[TiredGeek]

The glass hatch portion of the tailgate is getting noticeably harder to open. It pops ok but it's getting stiff to lift fully up. The full rear door opens fine so I don't think there's a problem there, it's just the glass section.
I've tried a Google and a search on here but come up blank, any ideas you gurus....
Car is a 2018 with 48k.

[danb1979]

Originally Posted by TiredGeek

The glass hatch portion of the tailgate is getting noticeably harder to open. It pops ok but it's getting stiff to lift fully up. The full rear door opens fine so I don't think there's a problem there, it's just the glass section.
I've tried a Google and a search on here but come up blank, any ideas you gurus....
Car is a 2018 with 48k.

Have you tried blowing the hinge area out with compressed air / light spray of WD40 and work it in to see if it loosens it off at all?

Could just be a bit gunked up

[TiredGeek]

Originally Posted by danb1979

Have you tried blowing the hinge area out with compressed air / light spray of WD40 and work it in to see if it loosens it off at all?

Could just be a bit gunked up

Yep, tried that. Used silicone spray on the hinges, they looked clean anyway, no sign of sticky gunk or dirt. It's made no difference.
Thanks for the reply tho 👍

[danb1979]

Originally Posted by TiredGeek

Yep, tried that. Used silicone spray on the hinges, they looked clean anyway, no sign of sticky gunk or dirt. It's made no difference.
Thanks for the reply tho 👍

Does it open/close as it should bar it being stiff (ie it's not twisted/out of kilter in any way)?

[TiredGeek]

Originally Posted by danb1979

Does it open/close as it should bar it being stiff (ie it's not twisted/out of kilter in any way)?

Nope, works perfectly, no twisting or anything. Pops as it should and closes as it should. It's just much stiffer in both directions than it used to be.
I'm wondering if there's a hidden gas strut or spring someplace...

[danb1979]

Originally Posted by TiredGeek

Nope, works perfectly, no twisting or anything. Pops as it should and closes as it should. It's just much stiffer in both directions than it used to be.
I'm wondering if there's a hidden gas strut or spring someplace...

Looking at the RealOEM diagram; they're hinges and not struts:

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=41_2224

Part number 2

Could be worth removing any covers and have a look-see as to what state they're in and then try soaking in WD and then maybe lithium grease?

The E39 touring I had were struts; the F31s design is much easier IMO

[Watsey]

Mine has recently started doing the same thing. When I next clean it I plan to give the hinges a liberal soaking in a non-acidic/non-alkalai cleanser, rinse, dry (as best I can), and a liberal application of GT85 (to reach the internal surfaces of the hinge) followed by some grease.