This fix has worked for me so far (archive)

I did the hatch fix when the car had only 180 miles on it (thing broke second day out). When I asked around, I found that others had the problem and the dealer fix didn't last, so I decided to take a look. While I was at it, I just fixed it. That was 7 months ago and I've not had a problem since...

This is most definitely a BMW design problem. The pull rod is retained by a little platic clip that is molded into the bell crank. The little clip snaps off and the rod fall out, that's it. The fix simply holds the rod in firmly, like it should have been in the first place.

BTW model airplane guys should recognize the fix I used, it's the same kind of retainer used on radio control servos to push-pull rods. It would only take BMW making a little spring steel clip to solve this problem! I've seen similar clips in the doors, and on throttle rods of American cars, just didn't feel like taking the time going through a wrecking yard.

This is most chronic problem on the coupe I belive. They really need to fix it!

Check the link for a do-it-yourself solution.

Mike

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