Boot needs a right slam to close it properly (4.4 Sport 03)

[RoShamBo]

Hi Guys,

Something that has been like it for a bit, but is now starting to pi55 me right off.....

If you close lower section of the tailgate then close the top section (using one of the grab holes) - 9 times out of 10 it doesn't close properly. It looks closed but if you look inside the 2 lights inside the tailgate are still on. Open it and try again - same. Then, usually, if you hold the outside of the tailgate and push down firmly it will close properly (lights go out)
If you look at it when it closes it looks like the right hand side of the tailgate "bounces" as it strikes the lower tailgate and I am sure this is when causes it, even though there is only one central catch - not one each side.
I have tried fiddling with the bump stops - using various heights......no good.

Any ideas ? Driving me mad. Then I start slamming it, then the wife starts commenting.......

Cheers

Ro.

[X5Sport]

Is it not powering itself locked?  The upper tailgate should be 'soft close'.  You just shut it gently and it closes itself.

Could be the fuse has gone, or a lock/catch issue?

Richard

[RoShamBo]

Soft close ? Really ? on a 2003 car ?  Its a pre-facelift.

[AW8]

From recollection in distant past mine did this. I am pretty sure I was told I needed a new tailcatch assembly but seem to recall an issue with the micro switch which suprisingly I fixed myself by stripping it down using a stanley blade and then cleaning contact strips s up with abrasive paper etc before re-sealing unit with silicon. I posted how it was resolved but on the old x5drivers site which is no longer. I also messed with bump stops.

[RoShamBo]

Micro switch in the release catch (under the BMW badge) ?

Does / should  the E53 X5 pre facelift have soft close for the tailgate ?

[Ubatoid]

[quote="RoShamBo"]

Does / should  the E53 X5 pre facelift have soft close for the tailgate ?
[/quote]

No sir. I think you will find its the bump stops in the rain gutter each side need adjusting.Yours are probably hardened and dont have any give left in them. They have now been replaced with sprung items but I believe the part No.s are as original items.

[Jayx5]

Soft close only on face lifts me thinks.

[X5Sport]

My error..... :-[. I thought they all had it.  Was just trying to work out what it could be if it wasn't the bump stops.

[AW8]

Yes under the badge and trim

I seem to recall looking at alignment of striker plates in the lower catch too

All a bit distant

I seem to recall when locking the car it tried to lock twice due to the failure.

Sorry I am vague re all this