Touring tailgate problem

[andyborris]

Sometimes the tailgate on my Tourer won't latch and I have to really slam it to get it to shut properly. And at other times, it'll shut and latch with just a gentle push.

Woke up the neighbours last night trying to to shut it! So I need to sort it, any ideas? I can't figure why it works lovely one time and then doesn't on another.

[fastdave]

I would try cleaning it up and plenty of wd40 if this does not work try a second hand setup. dave

[Chris-W]

I'd have suggested adjutsment on the catch, but it does seem odd that you can sometiimes close it easily.

Worth adjusting it out a little anyway.

[gareth]

does the button stick in? not obvious til you twig! both my tourer any my wifes E34 have done this in the past

[Brianmoooore]

Rubber seal on properly?
Never had a problem on a tailgate, but the passenger door on one of my cars suddenly became needing a good slam.
Took me a while (about two months) to spot the problem, but the bottom front corner of the seal had come off, and, somehow, the metal stiffener for the clip on part had moved itself outside of the door frame flange.
One fresh seal, and back to that satisfying BMW "clunk" sound of quality!
Have noticed before that the difference in tailgate latch adjustment between one that is too loose and one that is hard to shut is very small.

[andyborris]

As you say Brian, odd that sometimes it works and other times it doesnt. I 'll have to check that it's not me doing something odd, not sure, but it does always seem to happen when I'm in a hurry!

I'll work through the suggestions, they're not things I've thought off, so hopefully.....

[KDS]

You've likely checked this, but are all the pertinent bolts tight? You may want to remove the carpeted trim panel so you can have a look at the latch mechanism. Maybe it's come loose or out of adjustment. You may also want to have a friend do the slamming while you sit in the boot an inspect what's going on.

[gareth]

just keep your head out of the way

[daimlerman]

Sounds to me like the latch is moving in and out.....