e70 - Tailgate (upper) removal & replacement

[agjon]

I've searched for information on removing the upper tail gate on my 2007 e70 but haven't found anything particularly helpful. I've found a replacement tailgate that's in great shape and is color matched to my paint and I was considering removing my old tailgate and reinstalling.

My main question has to do with the hinges and removing the bolts. Is there a special tool required to remove those bolts?

I'm not concerned with all of the wiring that needs to be removed and transferred/reinstalled - that's just tedious work.

Has anyone done this before? Is there a DIY that I missed, or am I forging new ground here. (If so, I'm considering doing a DIY.)

[TriX5]

Long ago I took mine off and replaced it. Minor snafu happened but too hard/time consuming to fix the sheet metal. Got a new one and had it painted, then did the swap myself. Removing the wiring from the hatch is a PITA but otherwise not too bad. I do not recall anything other than usual tools required. (Probably need a torx set.)

EDIT: Here is a thread I started at the time. Not many pics as I was very busy with work and a home reno back then.

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...afternoon.html