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      06-16-2013, 02:13 AM   #1
sodermalm
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Tailgate grinding/moaning during operation

My 2013 X3 is equipped with the power tailgate and ever since I picked up the car I've noticed two things:
1. the motor/gears in the tailgate make a noticeable grinding noise (like two gears moving over one another) while in operation;
2. the tailgate sometimes slams shut (as opposed to closing smoothly)

I assumed the noise was normal since the motor is contained in the same Stabilus housing with the pressurized springs. The slamming shut, however, has always worried me. Recently, the grinding has become louder and the slamming has become more frequent.

So I am wondering: does anyone's power tailgate sometimes slam shut instead of slowing closing (so-called 'soft-close' where the tailgate closes and then adjusts until it is perfectly closed)? And does anyone else experience a very pronounced grinding moan while the tailgate is in operation?

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!
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      06-16-2013, 02:44 AM   #2
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On mine, the noise made could not exactly be described as silent, but it has been consistent and sounds normal to me. The closing speed has also been consistent, it is controlled to the point that the tailgate is down then it pulls it in to lock.

The only thing that I can think of when it has been different at all is when I've been on a steep hill, then I suppose gravity takes over.

Sounds like a trip to the dealer.
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      06-16-2013, 02:46 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by am36 View Post
On mine, the noise made could not exactly be described as silent, but it has been consistent and sounds normal to me. The closing speed has also been consistent, it is controlled to the point that the tailgate is down then it pulls it in to lock.

The only thing that I can think of when it has been different at all is when I've been on a steep hill, then I suppose gravity takes over.

Sounds like a trip to the dealer.
Thanks for the information! The controlled closings where it pulls it in to lock are getting few and far between for me. I've an appointment for Monday, so hopefully they'll be able to work some magic!
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      06-16-2013, 07:08 AM   #4
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Mine always has the grinding gear sound and has a bit of a "thunk" as it closes -- definitely not a soft close where it gets close quietly and then pulls in.
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      06-16-2013, 07:35 AM   #5
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The motor sounds similar to ours. Surprises me since the motor on my 5 sounds much more refined. It does close softly so it might be worth getting it checked out.
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      06-16-2013, 06:32 PM   #6
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Maybe the assist struts are weak or have lost pressure, causing to motor to have to work harder to lift and close a heavy tailgate.
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      06-16-2013, 07:25 PM   #7
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Mine makes what I would call a whirring noise when it opens and closes. Closing it doesn't slam it, but near the end of travel it seems to let it fall the last little bit with a light thunk, then pulls it in.

Sounds exactly the same as my X5 did for the last 3 years, take a video if you can, but yours sounds a bit outside of normal.
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      06-17-2013, 05:39 AM   #8
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Roadkillrob best describes the behavior on mine. I'll add that there was one weekend in early Spring that the trunk refused to latch... Even after 20 or so attempts. Dealer was not able to explain it
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      06-17-2013, 06:58 AM   #9
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I also experience issues with my power tailgate. It seems to have a mind of its own. some days are good, other days the tailgate won't open, or it won't close; that's when i have to add some manual muscle to assist the power tailgate.

I'd be just as happy without all the electronic nannies. More power features equals more trouble & exorbitant post warranty costs down the road...

Cheers/B
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      06-18-2013, 10:32 AM   #10
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Thanks, everyone, for the information! I'll try to make a video soon and post it.

Update:
The BMW service center has told me that my problem isn't technically a problem. They were able to replicate the slamming of the door (hard close) and it didn't trouble them since they "see it in a lot of X3's" apparently. Even when I added that I have been in an X3 that didn't do this, they did not seem surprised. So, there IS a problem, it's just that BMW has created the problem and it appears to be a crapshoot whether or not the problem presents in a given vehicle. I've still got over three years on the warranty, so I'm going to monitor the door and if it gets worse (or if I feel like a trip to the dealer) it will be going back regardless of whether or not this is a 'normal' problem. Also, the technicians got two new X3's off the lot and compared the behavior of those to my car and the grinding noise during operation was about the same in all three, too. Interestingly, the right spring/motor is louder in all three X3's.
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      06-18-2013, 02:38 PM   #11
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Mine sounds and closes exactly like yours. I wouldn't worry about it. As long as it opens, closed and locks like its supposed to, you are good to go!
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      07-22-2013, 02:18 PM   #12
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Mine is doing the exact same thing. It wasn't like that before but I'm going to make a trip to the dealership to make sure they will get rid of it.
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      07-22-2013, 03:21 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sodermalm View Post
Thanks, everyone, for the information! I'll try to make a video soon and post it.

Update:
The BMW service center has told me that my problem isn't technically a problem. They were able to replicate the slamming of the door (hard close) and it didn't trouble them since they "see it in a lot of X3's" apparently. Even when I added that I have been in an X3 that didn't do this, they did not seem surprised. So, there IS a problem, it's just that BMW has created the problem and it appears to be a crapshoot whether or not the problem presents in a given vehicle. I've still got over three years on the warranty, so I'm going to monitor the door and if it gets worse (or if I feel like a trip to the dealer) it will be going back regardless of whether or not this is a 'normal' problem. Also, the technicians got two new X3's off the lot and compared the behavior of those to my car and the grinding noise during operation was about the same in all three, too. Interestingly, the right spring/motor is louder in all three X3's.
The service manager at my dealership basically said the same thing. Seems like it's scripted. I've always felt there is an issue with the struts/closing mechanism
but haven't had any issues so I'll keep monitoring it. It sounds much worse in my garage though...like really slamming...but that's the echoing off the walls.
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      07-23-2013, 06:15 AM   #14
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i called it in for service, i feel like the tailgate slams at closing, scared the shits of me lol
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      07-23-2013, 06:19 AM   #15
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if tailgate for some reason stopa during closing, just press the button again. i avoid using force to close tailgate unless it wont close by pressing button for 2nd time.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BenDiem View Post
I also experience issues with my power tailgate. It seems to have a mind of its own. some days are good, other days the tailgate won't open, or it won't close; that's when i have to add some manual muscle to assist the power tailgate.

I'd be just as happy without all the electronic nannies. More power features equals more trouble & exorbitant post warranty costs down the road...

Cheers/B
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      05-06-2014, 06:03 AM   #16
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Tailgate works fine BUT the gas struts make creaking sounds during operation. Seems like it is straining to do its job and getting louder. Is that normal for a 1yr old car? And yes, it has always shut with a soft but audible slam from Day 1.
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      05-06-2014, 08:02 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff_K View Post
Tailgate works fine BUT the gas struts make creaking sounds during operation. Seems like it is straining to do its job and getting louder. Is that normal for a 1yr old car? And yes, it has always shut with a soft but audible slam from Day 1.
I've been told that those are not gas struts but gear's (worm and sector) and that's what is making the noise. Mine works ok but it is a little loud since day 1. And it does close harder than I expected.
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      05-06-2014, 08:38 AM   #18
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Hi cadman50, thanks for the reply. Not quite sure what you mean by "worm and sector". In any case, rust has appeared on one the hexagonal bolt securing the strut to the tailgate on the right side. I'll bring it to BMW service to have it change. At the same time, I will ask about the creaking noise during tailgate operation and confirm if soft slam on closing is to be expected.
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      05-08-2014, 05:49 AM   #19
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I have not heard too much noise upon opening and closing. But I have noticed that if I do not open the tail gate for a number of days and them try to open it it won't open, because it "sticks", then once I open it manually it will work fine going forward until it "re=seals" again. Anyone else observe this?
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      05-15-2014, 09:54 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff_K View Post
Hi cadman50, thanks for the reply. Not quite sure what you mean by "worm and sector". In any case, rust has appeared on one the hexagonal bolt securing the strut to the tailgate on the right side. I'll bring it to BMW service to have it change. At the same time, I will ask about the creaking noise during tailgate operation and confirm if soft slam on closing is to be expected.
OK. BMW service (embarassed & red face) will replace the rusty bolt. As for tailgate creaking during operation, it was definitely not acceptable to their ears. Too excessive they said, should be softer. Engineer needs to to take down both struts to check them out properly. And they confirmed the tailgate closes with a soft slam.
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      05-15-2014, 10:58 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff_K View Post
OK. BMW service (embarassed & red face) will replace the rusty bolt. As for tailgate creaking during operation, it was definitely not acceptable to their ears. Too excessive they said, should be softer. Engineer needs to to take down both struts to check them out properly. And they confirmed the tailgate closes with a soft slam.
There lies the difference between how BMW is handling this for you and how Lexus handled the trunk struts on my Sc 430.

BMW: "Engineer needs to to take down both struts to check them out properly"

Me: struts don't go up as smooth as before. Lexus: No problem. we'll replace them.

Me: Can I get a loaner? Lexus: Sure, you want a car or SUV?

I have to wait 2 weeks with my BMW service guy to get a loaner.
I have no experience as to comment how long it takes to get a loaner for my current E350 cabriolet. Lexus gave me a loaner even for an oil change. Not BMW.
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      06-12-2018, 12:25 PM   #22
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Stabilus Powerise Tailgate Struts

My F25 X3 2.0d xdrive (2014) has Stabilus Powerise tailgate struts. They worked fine until about 8 months ago. Now they make a terrible creaking noise on opening. When closing the tailgate by using the auto-close button on the tailgate, a similar creaking noise is heard and the tailgate stops closing half-way; this means manual hand closing (using reasonable force) is required!
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