XSeries-forum

Hi,

I'm an X5 newbie with a basic question.

When I open the lower tailgate should the plastic flap that covers the hinge have a spring so that it folds down to cover the boot lid hinge?

Mine stays upright as you can see in the photo.

It goes down freely if I fold it down manually, but it looks like the sort of thing that should always fold down with the tailgate.

I've studied the drawings on RealOEM, but I can't see a definite answer there, let alone mention of a spring.

Thanks in advance!

It should go down when the tailgate is lowered maybe it needs a bit lubrication at the hinge areas?

Thanks for the reply Mpower.

The flap is free to move - there's nothing to make it stay with the lower tailgate though as its lowered.

Its at too upright an angle for it to fall open naturally with the tailgate as that opens

A spring forcing it to the lower tailgate would be the obvious answer but mine is missing that - if that's the way this flap works.

Next time you open your lower tailgate maybe you could take a look at how the flap is automatically lowered on yours for me?? 

Thanks.

Sorry I did have an E53 before,I have the E70 at present maybe someone with an E53 can chime in with answer you need.[emoji106]

Touring, there are about 5 spring things (not very big) that keep the flap pressed against the tailgate, so the two move together. They fit along the hinge line, if that makes sense?
At least your felt pads on the flap seem to be all in place from the picture! Will count the springs on mine if I remember, although one of mine has become detached ;-(

PS Welcome!

PSS There are 4 springs, pic to follow...

SlimX47 - photos would be great.

Now I know there should definitely be springs there I can set about finding something suitable.

If you could send me some detailed photos of one of the springs in place I'd really, really appreciate it.

I have no idea where I can get some from but I might be able to cobble something together if I know what one should like like.

Having looked on RealOEM again there's no sign of springs available separately so I can only assume they only come as part of the plastic flap assembly - annoyingly.

Thanks in advance. 

There you go, dust and crap not included, that's from taking mountains of junk to the tip!

Try engineers supplies,or call in at local factory's have a word with maintenance man  ::)

I've had a squint at Realoem for you too.  My guess is it a complete item only and the springs not offered as a separate item... >:(

I just had a peep on ebay.... searched  SPRINGS.....

thousands of variants there.

May also be worth a peep in screw fix with the picture pasted a few replies up...

SlimX47 - Thank you sooo much for going to the bother of taking the photo and uploading it, that will really help.

Sorry I haven't replied sooner, only just come on for the first time after a hectic few days.

Thanks to everyone for the help and other suggestions too.

You need to search for Torsion Springs..

Then try to find one the right dimensions...

Thanks Steamyrotter, that's useful information.

go into ebay and type bmw tailgate torsion springs -

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw= ... sacat=9884


There are a few there - not necessarily for E53 but could maybe be modified

Or try a breakers yard

Smee

Cheers Smeeagain - no luck with eBay, but I've been in contact with a few spring manufacturers to see if they have anything on the shelf that would do the job.