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09-02-2014, 04:01 PM | #1 | ||
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Retrofitting Power liftgate, Glimmer of Hope or Lost Cause?
So I've been really giving the power liftgate idea a lot of thought. It's the only major feature I think I'll miss on the X1.
According to Stabilus, the standard BMW X1 liftgate strut is part number 012158. At first I thought substituting different struts (with different ratings) might achieve most of what we want ("automatic" popping up of the liftgate through increased force with damping at the last 10-15% of travel to avoid banging, but no way to automatically lower and close it). But alas nothing is ever that simple and this kind of workaround would have negative side effects. According to 1engineer on another forum: Quote:
It appears the newer Jeep Grand Cherokees use the same system: Their "self-enclosed" system is made by Stabilus and is called the Powerise system. According to their press release: Quote:
Does anybody think this kind of retrofit is not only possible but worth pursuing? Or should I just give up now? I love my Stabilus EZ Down product, which is basically a damper that slows down your pickup truck's tailgate from banging at the end of its travel. Granted, that is a much simpler product, but I have to think with some clever ingenuity, we can figure something out together!
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09-02-2014, 05:07 PM | #3 |
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The Spindle Drives from X5 might be an option: http://www.ecstuning.com/ES2503617/ES2578239/
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09-02-2014, 05:09 PM | #4 |
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09-02-2014, 05:42 PM | #5 |
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09-02-2014, 05:49 PM | #6 |
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It's not an issue per se but a nice convenience feature to pop the trunk when approaching the car in a heavy downpour with your arms full.
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09-03-2014, 12:20 PM | #7 |
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We love this feature on my wife's Ford Edge. Surprising that it's not on the option list. Maybe the rear C pillar isn't designed to contain the lifting strut, since the major part of the design is an E90 wagon?
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09-03-2014, 02:43 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
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09-03-2014, 03:53 PM | #9 | |
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http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...20&hg=41&fg=60 But you are right, without any measurements or specifications it would be shooting in the dark. 4-er GC uses spindle drive: http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...44&hg=41&fg=60 3-er GT F34 too: http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...44&hg=41&fg=60 I found a web site that sell linear actuators in different length. Also they sell stronger mount links. http://electric-life.com/shopdisplay...near+Actuators Lets say the actuator fits (the aftermarket one, not the OEM) how the control would be implemented?! Opening might be fed from the trunk lamp? What about closing? I know OEM system uses a module for control, but in our case that (probably) wouldn't be possible. |
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09-04-2014, 11:53 AM | #10 |
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This is the one feature our X1 doesn't have that I want.
Subscribed to see if you pull it off.
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09-06-2014, 01:16 PM | #11 | |
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Quote:
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09-06-2014, 09:04 PM | #12 |
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FWIW most trunk releases utilize a solenoid which is low voltage and short pulse. For the spindle drives you would need a control unit like this one:
http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/5222...it-61357188110 So while I have no doubt one could get the spindle drives to fit getting them to work is the bigger issue. |
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09-08-2014, 11:00 AM | #13 | |
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Quote:
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09-12-2014, 06:27 AM | #14 |
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I pitched this to a guy who's sort of a "mad scientist" with BMWs. I'll see if he thinks it's within the realm of possibility (but I'm not holding my breath).
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09-12-2014, 08:13 PM | #15 |
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Thanks! It will be encouraging to know if a mad scientist thinks it's feasible.
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09-13-2014, 04:07 PM | #16 |
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He retrofitted soft-close doors and the Bang & Olufsen system into his 1er, so I thought he was the perfect person to ask LOL!
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12-08-2014, 02:55 PM | #17 |
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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...
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12-09-2014, 01:16 PM | #18 |
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I subscribed because I think you're very close. Keep up the good research and I'm sure many of us well keep up with you.
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12-13-2014, 03:07 PM | #19 |
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Hatch Pop Kit
The product offered by ECS for the VW looks great.
I just emailed them (sales@ecstuning.com) to say that, if they offered a similar kit for the X1, I'd buy it. Perhaps if others do the same thing they'll realize a market exists for the product and begin to offer it. |
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