Need Help - DIY Rear Hatch Strut Arm

[FaMaK]

My 2009 rear hatch left side power strut arm broke when my kid put something too large in the back of the truck. Has anyone replaced one? Looking for DIY instructions, the harness goes into the hatch and trying to figure it all out!

Thanks

[craigarooney]

I'm in a similar situ. My passenger side strut is broken and I have to lift/support the tailgate manually.

I called my local BMW dealership and got the part number for the one on my car:
BMW X5 E70 BOOT LID AUTOMATIC CLOSING SPINDLE LEFT SIDE 51247294587. Tho, I have also seen this number claimed to be a replacement as well: 51247286115. these were listed anywhere from 250-400 bucks in the US. You'll want to find out the exact number for the side that's broken on yours.

It has pressure clips that push on/off of little knobs that are mounted to the hatch at one end and the body of the car at the other end.

The power cable feeds thru the hatch and has a slide-on set of pins that connects inside. It is reachable behind the interior light panel of the hatch. Look in your user manual on how to replace the hatch brake lights, these instructions will show you how to access it. Tho, if you just look around the edge of the little rectangular light (inside the hatch), you'll see a screwdriver leverage point -- that's where you'll gain access.

One point of advice, tie a peice of string to the power connector before you pull it out. This will give you a 'fishing line' to feed the replacement back into the hatch.

I am still shopping for my replacement part. I will likely call the wrecking yards and see if there are any X5s with no damage to the back end. It's a simple enough part to pull by hand and cheaper that way.

Best,
Craig

[Jeffkukuruda]

I am also trying to find one of these but for the right side... Mine jammed and the dealer refuses to warranty because I bent the shaft to remove it when I was stuck 20 miles from home with an open hatch. Trying to find one cheap. Did either of you find a good deal? Thanks in advance.

Jeff