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      10-07-2013, 12:13 PM   #1
rbtamms
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Power Tailgate Slams When Closing

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I just wanted to ask you guys if this is normal. My X3 is parked in an incline driveway facing down. I know when we first bought it, I didn't notice the tailgate to slam like that. I have already taken the car to the dealer & they ordered the parts & replaced it. It was already late friday night when I picked up my car from service. Then, when I parked my car...the tailgate slams again.

I'm getting confused if the the tailgate really closes hard or is it soft close?
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      10-07-2013, 01:39 PM   #2
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Mine has always slammed shut but my dealer say this is normal.
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      10-07-2013, 02:17 PM   #3
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Seems like a hard close to me.
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      10-08-2013, 02:26 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DonC View Post
Seems like a hard close to me.
Mine does both. Sometimes it soft closes and sometimes it hard closes. I've tried to study why, and it CAN have something to do with outside temperature combined with the inside temperature.

The theory is that variable temperatures can make the pressure in the mechanical cylinders drop and then the door does a hard close. An example is when the car is nice and warm on the inside but it is very cold outside. The temperature in the cylinder will drop once you open the door. This is getting the pressure in the cylinder to drop a little and make the door hard close.

Just try it out
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      10-08-2013, 05:37 AM   #5
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Mine drops the tailgate on the last few inches of travel. I suspect that this is to ensure the latch mechanism will engage. I've had issues before where there was not enough pressure to engage and the hatch will just stay hung. My dealer was useless obviously and suggested we use common sense and verify its closed. Jerk.
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      10-08-2013, 08:50 AM   #6
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Mines always closed with a slam, no matter where/how I've parked it
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      10-08-2013, 10:34 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pokerface View Post
I suspect that this is to ensure the latch mechanism will engage. I've had issues before where there was not enough pressure to engage and the hatch will just stay hung.
That's my theory as well, although our 2011 Odyssey has a larger, heavier tailgate that closes and latches in a much gentler, more controlled manner. Almost like it pulls gently shut and then electronically engages the latch. I don't think it does actually electronically latch, but it's that controlled.
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      10-08-2013, 11:22 AM   #8
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So, it seems to be that BMW didn't do a good job on the X3 tailgates. I just wanted to make sure if I'm right or wrong before I complain to my SA.

The car the I trade with my X3 is an Odyssey. The tailgate really close softly & gently pulls in. Maybe that's what I have in mind how the X3 tailgate close.

Anyway, I appreciate all the replies & thanks again.
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      10-11-2013, 12:37 PM   #9
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this could be the reason for disabling remote tailgate closing in North America!

Last edited by saulgoodman; 10-11-2013 at 12:43 PM..
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      10-11-2013, 01:40 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rbtamms View Post
So, it seems to be that BMW didn't do a good job on the X3 tailgates. I just wanted to make sure if I'm right or wrong before I complain to my SA.

The car the I trade with my X3 is an Odyssey. The tailgate really close softly & gently pulls in. Maybe that's what I have in mind how the X3 tailgate close.

Anyway, I appreciate all the replies & thanks again.
The BMW tail gate does not have a soft close system like the Odyssey, but at the same time, it shouldnt slam either. It should close with a slight thud as if you were closing it by hand in a non-power tail gates.

Last edited by The X Men; 10-13-2013 at 09:37 AM..
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      10-12-2013, 10:15 PM   #11
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Ours is pretty quiet- its a nice firm thud when it shuts- no slamming though. We'll see if it changes in the cold...
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      10-13-2013, 03:28 PM   #12
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I had the door hinge changed because of noise issues by the dealer...ever since the door slams when it closes...I think it has to do with the way it is set up?!!
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      10-14-2013, 03:22 PM   #13
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Mine doesn't slam, it closes at a nice steady rate and pulls in slowly (ish).

Not sure what would cause the differences?
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      10-21-2013, 01:51 PM   #14
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I can tell you from owning a 2013 model and 2014 model (long story) the trunk will close with a small "thud" it's slightly louder then it should be for a luxury car but it's not super loud to be concerned about.
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      10-22-2013, 08:24 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by njman83 View Post
Ours is pretty quiet- its a nice firm thud when it shuts- no slamming though. We'll see if it changes in the cold...
Ours was quiet for a period of time then started to slam.

Had a rear tail gate replaced, service broke it as it wouldn't open by itself. Took it to BMW, useless, had to convince them it opens by itself without my touching it.

They took it and hooked it up to a computer to 'reset' the system apparently. Ever since them it's always been a bit funny. Funny noises when closing and slams shut.

To clarify, it closes slowly until the last few inches with a thud. The last few inches used to be very soft then a click.
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      10-22-2013, 08:25 PM   #16
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Apparently the mechanism is spring loaded though.....that twist???
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      10-31-2013, 10:38 AM   #17
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I've noticed that if I have windows open, the thud with the tailgate is a lot louder - like a slam. When I have all windows closed, it is not has loud. I think this is due to the air pressure and the less resistance it has closing when windows are open. It's like when someone closes a door. If you have windows or another door open, the door closes more freely resulting in a slam. Anyway, that's my theory. lol
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      10-31-2013, 06:43 PM   #18
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I agree...
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      11-01-2013, 01:11 AM   #19
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Me to.......
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