Trunk Lid/Tailgate and Support Pillars — Removal and Installation (BMW 3 Series E46)

Removal

Trunk lid

1. Open the trunk lid, unscrew the screws securing the tool box lid and the lid hinge (Fig. 16.1). Remove the tool spray from the trunk trim.



2. Remove the central pins of the retainers, then remove the retainers themselves and remove the trim from the trunk lid.

3. Support the lid in the open position and detach the support posts (see item 8).

4. Disconnect the electrical wiring connectors from the license plate lamps, the trunk lamp switch and the central locking actuator (if it exists) and tie the strings to the wires. Remember the location of the wire harnesses, remove the rubber bushings and pull out the wires. After the wires are removed, untie the strings from them and secure them to the trunk lid. You will need these strings during installation (in order to run the wires inside the trunk lid).

5. Mark the position of the hinges with a felt-tip pen, then unscrew the hinge mounting bolts and remove the trunk lid from the car (Fig. 16.5).



6. Inspect the trunk hinges. If the hinges are worn or damaged, replace them. The hinges are attached to the car body with bolts.

Luggage compartment door

7. Special tools are required to remove and install the tailgate. We therefore recommend that you contact your BMW dealer to perform this work.

Support posts

8. Support the trunk lid/tailgate in the open position. Using a small flat-head screwdriver, lift the spring clip and release the upper end of the strut from the support (Fig. 16.8). Repeat the same procedure with the lower end of the strut and remove the strut from the vehicle.

Installation

Trunk lid

9. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal. Align the marks on the hinges made before removal.

10. After installation, close the trunk lid and check its position relative to the surrounding panels. If necessary, adjust the position of the lid. To do this, loosen the tightening of the hinge mounting bolts and turn the lid in the desired direction. If the paint around the hinges is damaged, paint over these areas with a brush (to prevent corrosion).

Support posts

11. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal. Make sure that the racks are securely fastened with clamps.