power tailgate would not close when the button is pressed
 

Hello Everyone,

I have a 2 weeks old 2008 x5 4.8 with every possible option available.

My question is.

My power tailgate would not close when I pressed the red button. It happened for the 3rd time in 2 weeks. Anyone have any idea? or the same problem? But It would work after I manully close the tailgate. and return later in the day. open the tailgate, and pressed the red button and it closed. :confused: Strange I can't seem to figure it out. I may return it to the dealer later in the week to have it look into it.

Thanks

:xoutpost:

You should try to use the Search feature on this forum.

The Auto Tailgate will not close if the bottom tailgate is not properly closed. Check that first. Push it hard in the center or slam it "gently" shut.

:thumbup: i will try that. thanks. Maybe I was too gentle on the bottom tailgate. since I just got her.:p

I had encountered the same issue twice in one week. But, I still have not figured out why. Unless I can replicate it consistently, a trip to the dealer will likely be useless.

try unlocking the door with the remote or pressing the hatch release button on the dash.

Have you made sure that the bottom tailgate is closed? When I first got my X5, I was having this problem and I found that the bottom tailgate was not "clipped in" on both sides.

I have been having this problem intermittently too. I am sure it's not the bottom tailgate as I hardly ever use it.

Don't knock until you've tried it. Do yourself a favour/favor and check if you've closed it properly and it's clipped in both sides...

I guess this is why the auto tailgate has been delayed for so long!!

Any updated info on this?? It's driving me nuts. Opens fine from dash or fob, go to close it and it clicks....moves an inch and then pops back up. Can't believe I have to go to dealer for this.

Thanks for any help.

Joe (2008 4.8)

There are a numerous sensors related to the automatic tailgate mechanism and the problem may be any of them.A shop with the proper BMW diagnostic equipment should be able to fix the problem in no time.

First make sure the bottom half of the tailgate is slammed shut. Unless it's stuck on something, it's probably an issue with the motor that brings it down.

One more thing I thought I'd throw out there for the tailgate. It doesn't seem to latch if the car is a bit tilted meaning if you're ever on the edge of a driveway apron with 1 side of the car flat and the other not (1 rear wheel hanging lower), it may be more sensitive as far as latching closed automatically - it may pop back open.

Thanks, it's slammed and level. I will make an appointment at dealer (its CPO) and circle back next week.

oh our lovely X's...

Really annoying... and sometimes embarrassing! I have this issue often as well. Freaked me out the first time it happened, thought I was going to be stuck cruising with the gate open! Anyhow, seems to be common from this thread. Like many have said, just ensure your bottom gate is secured. Sometimes that means slamming the sh*t out of it... even if it was never opened. That usually does the trick, even if you have to try it more than once.

But, I've learned to live with it.
:dunno:

After readjusting my lower gate more than a year ago (came misaligned from factory) I don't have to slam it at all. It nicely but firmly closes with gentle push of fingers. That's how its supposed to be by design.
BMW has problems during assembly, that's a fact.

SA when I first got there: "hmmmm, NEVER see these things fail? Very odd? May be covered under cpo....but sign here anyway, that you acknowledge the $130 diagnostic fee if it's not"

me: "sweet"

Fast forward 6 hours, SA: "yep, you were right, the right spindle drive failed, replaced under cpo"

I guess I'm happy as it would have been $600 out of warranty. Did not look like complicated fix but I would have never been able to diagnose myself.

Man, I do love this beast (2008 4.8) but the once a month visits to dealer (last one was on a flatbed) make me scared for cpo expiration!