2003 upper tailgate actuator rubber cover
 

Argh...the rubber cover over the upper hatch actuator switch disintegrated on my E53. I thought I had found the replacement rubber membrane but the fitment was actually only valid on units made before 2002. I am having one devil of a time finding the part. Any ideas from you gurus? The local stealership says I need to buy an entire assembly including the license plate lamps etc. I will if I have to...but good grief that means spending $150-$200 in order to gain a small piece of rubber.

I left mine off. I was having problems with the button pressing itself when the rubber cover was installed. I took it off to investigate and the problem went away.

I think you'd have to go to a mini yard to find the part. You can find the build date from the Vin if you have a smart phone with you.

Just a thought but is it worth looking at Range Rover to see if the X5 shared this particular part as I know the X5 shared the split tailgate design.. ?

Something like this may fit ?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Range-Rov...MAAOSwDfxa6tQu

Thanks for the kind reminder of the fact that we share parts with Rover. I was indeed able to find what appears to be the rubber membrane. I ordered one for $7 including postage and will let everyone know if it's a good fit. If it is, I will likely buy one or two more for the future.

Rover part number for the shared part is FUH000030. This is for the rubber membrane over the upper hatch release for my 2003. It appears this was in production with Rover up until a design change in 2012. They, unlike BMW will sell the membrane without the entire latch assembly including the license plate lights etc.

Link for the $7 one? I'd like to have this as a spare...

As soon as it arrives and I verify fitment I will gladly do so. The Rover part number is above as well. I used Land Rover of Tampa.

-mike

Thanks! I see the rover ones using your part number on eBay for $11-12

The fitment is perfect. If you need the replacement switch actuator rubber cover, you can order one from Land Rover. Part number is FUH000030. This will fit if your opening is oval shaped and has two small contact buttons.

Special thanks to RBTech for the though to check with Rover.

Thanks for bringing this all up and following up.