Liftgate
 

Ok...this has been driving me nuts since I got my X5. It's sitting unlocked, I go to open the liftgate and it's locked, so I walk to the driver's door, open it, push the button to unlock the liftgate, close the door, hear a click noise (it's the liftgate relocking itself), reach to open the liftgate, and it's locked.

WHY DO I HAVE TO KEEP THE DRIVER'S DOOR OPEN SO IT DOESN'T RELOCK THE LIFTGATE???

Sounds like the common liftgate switch problem. Usually, people have the open problem of having the liftgate randomly opening. Anyway, you probably just need that strip on the outside of the switch replaced. Moisture gets in there and causes electrical problems.

Don't slam the door which you reached in from to unlock the trunk! Either leave it open until you open the tailgate door or close it slowly. The air pressure created inside the car from slaming driver or pass doors cuases the tailgate to lift then shut. It happens to all of us and it's annoying.

OK guys I answered Michelle's Q, can I have yout attention to my 2 threads Q's? so we don't turn this one into another blockbuster thread :p

I don't slam it, I shut it normally and it still locks. So I've been leaving the door open until I open the liftgate. It drives me INSANEEEEEEEEE!!

:iagree: May also need the electrical connector replaced if corroded...SIB 51 50 01

Rob_

So this doesn't happen to everyone? I'm confused. :dunno:

It seems to be common. On mine, if I close the driver's door then it relatches the rear hatch. All other doors it does not.

I either leave the drivers door open or else I use the remote fob to open the rear hatch when I need to access the rear cargo area.
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Its the pressure, the BMW is air tight, U do not have to slam the door to cause it to lock the gate. If u want to see if this theory is correct, try putting a window down on any door and close the door as u normally do. I bet the hatch will be open.

cue supergreg...

he dropped some oldskool knowledge back in the days at the 'fly about the rear roundel and hatch... :whistle:

Very common on earlier model X5s. I think we went in for this 3-4 times, while in warranty. No problems for the last year.