Functional description

The microswitch tailgate hinge tells the Body Domain Controller (BDC) if the tailgate is open or closed. The shifting point of the microswitch when opening and closing the tailgate is determined by the design. When the tailgate is closed, the left tailgate hinge presses on a lever on the microswitch. The lever will push onto a push rod. This closes a circuit in the microswitch to the Body Domain Controller (BDC).

When the tailgate opens, the microswitch is no longer operated via the left tailgate hinge depending on the design. This results in a second circuit being switched in the microswitch in parallel and addition to the existing circuit. The Body Domain Controller (BDC) evaluates the signal change. The state of the tailgate (closed or opened) is based on the direct detection of a change in resistance in the Body Domain Controller (BDC). Depending on the signal evaluation, the Body Domain Controller (BDC) controls the corresponding lighting functions.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.