Body - Liftgate Doesn't Fully Open When Cold

SI B51 20 09
Body Equipment

September 2010
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B51 20 09 dated May 2009.

[NEW] designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Tailgate does not Open Fully in Cold Temperatures

MODEL
E91 (3 Series Sports Wagon)
E61 (5 Series Sports Wagon) not equipped with automatic tailgate operation (SA 316)

SITUATION
The tailgate opens slower than expected at very low ambient temperatures and does not fully open to its upper limit stop under its own power.

CAUSE
As ambient temperatures go down, the gas pressure in the tailgate gas struts goes down as well. The effect of this is a lower dampening/rebound force of the strut. Conversely, at very high ambient temperatures, the gas pressure is higher, thus allowing the tailgate to open quicker.

[NEW] INFORMATION

The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Follow the diagnosis test plan, using the latest ISTA version.

In "Information Search", select the "Function Structure" tab. Select Body, Mechanism noises, Mechanism, Mechanism rear lid, then press "Start Search".

Select test plan "B4162_KLKMECH1 - Mechanical rear lid malfunction".

[NEW] CORRECTION

Refer to ISTA diagnosis for the required repair procedure.

[NEW] WARRANTY INFORMATION

Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty as applicable.

Refer to the KSD2 to code the repair performed as prescribed by ISTA diagnosis results.