Upper Tailgate wont open from the outside
 

Hi guys.
I own a 2002 X5. The tailgate won't open when I try to do so manually by
gently applying pressure just above where the rear registration plate is fixed.
It will however open using the key remote. Is there a lock somewhere I don't know about or is this the begining of the end for my tailgate.

Sorry for being obvious, but I have to ask the question since it's your first post. Is the car unlocked when you try and use the pressure pad? It needs to be....or you have to use the fob like you did. Does the inside button work?

Yup the car is open. No childlock or anything like so engaged. The inside button does work as well. Could there be something wrong with my pressure pad? If so any tips?

Bad pressure pad would be the route I would go and maybe search the forums for that.

My X cred isn't high so I can't go any further with helping or other options...

my moms 02 4.6is has the exact same problem..i just thought it was a programming issue. id really appreciate if u let me know if u find the answer

are all the doors unlocked when you try to open it? because on both my e53 and e70 i mash the unlock key a few times then open the tailgate manually, because if your options are set that hitting unlock once unlocks drivers door, and twice the rest of the doors, it won't open if you hit it just once..

All doors are open when I try opening manually. One press on the keyremote opens all doors.

the pressure plate could be bad, mine has been inop for about a year now, but since I can use the remote or button on the center console, I have not worried about getting it fixed yet. If you fix yours let us know what and how much so I can do mine also...