if I can. A thousand pardons.

2007 BMW X3 Parts - getBMWparts.com powered by Tischer BMW - Your #1 Source for all OEM BMW Parts/Accessories!

[SlickGT1]

Am I in the X3 forum or something. I though this was the e53, those pics up top, are identical to my part. What did you get when you ordered yours?

[TwinsPoppa]

I think you guys are comparing two different items.

Slick, for you, look here:

2006 BMW X5 Parts - getBMWparts.com powered by Tischer BMW - Your #1 Source for all OEM BMW Parts/Accessories!

See that what you're looking at is the actuator and lock - not just the lock.

[SlickGT1]

Yea I sort of figured this out as well.

[BMWAddict_W]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

Am I in the X3 forum or something. I though this was the e53, those pics up top, are identical to my part. What did you get when you ordered yours?

I was searching using X3 Liftgate and the search landed me into this link. However, I will share what I experienced. The service advisor said the part I found online may not be a 'certified' BMW part since the BMW part number was not noted. I pointed out that the liftgate explosion diagram looked like an authentic BMW illustration. The part# was 51-24-7-201-561 which was listed at $233 by my dealer. I questioned whether a BMW dealer in another state would sell 'generic' unauthorized parts. I emphasized my 'good customer' credentials and added I was unemployed but still needed the liftgate lock to be replaced. In conclusion, they matched the online price ($101) I presented with the printout and URL to the service manager. The labor was $135 for an hour's work and the total bill was lower than the initial estimate of $368. Great customer service as I left with a working liftgate, newly washed car, fresh coffee and bagels with cream cheese from the Car Cafe.