Trunk problem

[menelaos]

I experience a trunk problem whereby the tailgate does come down all the way, but not "rest" to the bottom. I can only make it "click" when I pull from the inside. I lubricated the latch liberally, to no avail.
The latch does seem to have "spring" in it. I even made it click using my fingers.

Has anybody had the same problem?

Worried it may be the soft closing mechanism, not providing enough force to click in.

[Violator]

The only time that’s happened to me was when the “tailgate” portion wasn’t closed all the way.

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by Violator

The only time that’s happened to me was when the “tailgate” portion wasn’t closed all the way.

So you think it may be that the tailgate does not go all the down by the soft closing mechanism to force the latch to engage?

[Violator]

No, I mean the lower section, the small tailgate that folds down. If it isn’t closed all the way, the lift-gate won’t close all the way. It may appear to be closed properly, but it may not be. I recommend opening it and closing it with some force.

[sj22]

If the lower one is not clicked in on both sides, this will happen. If there is something blocking on top, this will happen. Otherwise it may the soft close. What happens when you lightly close it - does it tighten itself?

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by Violator

No, I mean the lower section, the small tailgate that folds down. If it isn’t closed all the way, the lift-gate won’t close all the way. It may appear to be closed properly, but it may not be. I recommend opening it and closing it with some force.

Yeah, I checked that and clicks in, nothing lose.
Will give it another try.

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by sj22

If the lower one is not clicked in on both sides, this will happen. If there is something blocking on top, this will happen. Otherwise it may the soft close. What happens when you lightly close it - does it tighten itself?

I could not close it manually, from the outside; only from the inside.

[menelaos]

I stand corrected, works manually from outside with an extra push.

[Violator]

All good now?

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by Violator

All good now?

Nope, either the latch needs replacement as it has lost its "spring", or, what I think is the worst case scenario, the soft-close mechanism has an issue.

It does seem to go down smoothly, and once it reaches the latch, it hangs a bit and can't close.

Will have to take to it to mechanic to check it out.
Will use manual close till then.

[ianfp]

The buffer stop or trunk guides may need some adjustment. I adjusted mine when the trunk occasionally wouldn't latch and now it is fine. However, unless you are good at this sort of thing, it might be better to have the dealer do it.

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by ianfp

The buffer stop or trunk guides may need some adjustment. I adjusted mine when the trunk occasionally wouldn't latch and now it is fine. However, unless you are good at this sort of thing, it might be better to have the dealer do it.

I am certainly not good at this mate.
Will consult with a mechanic

[kumbasar]

Originally Posted by menelaos

I am certainly not good at this mate.
Will consult with a mechanic

Hello maybe the rubber stoppers are too high’, try to tighten the round rubber stoppers by turning clockwise so that the trunk will go down all the way to the bottom...

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by kumbasar

Hello maybe the rubber stoppers are too high’, try to tighten the round rubber stoppers by turning clockwise so that the trunk will go down all the way to the bottom...

I just tried that as well as those on the top of the tailgate.
None of them fixed the issue.

I do however thank you very much as the tip made me start looking at all the other rubber pieces that make the soft closing mechanism work.

Will provide an update on Monday when I visit the mechanic.

[smc007]

What ended up solving this? Thank you!

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by smc007

What ended up solving this? Thank you!

I swallowed the bitter pill and replaced the soft closing mechanism.. $700,parts and labor

[MajorBulldog]

Originally Posted by menelaos

I swallowed the bitter pill and replaced the soft closing mechanism.. $700,parts and labor

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but do you recall what part (and specifically the part number) that actually fixed the issue?

Our 2016 X5 has starting having issues with the trunk. The trunk will lower by all mechanisms (fob, button on the door, and button on the trunk itself) but will stop just short of latching without manual assistance. By manual assistance, I mean I wait until the trunk is almost closed and then I give it a hard push for the remaining few inches.

It opens fine. It locks fine, once you get it closed. The lower gate is fully closed so I don't believe the gate position is the issue.

I've seen different part numbers for the latch mechanism. Some are called lock latch and others are called lock actuator. Some are $150 and others are $400+. I'd love to get some idea of the correct part number before I start ordering. I've also heard the plastic trim on the gate can be a pain to remove without breaking clips so I'm really hoping to do this only once.

[RED_Y_]

Start with realoem.com punch you VIN number in to get the part number for your particular car.

[menelaos]

Originally Posted by MajorBulldog

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but do you recall what part (and specifically the part number) that actually fixed the issue?

Our 2016 X5 has starting having issues with the trunk. The trunk will lower by all mechanisms (fob, button on the door, and button on the trunk itself) but will stop just short of latching without manual assistance. By manual assistance, I mean I wait until the trunk is almost closed and then I give it a hard push for the remaining few inches.

It opens fine. It locks fine, once you get it closed. The lower gate is fully closed so I don't believe the gate position is the issue.

I've seen different part numbers for the latch mechanism. Some are called lock latch and others are called lock actuator. Some are $150 and others are $400+. I'd love to get some idea of the correct part number before I start ordering. I've also heard the plastic trim on the gate can be a pain to remove without breaking clips so I'm really hoping to do this only once.

On my case, it was part 51247303443.

[MajorBulldog]

Originally Posted by menelaos

On my case, it was part 51247303443.

Thanks! I thought it was 51247269543, but after reading your description and the part used, I'm fairly certain I need 51247303443 just like you. $341.