Removal of Lower Tail Gate - stumped...

[mattbar1]

I need to replace my lower tailgate (someone hit me with no license or insurance)...

I am having a tough time removing the plastic trim on the inside and top (when closed).

Can anyone assist or point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance,

Matthew

[r33_RGSport]

@mattbar1,
Here is the parts diagram.

There are about 5 screws (#10) on the bottom that is holding the plastic piece and maybe couple screw on the top (#14).
I personally never take it apart yet. I did the top tailgate one already.
Good luck.

[mattbar1]

Thanks r33,

The diagram helps!

#9 and #13 are "clipped" together. No matter which way I pull or push, they do not want to snap apart. I can't figure out how they separate. I feel like any more force something will crack.

Side note: Why did you take the top apart?

Anyone, else have any insight? The older models seem to be very similar if anyone has done one of those.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by mattbar1

Thanks r33,

The diagram helps!

#9 and #13 are "clipped" together. No matter which way I pull or push, they do not want to snap apart. I can't figure out how they separate. I feel like any more force something will crack.

Side note: Why did you take the top apart?

Anyone, else have any insight? The older models seem to be very similar if anyone has done one of those.

Let me take a look at mine later when I got to the office.

Regarding the top part, I was bored at the office and just feel like doing something to the car.

[mattbar1]

That would be awesome. But don't damage yours...

[stewy604]

That's the problem with some of these plastic clips...you never know how hard to pull / push before they might break.

[mattbar1]

Originally Posted by stewy604

That's the problem with some of these plastic clips...you never know how hard to pull / push before they might break.

And the clip isn't a huge problem if it breaks. But having the panel crack or discolor (usually white from bending) IS a problem.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by mattbar1

And the clip isn't a huge problem if it breaks. But having the panel crack or discolor (usually white from bending) IS a problem.

You got it right. The clip isn't a huge problem if it breaks. It got 8 of them with a few guiding flat pieces. And guess what, I broke 6 of them,
I tried to pull it gently, but it didn't budge, give it a little force, some clip snapped. Haha.
So I was like, screw it. Got it all apart and found out the replacement piece is costing me $20. Not bad.
There is 2 #2 that is holding the center #13 by the latch mechanism.
Maybe you can try break that loose first, then pull #13 and #9 all together.
I looked at the clip and it seems like impossible to undo it without having them pulled off together, because they are hidden and unreachable.
I assembled mine all together again and it seems unnoticeable, but I am going to replace them anyway.
I hope you don't break yours, because based on my vendor, it is only 1 in the US (which I am getting) and 0 in Germany.
Good luck.

[mattbar1]

Originally Posted by r33

You got it right. The clip isn't a huge problem if it breaks. It got 8 of them with a few guiding flat pieces. And guess what, I broke 6 of them,
I tried to pull it gently, but it didn't budge, give it a little force, some clip snapped. Haha.
So I was like, screw it. Got it all apart and found out the replacement piece is costing me $20. Not bad.
There is 2 #2 that is holding the center #13 by the latch mechanism.
Maybe you can try break that loose first, then pull #13 and #9 all together.
I looked at the clip and it seems like impossible to undo it without having them pulled off together, because they are hidden and unreachable.
I assembled mine all together again and it seems unnoticeable, but I am going to replace them anyway.
I hope you don't break yours, because based on my vendor, it is only 1 in the US (which I am getting) and 0 in Germany.
Good luck.

Oh man! You definitely didn't have to do that!

I was about to report on my progress and saw your reply.

I was able to get them apart, I pried the two pieces apart as much as possible. I was able to get a flashlight and one eyeball in there. I saw the first clip. I used a long (9 inch) screw driver to release the first clip, and started working my way down undoing each one. Manage to not break any, even after they started to clip back together when I was half way to the other side.

A side note. I am having to replace the rear bumper cover as well. The dealership here ordered and sold us the wrong bumper. Although it is the shape of the 2014 M Sport bumper, it has no holes or receiving clips for the 4 backup sensors.

The dealership tried to tell us that we have to drill the holes. Finally they admitted they ordered the wrong one. This is deceiving because even on realoem.com they show both X5 bumper styles without the holes for the bumpers. We should pay very close attention whenever we need work done, I am afraid body shops, dealerships, etc are going to try an cut lots of corners.

Here is the realoem URL:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...46&hg=51&fg=17

[mattbar1]

Originally Posted by r33

You got it right. The clip isn't a huge problem if it breaks. It got 8 of them with a few guiding flat pieces. And guess what, I broke 6 of them,
I tried to pull it gently, but it didn't budge, give it a little force, some clip snapped. Haha.
So I was like, screw it. Got it all apart and found out the replacement piece is costing me $20. Not bad.
There is 2 #2 that is holding the center #13 by the latch mechanism.
Maybe you can try break that loose first, then pull #13 and #9 all together.
I looked at the clip and it seems like impossible to undo it without having them pulled off together, because they are hidden and unreachable.
I assembled mine all together again and it seems unnoticeable, but I am going to replace them anyway.
I hope you don't break yours, because based on my vendor, it is only 1 in the US (which I am getting) and 0 in Germany.
Good luck.

One more observation:

I think I need to learn to relax a bit from you, I am stressed about my vehicle being damaged and you seem to be cool with a lesson learned...and oh well, I'll just replace the part...

[r33_RGSport]

[wilho]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

@mattbar1,
Here is the parts diagram.
Attachment 1052844
There are about 5 screws (#10) on the bottom that is holding the plastic piece and maybe couple screw on the top (#14).
I personally never take it apart yet. I did the top tailgate one already.
Good luck.

How did you do this, do you have instructions? I broke my 3rd braking light and I'm about to replace it. So I have to take the boot lid out.

Do I need to remove the plastic part inside and then just screw it out?

many thanks for help

BR, Ville

[DuSh]

Originally Posted by wilho

How did you do this, do you have instructions? I broke my 3rd braking light and I'm about to replace it. So I have to take the boot lid out.

Do I need to remove the plastic part inside and then just screw it out?

many thanks for help

BR, Ville

Step 1: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...hts/1VnXWoDVZc

Step 2: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...hts/1VnXUUGi5F

Step 3: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...hts/1VnXdB9VEk

Step 4: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...hts/1VnXSmwI7L

P.S. Somebody need to make BMW tsi link a sticky