2008 X5 4.8 With Auto - Tailgate
 

I know some auto tailgate orders have started trickling through to get into production AND I think most if not all of these are 3.0 X5's. Have any 4.8 orders with the auto tailgate gone into production from any members?

My 2008 4.8i with auto tailgate in in production, and according to the status on BMWNA 1-800, is supposed to complete production tomorrow (Oct 31st).

Thanks Brian...when did you order if you don't mind me asking?

I was under the impression that the Auto Lift Gate was not available until November builds? Does this option display as part of your order information on the Owner's Circle when you view your build details?

Regards,
KEF

nynd,
My order went into the system on Oct 10th. When I later called the BMWNA 1-800 number to check status, I would told it was scheduled for week 45 which was the first week of November. When I called to check status yesterday, they told me it was on the assembly line and should be going through Quality Control today. It may be completed today (Oct 31).

KEF,
This is a November build. It sounds like they are a little ahead of schedule. I have attached picture's from Owners' Circle showing my order details (including Automatic Tailgate Operation).

The Auto Tailgate is available as an option for all X5's from production week 44

Thanks for the info - my car was completed on the 29th and I was not able to order the Tailgate - I fell one week out, week 43!

Oh well...

Thanks for the info, appreciate it.

Cheers,
KEF

Thanks Brian.

do you guys thnk it is possible to have this installed after you already purchased the car?

I suppose anything is possible but I imagine it would be horrendously expensive.

Excuse my ignorance. Is auto tailgate a must and worth the expense? Does it close on its own at the press of a button?

I don't think anyone has actually received one yet. My X5 has completed production. When I receive it, I plan to post pictures/video of how this auto tailgate works...

Supposedly, yes at a touch of a button on the keyfob it suppose to close. And then it also has the soft close feature on it - where by its pulled in once closed. My Navigator use to have a sweet one...would chime as it was about to close - like an airplane about to take off...LOL

How much is it???

MSRP $500

I think the auto tailgate is very much worth it, IMO. I wish I have it on my E70. The tailgate on the E70 is much heavier and longer compared to my E53. It's harder for my wife and my 10 year old to close it specially if they're carrying something.

As posted earlier, I would be very interested also if this feature can be added as a dealer installed option in the future.

That would be nice if it could be installed, please do let us know if it can be installed.

I can't wait to see a video of this in action when someone gets an X5 delivered with it! I reckon it'll be a must have option.

I wonder if PDC will stop you acidently opening the tailgate while you have the car backed up against your garage wall

That's one of the first things that I want to check out when I get mine!

Let's hope it doesn't rely on the Rear View Camera spotting that it's there.

Correct me if I'm wrong but the PDC's sensors are based on the distance from the bumpers. It should not have anything to do with the tailgate?

I agree, it probably should not. I'm hoping that "something" will stop it opening if there is an "open" button somewhere (in truck or on remote). Maybe the auto tailgate is only a soft-closing and button-operated closing function... I haven't seen a definitive response as to what functionality one can expect from this option.

From cars.com's description of the '08 X5's "Automatic Tailgate Opening & Closing":
... doesn't really say anything about auto-close... just that there's an auto-latch (soft-close) and the obvious auto-open. If there really is no auto-close, it's quite disappointing they "half-assed" this too. Say your kid is putting something in the trunk and you can stay in the driver's seat...

that wouldn't make sense since the components that powers it up should close the tail gate also. otherwise, it would really make it half assed since it's harder to close that thing than opening it. i guess we'll just have to wait for the first post of the lucky recipients of the auto tailgate.

I am pretty sure it's not just the boot lid opening....my 535d which is three years old has that functionality and that came as standard. I think it has to be a full closing option for that price.

At the time my X5 was being built in October it was not available.
I really wanted to have that option. Any body knows if it is installable after build.

I think anything is possible but to be honest - I think its not. Usually...(now having not seen it) the power motors for the liftgate are usually in the headliner right at the back. Since these are larger - the headliner is usually different (has bumps on left and right) and as such, you would need a harness take out for both motors not to mention the interior switch wiring and then the keyfob intergration for remote function - sounds like a no doesn't it?

Our 4.8i with auto tailgate will go into production soon, but I'm too lazy to track it as of now, so I'm not sure when.

What is the cost of the option?

Is it worth it?