Issue with electronic tailboard closure

[SkippyTom]

Greetings everyone,

Requesting assistance, please.

The strut on the electronic closing boot of my E38 seems to have detached from the primary hinge.
The boot does not open effectively and shuts rapidly, hence it is advisable to close it manually. When closed, a panel gap is present.

Do you have any suggestions for re-establishing the connection? Or is a replacement component necessary?

I attempted to ascertain if the strut would reinsert into the bolt mechanism (both are vividly orange), but I am unable to do this.

Thank you!

[SkippyTom]

[Rashman4u]

The orange exhibits rust. Clean the stud bolt and the strut connection, apply a tiny quantity of lubricant, and assemble them together. Upon closer inspection, the stud has a slit at its apex, which should accommodate a circlip when the strut is affixed. I surmise it has corroded and detached. The strut may need to be removed from the other end, if it seems manageable, in order to position it onto the stud. Request an individual to maintain the boot in a partially open position to reduce the force applied.

It seems that a Torx head bolt may be loosened, perhaps allowing for some movement of the stud to facilitate the connection of the strut.

[SkippyTom]

Thank you for the valuable information!

It seems that I must purchase a circlip, since BMW no longer sells them, and I cannot locate the old one in the trunk. Do you have any suggestions on where to get this?

Thank you!

[jimmy47785]

Any automotive supplier will provide a box of varied C-clips, often including 10 different sizes, with 10 units of each size, priced at £5 or maybe £4.50.

[jimmy47785]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-61296-Clip-Assortment-Pieces/dp/B000QFCSL8/ref=sr_1_8?crid=M66PGW4A4P9&keywords=c%2Bclips&qid=1675545624&sprefix=c%2Bclips%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-8&th=1

[jimmy47785]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/FIXMAN-262429-External-Circlips-64pce/dp/B01LYLAUU0/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3HZ0LSZH2ZWFZ&keywords=circlip&qid=1675545770&sprefix=circlip,aps,175&sr=8-7

[SkippyTom]

Thank you!

I procured this item from Amazon since they can supply it by tomorrow before 1 PM. I believe I will need a size 7.

I will provide an update on my progress.

Thank you once again!

[jimmy47785]

I apologise, I have revised my post. Regardless, they will function as well.

[SkippyTom]

I much appreciate your assistance.

I followed your instructions precisely and used the circlip I purchased to install it (uncertain of the whereabouts of the previous one), and now everything functions properly once again! Thank you!