Tailgate Latch

[Ubatoid]

Cant seem to see anything on the search for this one. I have a small issue with the tailgate latch on my 02. If I adjust the rubber stops so the lidd pops open correctly, I really have to give it a firm slam for the catch to fully engage and switch the interior lights off..
If I re-adjust the stops so as the lid shuts easily then quite often when popping the lid with the remote or interior switch the lid bounces and gets re-caught on the latch causing me to have to use the manual release inside.Is there a procedure for setting this up ?

[scooby1doo1]

I'd like to no this as well, mine never opens on the button just a clunk sound, if I don't shut if firm then I get the bong bong bong boot lid open.


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[Ubatoid]

Now I've had time to think about the mechanics of the system, I think I may know what the problem is. Looking at the rubber stops , both of mine are slightly squashed and and age hardened. They are not giving any spring so the answer is new ones. I got the part no. Off Real OEM which states they are $37 each!!!!!. I will investigate an alternative tonight and report my findings.

[Ubatoid]

Thought I would post up my findings on this little issue. After plenty of digging around on other forums it would seem to be a common problem manifesting itself as mine did with the poor latching or rattling of the top tailgate. The problem lies with the rubber bump stops in the rain channel and there landing point on the upper tailgate. Over time these get compressed and hardened and loose all of thier spring. The lower adjuustable stops have now it appears, been superceded by by spring loaded ones. My fix for this is a little cheaper.

It seems to be widely accepted to use felt pads on top of the lower stops to give them a little more "bounce" but its also noted that this is not a very permanent repair as the felt looses it springyness quite quickly. After much trawling of local DIY shops, I found the answer in my workshop - a unused LR Discovery top shock absorber bush !!!
After a little sawing and shaping I ended up with two bits of rubber 15 x 25 x 6mm thick (5/8 x 1" x 1/4" in old money) and usind some super strength toffee tape, stuck these to the upper stops at the end of the struts. A quick adjustment of the lower stops to allow for the increased 6mm thickness and all is now good. No more slamming the lid and the hatch pops open nicely with remote key.

Im sure not everyone will have a spare bush in thier shed, but any sort of reasonably firm rubber should do the trick.

[Bargain Bucket]

Does that mean that if I go to BMW and order replacements, I'll get the spring loaded ones?

[Ubatoid]

Cant confirm this but some other threads I was reading said exactly that.

[scooby1doo1]

Cheers for this info, mines still a pain. If its not shut firm I get the boot lid open on dash.

So I take if I order all new rubber this should fix the problem.


Sent from the phone via talktapa

[Ubatoid]

[quote=""scooby1doo1""]Cheers for this info, mines still a pain. If its not shut firm I get the boot lid open on dash.

So I take if I order all new rubber this should fix the problem.

[/quote]

Certainly fixed mine, now shuts with a very satisfying clunk rather than a bang and pops open nicely on the fob and the dash switch.

[sapphireblack]

The gutter bump stops have been superseded with an entirely different set up, though are obviously achieving the same goal, i posted about this before but, can't remember where The new part is expensive when all you really need are the rubber bungs and the new part is bolted into the rain channel from inside the car, meaning removal of trim and hassle. I think felt pads to extend life as long as possible, then the other fix detailed. Cheaper and easier too

[UrbanFlow]

Mine opened and shut OK but did the classic clunking sound as you drive along - the fix I found on Outpost was to adjust the stops - but not too much - then wrap one layer of black PVC insulation tape around the catch in the lower tailgate. Worked a treat for me.

[Bargain Bucket]

[quote=""Bargain Bucket""]Does that mean that if I go to BMW and order replacements, I'll get the spring loaded ones?[/quote]

Just to close this out. I ordered new bump stops from BMW and can confirm that they are indeed a new spring loaded design. They retail at £52 inc VAT for the pair.