2024 BMW X5 Tailgate Function, Noise, and DTC 801706 Diagnosis

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 51 07 23, a comprehensive guide for diagnosing and resolving various issues related to the upper and lower tailgates of certain 2024 BMW models. This bulletin, which is Revision 04 and supersedes SI B51 07 23 dated April 2024, focuses on functionality problems, operational noises, and static noises originating from the tailgate area. It serves as a critical diagnostic resource for technicians to address customer complaints effectively. This document is specifically designed to aid in the 2024 BMW X5 tailgate diagnosis, as well as for X6 and X7 models.

The 2024 BMW X5 tailgate diagnosis covers a wide range of symptoms, from tailgates that fail to unlatch or close properly to various types of noises. Technicians are instructed to utilize an interactive diagnostic troubleshooting document attached to the bulletin to pinpoint the exact cause of the issue.

Important Warnings for Owners

BMW emphasizes specific conditions and actions for technicians, which are crucial for owners to understand:

• "For any vehicle where a defect is found that is NOT included in the diagnostic troubleshooting document, a TSARA INFO case must be submitted providing feedback/photos when possible, of the defect so that product quality improvements and diagnostic resources such as this can continue to be developed."
• "If the vehicle cannot be diagnosed using the troubleshooting document and additional diagnostic assistance is required or additional information is needed on any issue in the document, a TSARA reply requested case should be submitted."
• For rattle and popping noises, a significant note states: "Note: Part replacement are not required." This indicates that many noise issues can be resolved through adjustments rather than costly part replacements.
• Regarding the manual release of the latch, especially for G0x models: "Emergency release: G0x Models do not have a tailgate emergency release pull."

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2024 BMW X5, X6, and X7 vehicles may experience a variety of tailgate-related symptoms, which are categorized into functionality issues and noise complaints.

Upper Tailgate Functionality Issues:

• Does not unlatch: This can be due to wiring/connector problems, issues with the Smart Opener (SMO) such as "SMO Disabled? Check setting in head unit.", "SMO are inactive while using trailer hitch.", "Status of gearbox is not “P”", or "SMO – key with you?". It can also be caused by an "Upper Tailgate latch malfunction" or the "Interior button are inactive while using trailer hitch."
• Unlatches but does not open: Potential causes include "Wiring from the spindle drive to the HKFM (Wire harness D-pillar pinched/chafed)" or an "Upper spindle drive malfunction."
• Opens only half way: This symptom might indicate that "the hall counts are not tracked correctly," a "Hardware issue within spindle drive," a "Wiring issue between spindle drive and HKFM," "Tailgate settings in the head unit are not set properly," or a "Sticky/frozen tailgate seal."
• Does not close: This could be related to functionality checks with "other buttons or SMO," the "Tailgate push button," "spindle drive wiring to and from the HKFM," the "Spindle drive" itself, a "Blocking condition. (Check tailgate mechanics for interference)," or issues with hall count tracking. For LCI models, the "LCI Upper hatch would not open or close" may present with a "DTC play protection DTC 801706 which cannot be cleared." A "12v reset of the ECU (battery reset)" is also a diagnostic step.
• Does not fully close into the latch: Possible causes include problems with the "Latch (Lift gate)," "Mechanical Damage (Check correct latching and function of lower tailgate.)," "SCA Wiring / Connection / Motor," or restricted speed due to a "stiffness of tailgate seal."

Lower Tailgate Functionality Issues:

• Unlatches but does not lower [only when lower tailgate is activated]: This can stem from the '032W Manual tailgate operation' option, HKFM initialization issues, "SCA cable connection to latch," "Spindle drive Connection to Linkage(s)," a "Lower Tailgate Sticky (due to seal)," "Striker drag," or a "Lower Spindle drive (Faulty)."
• Does not open simultaneously with upper tailgate: This is often related to "Setting in the head unit, key specific" configurations or is simply a "Delay- design intended."
• Does not close (When button pushed): Similar to opening issues, this can involve the '032W Manual tailgate operation' option, "Helper strut" problems, "Check wiring of lower spindle drives," a "Lower spindle drive (Faulty)," or the latch position where technicians must "Verify that the latch is in the open position when the tailgate is open (Mechanical check)."

Noise Complaints:

• Static Noise: Owners might notice a "Rattle noise (while driving on rough roads or uneven surfaces)- Bump stop adjustment required." This can also involve "Tailgate trim" or "Striker Adjustment (upper and lower tailgate)."
• Function Noise (Opening/Closing Liftgate): This includes "Popping noise- Bump stop adjustment," noise from the "Hinge (Ground strap)," the "Tailgate striker," "SCA/latch," "Spoiler contacting the roof," or the "Upper spindle drive."

Fault Codes / DTCs

While the bulletin primarily focuses on diagnostic procedures, one specific DTC is mentioned:

• DTC 801706: This code is associated with the LCI upper hatch not opening or closing and is described as a "play protection DTC 801706 which cannot be cleared."

Detailed Diagnosis and Repair Procedures

The SIB 51 07 23 provides an interactive diagnostic resource with detailed repair suggestions for various tailgate issues. Here's a summary of some key procedures:

Manual Latch Release

To manually release the tailgate latch, the lower tailgate trim must be removed or broken. A lever can then be pulled directly on the latch. BMW notes that G0x models do not feature a tailgate emergency release pull.

G06 Tailgate SCA Nut Plate Repair Process

This procedure addresses fallen nut plates, which can occur during rework in the latch area. The nut plate is designed to float for adjustment but can fall into the body. Required tools include a flexible magnet, 8x1.25 bolts, pick tools, and a bore scope. The process involves:

1. Using a bore scope to locate the fallen nut plate.
2. Orienting the plate face up with notches forward.
3. Gently pushing down the lower tabs with a pick tool to load the plate.
4. Holding the nut plate steady with a long pick and using magnets on the 8x1.25 nuts to pull it up evenly.
5. Carefully lifting the plate with magnets onto the lower tabs.
6. Holding the plate in position with a magnet while installing an 8x1.25 bolt.
7. Using a pick to re-secure tabs while holding the plate with the bolt.
8. Once secured, reinstall the SCA latch.

Striker Drag

If the lower tailgate does not open fully due to striker drag, technicians are advised to inspect the latches and strikers for wear. Resistance when manually pushing the tailgate shut before the SCA engages indicates striker drag. Two repair methods are provided:

• Method 1: Check the striker's position in the latch with the tailgate closed. Open the latch, remove the grommet, loosen the striker bolts, adjust the striker, retighten, and recheck the position. Repeat as necessary.
• Method 2: Open the latch and remove the trim. Close the tailgate, loosen the striker bolts on both sides. Push forward on the tailgate in the middle and tighten the striker bolts. This affects tailgate-to-bumper flushness.

Rattle and Popping Noises

For "Rattle noise- Tailgate poorly adjusted" or "Popping noise" during opening/closing, the recommendation is to confirm and adjust the tailgate, bump stops, and latch. "Note: Part replacement are not required" for these adjustments.

Hinge (Ground Strap) Noise

If noise originates from the hinge, it could be a broken ground strap or the strap rubbing on the hinge. If the strap is broken, the hinge should be replaced. If rubbing, a fishbone tool can be used to flatten the strap. A TSARA Info case should be submitted for these issues.

Spoiler Contacting the Roof

"Scrapping/popping noise due to spoiler contacting the roof" requires checking the tailgate spoiler setting. The roof gap in the closed position should be a minimum of 3.9mm. Further steps involve checking for misalignment, swapping outer shims of the spoiler, and confirming PVC condition to reduce thickness if excessive.

SCA (Center) Upper Hatch Connection

If the upper hatch won't close fully into the latch, technicians should check all routing and connections of the soft close/latch system to ensure ball pins are engaged. The reference repair instruction is REP-TAT-P-5124-02-G05_. If the retaining lug on the Bowden cable is damaged or missing, the Bowden cable must be renewed. The procedure involves installing the soft-close drive, engaging the ball pin, hooking the Bowden cable to the tailgate lock, and connecting the electrical connector.

Chafed Wire / Main Harness Spindle Drive Branch

If the "Upper Tailgate unlatches but does not open," technicians should "Check for any pinched/chafed wires especially under D- pilar/headliner area (spindle harness branch main harness)."

Warranty Information

Repairs for verified defects in materials or workmanship are covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. The bulletin specifies that damage or issues caused by outside influences are not covered. To submit a claim, technicians must follow established warranty policies and procedures, referring to AIR for the corresponding Defect Code, flat rate labor operations (including diagnosis), and Flat Rate Unit (FRU) allowances. Only one Main labor operation code can be claimed per repair visit. Technicians should also refer to SI B01 01 20 or B01 07 20 for procedures on documenting diagnosis and repair time.

Reporting Feedback

BMW encourages technicians to provide feedback on this bulletin:

• Technical Feedback: Submit feedback via the rating box at the top of the bulletin.
• Warranty Feedback: Submit an IDS ticket to the Warranty Department or use the chat in the Warranty Documentation Portal.
• Parts Feedback: Submit an IDS ticket to the Parts Department.

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Source: NHTSA ID 10255081