BMW i4 Tailgate Issues: Sensor Problems and Solutions

Hey there! I had a very similar issue with my 2020 BMW iX3 (my first EV after switching from a BMW X3). I have some experience working with cars, mainly basic maintenance stuff. The symptoms you're describing sound exactly like what I dealt with last month. My tailgate was acting up, wouldn't respond properly, and kept showing error messages. Took it to my regular workshop and turns out it was just a loose connection in the wiring harness near the tailgate sensor. They fixed it by reconnecting and securing the cables properly, cost me 95 Euro and worked perfectly since then. Before suggesting anything specific though, could you tell me if you're getting any specific error codes? Also, does the tailgate make any unusual sounds when you try to operate it? This info would help me understand if you're facing the exact same issue I had.

Thanks for sharing your experience! My i4 has 199061 KM on the odometer, and it's good to know someone else has dealt with a similar problem. When I try to operate the tailgate, it makes a clicking sound and stops halfway. The error message just shows "Tailgate malfunction" without any specific code. Had my last service about two months ago but this issue wasn't present then. Did your repair require any special diagnostic tools, or was it pretty straightforward for the workshop to identify the problem? I'm hoping it's just a simple wiring issue like yours and not something more complex with the motor.

Hey again! Thanks for those extra details about your i4. Yeah, my situation was pretty much identical, same clicking sound and everything. The diagnostic process was actually quite straightforward since I had already dealt with it. In my case, the workshop just needed their basic diagnostic computer to confirm the fault. They didn't need any special tools beyond that, just standard workshop equipment. The clicking sound you're describing is exactly what mine was doing, it's usually a good indicator that the power is getting through but something's interrupting the signal. Since you mentioned yours started after a service, I wonder if someone might have accidentally knocked a connection loose during the inspection. That's actually more common than you'd think. My repair only took about an hour once they got into it. One thing though, I noticed you've got quite a few kilometers on yours compared to when mine had the issue. Might be worth having them check the wiring insulation too, as it can wear down over time. The rubber grommets that protect the wires going into the tailgate can also get brittle. Keep us posted on what you find out. I'm really curious to know if it's the same issue I had. These modern EVs are great but sometimes these little electrical gremlins can drive you nuts!

Thanks so much for all the detailed information! You've actually made me feel a lot better about this whole situation. I'll definitely get the workshop to check those rubber grommets and wiring insulation you mentioned, that's such a helpful tip given the mileage on my car. I've actually just booked it in for tomorrow morning, and I'll make sure to mention your experience with the loose connection. It makes total sense that something might have been knocked loose during the last service, especially since the problem started shortly after. The fact that your repair only took an hour and wasn't too complicated is really reassuring. I'll definitely update the thread once I get it sorted. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's exactly the kind of firsthand knowledge I was hoping for when I posted this question. At least now I won't feel completely in the dark when talking to the workshop about it!