F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F34 3-Series GT (Gran Turismo) Forum > F34 Power hatch not lifting
ARMA SPEED
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-13-2020, 01:20 PM   #1
bnsparker
Enlisted Member
bnsparker's Avatar
United_States
14
Rep
38
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW 328i GT xdrive and 20
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Pensacola, FL

iTrader: (0)

F34 Power hatch not lifting

The hatch will release, but not open when I use the key fob or push the button on the trunk. You can hear it click, but it won't open without a boost. I'm guessing it's the shocks, but I can't find any videos about replacing them and they aren't exposed like other shocks on my other vehicles. Has anybody has this problem and if so, do you know of any videos on how to replace them and the part number to buy? Thank you for any help you can give me.
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2020, 02:31 PM   #2
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,962
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

I wouldn't assume it's the shocks, it could be the motor isn't working. It may be opened by either the spring force or electrically.You want to be sure of what's broken before buying anything. https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...outer/EWJoJ9ji
Appreciate 1
      06-15-2020, 10:13 AM   #3
R BMW
Second Lieutenant
R BMW's Avatar
United_States
941
Rep
279
Posts

Drives: 2014 328Xi GT, 2020 X3 MC
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Minnesota

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2020 BMW X3 M Comp  [0.00]
2014 328Xi GT  [10.00]
Also make sure to check in iDrive as there is a setting limiting how far it opens.
Appreciate 1
      06-15-2020, 01:36 PM   #4
bnsparker
Enlisted Member
bnsparker's Avatar
United_States
14
Rep
38
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW 328i GT xdrive and 20
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Pensacola, FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
I wouldn't assume it's the shocks, it could be the motor isn't working. It may be opened by either the spring force or electrically.You want to be sure of what's broken before buying anything. https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...outer/EWJoJ9ji
I also should've added that occasionally I am able to press the button and it opens like it should. Probably 19 out of 20 times though it clicks and you can hear it try to raise up but it isn't able to open on its own without a boost.
Appreciate 0
      06-15-2020, 01:38 PM   #5
bnsparker
Enlisted Member
bnsparker's Avatar
United_States
14
Rep
38
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW 328i GT xdrive and 20
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Pensacola, FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by R BMW View Post
Also make sure to check in iDrive as there is a setting limiting how far it opens.
I did check the iDrive settings and changed it a little to see if that would help it. It was set on the highest setting and I clicked it once to slightly lower the opening height. Then I pressed the button and it opened, but that must've been the one out of twenty times that it opens properly because it hasn't worked since then. 😭
Appreciate 0
      07-01-2020, 02:15 PM   #6
PiFromBRC
Registered
0
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 2008 328i, 2014 F34
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Same thing, only different

I started a new topic, but haven’t gotten any traction on it.

No matter which method (fob, cabin button, trunk button) the motor makes a whirring sound, but doesn’t unlatch. I literally have to drop the rear seat, climb in, and pull the manual release cable. I’ve had the ‘unlatch/no lift’ issue before, but have found pushing fob button caused a lift. This one kind of has me freaking out and I haven’t found it addressed elsewhere.

Appreciate 0
      07-01-2020, 03:24 PM   #7
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,962
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

99.9% of the time when something goes wrong it will throw an error code. You need an OBD diagnostic tool to read it.
Appreciate 0
      07-08-2020, 06:52 PM   #8
bnsparker
Enlisted Member
bnsparker's Avatar
United_States
14
Rep
38
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW 328i GT xdrive and 20
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Pensacola, FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bnsparker View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
I wouldn't assume it's the shocks, it could be the motor isn't working. It may be opened by either the spring force or electrically.You want to be sure of what's broken before buying anything. https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...outer/EWJoJ9ji
I also should've added that occasionally I am able to press the button and it opens like it should. Probably 19 out of 20 times though it clicks and you can hear it try to raise up but it isn't able to open on its own without a boost.
I read through the link you sent and I still don't know how to check the other things that control the lifting of the hatchback.
What I do know is that it definitely unlatches and tries to lift (I can hear the motor), and successfully lifts all the way on its own after I give it a very slight boost after it unlatches. I don't know what to try first other than replace the shocks. I just can't find anything online about how to replace them or where to buy them. I've only found some on eBay that are used and most of them are in foreign countries.
I hate my hatchback not lifting. When I have my hands full and my key fob in my pocket, I can put my foot under the back bumper but it won't lift up on its own like it should. I always have to set everything down on the concrete and give it a boost before it will go up which defeats the purpose of having the hands free lifting of the hatchback. I don't even know where to take it to have somebody fix it even though I'm sure that will be so expensive.
Appreciate 0
      07-08-2020, 10:57 PM   #9
bnsparker
Enlisted Member
bnsparker's Avatar
United_States
14
Rep
38
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW 328i GT xdrive and 20
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Pensacola, FL

iTrader: (0)

Something else that I realized I never told you all but might be significant as to what the problem might be...it always always closes on its own with the press of the button. It's opening that it can't do without a slight boost after it unlatches.
Appreciate 1
      07-09-2020, 01:50 PM   #10
3-GT
Lieutenant
Wales
333
Rep
572
Posts

Drives: BMW 320d GT
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Wales

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bnsparker View Post
The hatch will release, but not open when I use the key fob or push the button on the trunk. You can hear it click, but it won't open without a boost. I'm guessing it's the shocks, but I can't find any videos about replacing them and they aren't exposed like other shocks on my other vehicles. Has anybody has this problem and if so, do you know of any videos on how to replace them and the part number to buy? Thank you for any help you can give me.
Here's the instructions on how to remove the strut units.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...cks/1VnXHHnyP1

The only issue is that it looks like they need initislizing after fitting. I've got no idea on the consequences of not doing it.

Here's a link to find the part numbers for the strut which should help searching for parts.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=41_2244

Honestly I'd look for codes on the car first. It should help pointing you in the right direction, those struts are really expensive.

Does the soft close still work when closing (does the tailgate get pulled into the lock slowly)?
Appreciate 2
      07-10-2020, 08:55 AM   #11
bnsparker
Enlisted Member
bnsparker's Avatar
United_States
14
Rep
38
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW 328i GT xdrive and 20
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Pensacola, FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3-GT View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by bnsparker View Post
The hatch will release, but not open when I use the key fob or push the button on the trunk. You can hear it click, but it won't open without a boost. I'm guessing it's the shocks, but I can't find any videos about replacing them and they aren't exposed like other shocks on my other vehicles. Has anybody has this problem and if so, do you know of any videos on how to replace them and the part number to buy? Thank you for any help you can give me.
Here's the instructions on how to remove the strut units.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...cks/1VnXHHnyP1

The only issue is that it looks like they need initislizing after fitting. I've got no idea on the consequences of not doing it.

Here's a link to find the part numbers for the strut which should help searching for parts.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=41_2244

Honestly I'd look for codes on the car first. It should help pointing you in the right direction, those struts are really expensive.

Does the soft close still work when closing (does the tailgate get pulled into the lock slowly)?
Yes! It functions perfectly when it closes. I push the button on the back or on the remote and it lowers and goes slowly into the latch.
Thank you so much for the information!
Appreciate 1
      07-10-2020, 05:27 PM   #12
3-GT
Lieutenant
Wales
333
Rep
572
Posts

Drives: BMW 320d GT
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Wales

iTrader: (0)

There a lot of info here on how the whole system works, which may help with diagnostics.

Electronics is not really my area at all but hopefully someone will come along who can help a bit more.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...ation/DxBqFjue
Appreciate 1
      06-05-2021, 02:17 AM   #13
Markoff Chaney
Private
Markoff Chaney's Avatar
46
Rep
65
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW 335i xDrive GT
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Denver Colorado

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bnsparker View Post
Yes! It functions perfectly when it closes. I push the button on the back or on the remote and it lowers and goes slowly into the latch.
Thank you so much for the information!
I'm going to guess that it works great most of the time except in hot weather.
So I am having this issue now, it sometimes does the pop whirrrrrrrrrr without going up.
It only does this on hot days, because when I try to show it to friends it works, and usually not midday hot.

Assuming hydraulic failure based on the temperature, so the price on components here is what now? A metric asston?
Appreciate 2
      06-05-2021, 08:50 PM   #14
XtremeJP
New Member
3
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: F34 2014
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3-GT View Post
There a lot of info here on how the whole system works, which may help with diagnostics.

Electronics is not really my area at all but hopefully someone will come along who can help a bit more.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...ation/DxBqFjue
Great info, amazing site ain't it?

My tailgate hasn't failed yet, it was making stuttering noises when opening. I sprayed some lube onto the visible parts of the strut and the noise and vibration went away.
Appreciate 1
      06-17-2021, 01:06 AM   #15
washufiddyfo
Private
16
Rep
61
Posts

Drives: 2018 340GT x-Drive
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: MO

iTrader: (0)

I'm having the intermittent half-rise as well, also seemingly correlated to heat. Has anyone treated this successfully yet? Pop a cialis in each strut, or do they need a full replace? If so, does anyone have the part numbers copied down? The link is now broken.
Appreciate 1
      06-17-2021, 07:07 AM   #16
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,962
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

Find part numbers at https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/
Appreciate 1
      06-17-2021, 04:12 PM   #17
washufiddyfo
Private
16
Rep
61
Posts

Drives: 2018 340GT x-Drive
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: MO

iTrader: (0)

Aaahh my apologies, I was so sad about the newtis shut down that I missed the prior share of the realoem link.
Appreciate 0
      06-19-2021, 11:44 PM   #18
Markoff Chaney
Private
Markoff Chaney's Avatar
46
Rep
65
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW 335i xDrive GT
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Denver Colorado

iTrader: (0)

I am going to bite the bullet on the struts probably end of summer, the ignition coils just started throwing misfires and limp mode so priorities.
From the looks of it, a straightforward swap minus the initializing.
Is that something that needs done with a high end OBDII tool?
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2021, 08:00 AM   #19
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,962
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

My Bentley manual only says "Initialise automatic operation of tailgate using the service function in the diagnosis system". That probably requires dealer level software like ISTA.
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2021, 11:32 AM   #20
Markoff Chaney
Private
Markoff Chaney's Avatar
46
Rep
65
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW 335i xDrive GT
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Denver Colorado

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
My Bentley manual only says "Initialise automatic operation of tailgate using the service function in the diagnosis system". That probably requires dealer level software like ISTA.
Just checked and it does not, I just got a Foxwell 510 Elite OBDII diagnostic tool, 150-180$ depending on if you catch a sale, and it has the rear lift initialization sequence capabilities confirmed as I was clearing the cylinder 6 misfire that was my ignition coil problem.

I will update on price and how much of a pain this is when I get the parts ordered from a local dealer.
Appreciate 1
      06-21-2021, 02:55 PM   #21
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,962
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

Cool. I have an NT510, but never having had a problem with my hatch I had no reason to investigate if it would initialize them. 3rd party struts would be a lot cheaper than OEM, but I suspect there aren't any what with the GT being such a limited production model.
Appreciate 1
      06-24-2021, 01:43 PM   #22
Markoff Chaney
Private
Markoff Chaney's Avatar
46
Rep
65
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW 335i xDrive GT
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Denver Colorado

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
Cool. I have an NT510, but never having had a problem with my hatch I had no reason to investigate if it would initialize them. 3rd party struts would be a lot cheaper than OEM, but I suspect there aren't any what with the GT being such a limited production model.
Looks like there are, just a cursory search pulled up a few on eBay, this repair will have to wait a bit till I can dig further and have some spare time/money as it isn't necessary. I did see the error trouble codes for it when I was in there clearing and poking around.
Appreciate 1
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:09 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST