BMW 6 Tailgate Failure: Fix Guide & Cost Insights

Hey there! I had a similar issue with my 2011 BMW 5 Series last winter. The tailgate was acting exactly the same way, inconsistent operation and error codes popping up. Initially thought it was the motor, but turned out to be a wiring harness issue where the cables had worn out from repeated opening/closing cycles. The mechanic found several damaged wires in the boot lid harness that were causing intermittent connection problems with the hall sensor. It wasn't a hugely complex fix, but it did require careful diagnostic work to pinpoint the exact location of the break in the wiring. They had to replace a section of the harness and reseal everything properly. Not what I'd call a serious mechanical issue, but definitely something that needs proper attention since it affects a safety component. Just make sure whoever works on it knows BMW electrical systems well, these sensors are pretty sensitive to incorrect voltage readings. Hope this helps with your situation.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! That wiring harness issue sounds exactly like what I might be dealing with. Do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for the repair? Also curious if you've had any other electrical gremlins pop up since getting it fixed? Always helpful to know what to expect with these older BMWs. Thanks again!

Hey again! Actually, I'm happy to report that after taking it to the mechanic last week, they found and fixed the problem! It was indeed the hall sensor fault, just like we suspected. The cable connection to the sensor was damaged, causing those intermittent issues we talked about. Theyaged to fix it for 95€, which honestly wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Since the repair, the tailgate has been working perfectly, no more error codes or wonky operation. It's amazing how something as simple as a loose connection can cause such annoying problems! And no, I haven't had any other electrical issues pop up since then. The car's been running like a charm. Just goes to show it's worth getting these things checked out by someone who really knows BMWs. These cars can be finicky with their electronics, but once you get the problem properly diagnosed and fixed, they're solid machines. Let me know how you get on with yours!

Thanks for the update! You know what's funny, I actually just got back from the mechanic myself. After your previous message about the wiring, I decided to take it to a different shop that specializes in BMW electronics. Turned out to be such a better experience than my last mechanic! They spotted the issue right away, a damaged wire near the sensor, pretty much exactly what you described. The repair cost was really reasonable, about €120 total including diagnostic time. The tailgate's working perfectly now, smooth as butter. What a relief not having to mess around with manually opening and closing it anymore! Definitely learned my lesson about finding the right specialist for these kinds of issues. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, it helped me avoid potentially spending way more at the dealership. These BMWs sure keep us on our toes, but at least this problem's solved! Take care and thanks again for all your help!