2023 BMW Tailgate / Trunk Not Latching (SIB 51 29 24)

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2023 BMW vehicles may experience the tailgate or trunk failing to latch properly when closed. This can lead to the trunk or tailgate remaining ajar, potentially compromising security or causing warning lights to appear on the dashboard. The primary symptom is that the "TAILGATE/TRUNK DOES NOT LATCH WHEN CLOSED".

Cause of the Issue

According to BMW Technical Service Bulletin SIB 51 29 24, the root cause of the 2023 BMW tailgate not latching is a specific white clip. This clip, located at the end of the ribbon cable, can move out of its intended position. When it shifts, it gets jammed behind the tailgate or trunk latch mechanism, preventing it from engaging correctly.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

BMW has issued specific instructions regarding this repair to ensure proper resolution and prevent unnecessary part replacements:

• Do NOT replace the Soft Close Actuator (SCA): If your vehicle is equipped with a Soft Close Actuator, do not replace it as part of this repair. The issue is with the latch mechanism itself, not the SCA.
• New Latch Production Date: If a new tailgate/trunk latch is installed, it must have a production date after July 29, 2024 (yymmdd: 240730). This ensures that the replacement part incorporates any necessary design improvements to prevent recurrence of the issue.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the 2023 BMW tailgate not latching, technicians will follow a specific inspection and repair process:

1. Remove Trim: The first step involves removing the trim covering the tailgate or trunk latch. This is done by following specific repair instructions found in BMW's ISTA/AIR system, referencing either 'Tailgate - 51 49 000' or 'Trunk - 51 24 100'.
2. Inspect White Clip: Once the trim is removed, the technician will inspect the white clip attached to the latch mechanism. The inspection aims to determine if the clip is properly installed or if it has moved and caused a jam.
3. Latch Replacement (If Necessary): If the white clip is found to be improperly installed or the latch mechanism is damaged due to the jam, the latch will need to be replaced. If the latch is replaced, it is crucial to ensure the new part has a production date after July 29, 2024 (240730).
4. Verify and Reassemble: After any necessary repairs or replacements, the technician will verify the repair and reassemble the vehicle's trim components.

Required Parts and Tools

For this repair, the primary component that may need replacement is the tailgate/trunk latch. Technicians will need to refer to the Electronic Parts Catalog (ETK) or AIR system to determine the exact part number applicable to the specific vehicle, based on its VIN/chassis number and fitted equipment.

Claim Information

This repair, identified by Repair Code 5124005300 with the description "Tailgate lock Not closing," is covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. Dealers will use specific labor operation codes for diagnosis and repair, such as 51 00 001* for localizing body complaints or 00 58 500* for diagnosis worktime. For the main repair, labor operations 51 24 130 or 51 24 630 (Plusposition) are used for removing and installing the striker for the tailgate lock.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11012082, SIB 51 29 24, dated December 5, 2024