Key fob / liftgate ?
 

Picked up an 08 this week and now the liftgate button on the fob will not operate the liftgate. Could not find any info. in manual. Any suggestions?
Thank you.

Key fob only works for opening the liftgate but not to close. That's the way it is. Is your problem for opening or closing?

Opening.
I read in the manual that the button is depressed one second for the liftgate and three seconds for the alarm. Button works for the alarm.
Thanks for your help.

OK, this might be a stupid question,. but... did it ever work for you since you bought it?, e.g., you're sure it has the power liftgate option?

Yes, it worked before. Stopped working after my wife was showing the car to some friends. She doesn't recall doing anything different, just didn't work.
Both fobs don't work now.

Whatever gizmo receives the signal from the fob for the liftgate must not be operating?

Didn't check yet, but is there a designated fuse for this operation?

I would start by slamming shut the bottom gate, the top will not operate if it's not properly shut (aka slammed) so it would be on top of my list to check out.

Tried that, no difference. Wouldn't the fact that the interior release button as well as the "handle' on the liftgate are working properly, mean the gate had been closed correctly?

Probably would. Since both fobs stopped working then I guess you can rule them out. I'm thinking it has to be something real silly... like software glitch or something... on the simple Japanese cars I would disconnect the battery to let the system reset, don't know if I would do that on a late model BMW... keep us posted.

There is a sensor on the side that you need to check is aligned (for the bottom half that pops out). if this sensor is not seeing the clamshell closed, then it will not allow the rear to close.

Now, if you can't open it either and the button on the center console area doesn't work either... and you've checked in I-Drive that its not switched off (as there is a high limiting feature) then you probably need to visit the dealer as its something more complicated.

Just to be thorough -

auto-tailgate: opens up to the level you selected in idrive
no auto-tailgate option: it unlocks but does not rise

it's also very testy with the amount of time you have to press it. Either it's not long enough and nothing happens or too long and the alarm goes off. Quite annoying.