Tailgate Window Strut Replacement

[jomama]

So the tailgate window for my 2010 E61 stays open (kinda) but is a bear to get open - can barely do it with one hand. I've replaced struts on an entire rear door for my wife's Touareg but never just for the window. So I wanted to ask if anyone has a DIY process specifically for the E61 tailgate window.

I've seen a few write-ups for the E39 (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=354926) but nothing for the E61. Is the process the same? I assume I just need to replace the window struts but can't find the parts here: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=41_1592

Thanks!

[jtbgonesailing]

Here's the new technical document BMW is useing for repair procedures. Covers all repair/maintance functions on all e60-61s. Take a look.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/

see if if this isn't what you need

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e...window/DrvgCES

[jomama]

Hmm....can't find the tailgate strut replacement notes anywhere. While I will probably have to replace the window regardless (scratched up bad), I wanted to find specific info on where the window struts are located and the part number. Assuming they're under the headliner but wanted a write-up before I go tackling that.

[myles]

There is no strut on the rear window. It's a mechanical spring built into the hinge.

[jomama]

There is no strut on the rear window. It's a mechanical spring built into the hinge.

Gotcha thanks. Is there a part number? How do I fix it?

[jtbgonesailing]

Try #15 in your REALOEM link. Believe hinge carries the rear lid as well as the separate rear window.

[myles]

Yes, part 15 is it. I've never looked into servicing that part, it's one of the few parts of my tailgate that does work. Though saying that, the glass goes require a bit of effort to lift up to the horizontal. Past that point its pretty easy.

[jtbgonesailing]

Maybe a little lubrication of the hinge portion for the window, in that it is spring loaded.

[jomama]

Yes, part 15 is it. I've never looked into servicing that part, it's one of the few parts of my tailgate that does work. Though saying that, the glass goes require a bit of effort to lift up to the horizontal. Past that point its pretty easy.

Oh so maybe there's nothing wrong with it after all. I was thinking that once I release the hatch, the window shocks would gently raise the glass as with most rear windows. As it is, it's pretty heavy and I have to raise it all the way to the top for it to stay up (and even that's a gamble).

Since I'm thinking I have to replace my hydraulic strut anyway (see other thread) and get the rear window replaced (scratched up bad) as well as fixing the rear defroster - might as well get everything checked out while the entire rear door is taken apart.

[Munchener]

I have the same problem with my 2010 E61 SW: the glass hatch stopped staying open, it is very heavy and falls on my head if nobody else is holding it. I found the gas filled spring described to hold the hatch but the tutorials seen on how to replace them are mostly for previous touring models (E39, etc) and my car is different. I cannot find how to remove the black plastic caps that run alongside the hinge to access the actual strut. Between the hatch and the tailgate hinges are two parallel caps protecting th wire going to the tailgate. I need to remove it to open the space and access the far en close end to the strut at their ballpoints. Again, I cannot find information pertaining my car model so, if anybody can direct me on this, I’ll be very grateful.

[jtbgonesailing]

For your review.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/

[Munchener]

I fully reviewed this info-catalog and the only close description I found was for the strut of the main gate, the one that pairs with the hydraulic lift pump system. There is nothing related to the glass hatch repair either struts or anything else that keeps it up high. I purchased the struts and I'm stuck because I cannot access that on my car; the instructions on the E39 do not apply to my model which has 2 cable covers flanking the hinge. I visited an authorized BMW shop and the dealer and they cannot find information for me. I'm really frustrated. Can somebody help me, please?

[iregj]

The smaller glass hatch is held up by springs in the hinges.
The part numbers are:
41627210667 LEFT
41627210668 RIGHT
41 62 519 Removing and installing/replacing left or right hinge for rear lid