2022-2024 BMW X3 Tailgate Difficulty Opening/Closing TSB

BMW has issued Service Information Bulletin SIB 51 09 25 (Revision 1, dated October 29, 2025) to address various complaints related to the tailgate operation in 2022-2024 BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicles (G01 E-Series). This bulletin supersedes the previous SI B51 09 25 dated April 2025. Owners experiencing a BMW X3 tailgate difficulty should be aware of this communication.

This bulletin details the symptoms, underlying cause, and the recommended repair procedure for affected vehicles. The repair is noted as both mobile-friendly and Remote Software Upgrade (RSU) friendly.

Symptoms of Tailgate Malfunction

Owners of the affected BMW X3 models may experience one or more of the following issues with their tailgate:

• The tailgate can only be opened or closed with significant difficulty.
• The tailgate opens unexpectedly without any command from the driver.
• A "Check control message (CCM) for tailgate being open" appears on the dashboard, even when the tailgate is securely closed.
• The tailgate fails to open or close automatically.
• The tailgate latch does not unlatch when commanded to open.
• The soft close function of the tailgate does not work correctly.

Root Cause of the Problem

The primary cause for these tailgate malfunctions is identified as oxidation or corrosion affecting the electrical connector and/or mechanical cable of the tailgate latch. This corrosion is often a result of water ingress. Specifically, pressure washing the tailgate for extended periods or at close distances can allow water to enter the vehicle through the gaps around the tailgate, leading to the corrosion of these critical components. This can lead to a BMW X3 tailgate difficulty that impacts functionality.

Important Warnings for Owners

BMW has provided several important advisories regarding this issue:

• Prohibited Greases: "No other anti-corrosion greases are allowed to be used" during the repair process besides NYOGEL 760G.
• Component Replacement: "If corrosion is present, the affected component(s) must be replaced" rather than attempting to clean and reuse them.
• Warranty Coverage: "Damage and/or issues caused by outside influences are not covered under the BMW limited warranties." This implies that issues stemming from improper pressure washing might not be covered.
• Washing Advisory: Customers should be informed that the gaps around the tailgate should not be pressure washed for too long or at a close distance. Additionally, cleaning agents should not be used to clean or wipe around the tailgate latch.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure outlined in Service Information Bulletin SIB 51 09 25 involves a series of steps to address the corrosion and prevent its recurrence:

1. Verify Customer Concern: The technician will first confirm the specific tailgate malfunction reported by the customer.
2. Inspect for Corrosion: The electrical connector and mechanical Bowden cable on the tailgate latch will be inspected for any signs of oxidation or corrosion buildup.
3. Corrosion Removal and Protection: If oxidation or corrosion is found, and with prior customer approval, the buildup will be carefully removed. A heat shrink tube (18 mm diameter, 100 mm length) will then be installed around the tailgate latch electrical connector.
4. Anti-Corrosion Coating: To prevent future corrosion, the electrical connections on the tailgate latch must be coated with NYOGEL 760G at four specific points.
5. Seal Exposed Conductors: Any exposed electrical conductors on the tailgate latch will also be sealed with NYOGEL 760G.
6. Soft Close Actuator Check: The electrical connection on the soft close actuator will be checked for corrosion. Both the collar connection on the tailgate latch and the electrical connector itself need inspection. If corrosion is found on these components, they must be replaced.

Required Parts

The primary material specified for this repair is:

• NYOGEL 760G: This anti-corrosion grease is to be sourced locally by the dealership.

Additional parts, such as replacement tailgate latch components or soft close actuators, will depend on the extent of corrosion found during the inspection. Technicians will use the vehicle's VIN or chassis number with BMW's parts systems (ETK or AIR) to determine the exact part numbers required based on the vehicle's specific equipment and options.

What Owners Should Do

If you own a 2022-2024 BMW X3 and are experiencing a BMW X3 tailgate difficulty as described, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your authorized BMW dealership. They will be able to diagnose the specific cause of the malfunction and perform the necessary repairs according to Service Information Bulletin SIB 51 09 25. Be aware of the warranty limitations regarding damage caused by external factors like improper pressure washing.

Source: NHTSA ID 11024711