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Thread: My Wagon has "E.D." - can't keep its tailgate up!

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    Palo Alto, CA
    Posts
    25
    My Cars
    2002 540iT, 2006 X5 4.4

    Wink My Wagon has "E.D." - can't keep its tailgate up!

    Hi,
    Couldn't resist the "double entendre"... but it really fits!!
    Seriously - I've had the tailgate rear supports replaced twice by the local dealership and it's nothing like the original ones.
    The original set from "new car" lasted 15 years, second set 2 years and the current set 2 years... That tailgate is gonna kill someone - likely me!!
    Can anyone please advise the best DIY or course of action - beyond yelling at the dealership.
    Thanks
    Jack

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Raleigh, NC
    Posts
    380
    My Cars
    '00 540iT
    There is an extensive DIY thread on how to do this, just search. I've done it once and used OEM shocks. I probably need to do it on our 540 at some point before winter. I replaced all 4 even though the glass ones were probably fine. Some long pry bars make it easier for sure and someone to prop move the tailgate now and then help too.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Location
    Oakville, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    336
    My Cars
    '03 525iAT
    Did you do the struts for the glass as well ? If they are weak, then you might suspect that the hatch struts themselves are weak. There are only a few choices for brands. I believe I used Stabil's ??

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Tempe, AZ
    Posts
    7,657
    My Cars
    1995 525i/5
    I used the OEM struts from FCP Euro, it was under $200 for all 4. It's kind of an annoying job, you don't want to do it twice! Long pry bars and some patience are all you need... it took me about an hour to do mine.
    1995 525i 5-speed - Thread

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Pittsburgh
    Posts
    85
    My Cars
    09 M3, 03 M3, 06 330i
    Pretty easy fix. Ordered both the gate and glass struts from FCP Euro. Took about an hour. Long prybar is needed.
    Gate now lifts to the top on its own, once you pull it up a few inches... same with the glass.
    DIY videos showing the process... he has cut away the roof to show more detail. Helpful to see how it goes on and off.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjVnTPZ7j4k

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