Is it possible that the strut has been installed in such a way as to not let the floor close completely such that it bounces down against the trim over bumps?

For those of us curious about the strut install, would someone with it mind posting a quick pic?

Thanks

There are pictures in this thread.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...oor-2010s.html

Chuck

Thanks a lot:thumbup:

You are very welcome.

Chuck

I think that possibly the reason they pulled the piece is because it causes a rattle noise that can only be rectified with a design change. I tried the electrical tape on the latch points of the half door, and it helped. Still some rattle sounds, but much less now. I think the sounds I am hearing now are strictly from the cargo hatch in the floor and something to do with the strut.

On my E70s, I do not know exactly what they did, but they said they had to "re-align" where the hatch meets and closes.

On the Rover (which shares the X5 rear hatch system), they wrapped thin felt tape, literally on the latch. It looks likes a metal flat U, where the tape was applied. It's not the latch on the part that raises up, but on the hatch that opens towards you. I know, so hard to describe with words (yet I do not have an E70 or Range Rover in the garage, to take a picture for you!!)

Thank you deutsch100 - I found exactly what you are referring to. I have taped everything and still some rattling sound, although way less now.

I think the gas strut was only withdrawn in the US and Canada for liability issues. It certainly was not withdrawn in the home market (UK and Europe)

My (2010) factory fitted strut doesn't rattle.

Cheers London Lad. That is what I understand as well. Only the models destined for US and Canada have had the strut removed. I took this matter up with BMW corporate and they were of very little help.

They said other improvements have been made in the car and it was BMW Planning Dept. that decided that the strut should go.

I would expect that there would be a higher probability of liability issues for BMW if someone with the spare tire was injured whilst removing the tire from the compartment.

I had the strut installed by dealer and the rattles started after that. Perhaps a coincidence. The tape on the latch points did help quite a bit, but a rattle still remains...just less often.

Yes I agree. I could not see how not having the strut was safer but who knows how these people's minds work ??