What causes the malfunction of the electric tailgate on the BMW 5 Series?
2 Answers
The electric tailgate of the BMW 5 Series and the solutions are as follows: 1. Specific causes: When opening the rear door, the tailgate does not open or only releases the first lock. This may be due to improper installation of the upper and lower brackets or a mismatch between the control box and the lift rod. Check the upper and lower brackets to ensure they are tightly fitted to the vehicle. If the tailgate cannot lock the second lock, it might be because a soft rubber inside the lock cylinder of the rear tailgate is pressing against the lock. If the tailgate can only descend or ascend halfway, it is likely due to excessive tension in the lift rod. 2. Solutions: Replace the circuit board; trim part of the soft rubber in the lock cylinder with a blade to prevent it from pressing against the lower lock; move the lift rod up and down several times or close the tailgate and let it press for a few minutes.
When driving my BMW 5 Series, I encountered a malfunctioning electric tailgate. Common issues include blown fuses, faulty electric actuators, or aged/short-circuited wiring. The fuse is located in the fuse box under the dashboard—check the F52 fuse to see if it's blown and replace it if necessary. If the actuator's motor is worn out, it can cause weak or jerky door operation, requiring professional diagnosis. Wiring problems often involve loose or corroded connectors, especially in the humid trunk environment where rust is prone to occur. Sensor issues, such as excessive dust or displacement failure, can also cause the system to misjudge the door's position. Additionally, BMW models like this sometimes have software glitches—updating the iDrive system can fix this. For prevention, I recommend regularly cleaning the sensor areas, avoiding excessive loads (like heavy objects pressing on the tracks), and lubricating mechanical parts during maintenance. If it malfunctions, avoid forcing manual operation—get it checked at a professional shop for a reliable solution.
