5124... Notes on setting tailgate closing force

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

1 General information 

For different reasons it can be necessary to change the closing force of the tension springs, e.g.:

• Frequent parking uphill or parking in two-level garages (tailgate does not remain in open position)
• Customer complaint of operating convenience when opening and closing the tailgate
• Retrofit/dismantling of accessories on tailgate (e.g. rear spoiler, warning triangle, etc.)

The closing force can be changed by reattaching the tension spring at the rear holder.

2 Adjustment positions: 

1. Soft (factory setting without rear spoiler)
2. Medium
3. Hard (factory setting with rear spoiler)

3 Adaptation of the closing force: 

• Check the position of the tension springs on the left/right
  NOTE: The left/right tension springs may be attached in different positions. Exception:  Position (1) on one side and position (3) on the other side is not permissible. This causes tailgate inclination.
• If possible, firstly reattach the right tension spring in the next higher/lower position
• Check the closing force
• If necessary, reattach the left tension spring in the next higher/lower position
• Check the closing force, repeat the process as required

  Procedure for reattaching the tension spring: Refer to 51 24 325 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT TENSION SPRING FOR TAILGATE  or 51 24 324 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING RIGHT TENSION SPRING FOR TAILGATE .