So I see that ECS Tuning sells a "
hatch pop kit" for the VW Golf that will help automatically raise the liftgate. (See
installation video.)
I contacted them and they claim none of their customers have complained about any additional resistance closing the liftgate after this modification. I also suggested that they consider offering a similar kit for the X1.
I also ran across this BMW thread about
popping Z4 trunk lids and found reference to this E36 bump stop with a built-in "ejector."
ECS also sells these parts:
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E36-323..._2.5l/ES92303/
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E36-323..._2.5l/ES92303/
Just more brain fodder to keep the gears turning in our heads...