BMW E61 Tailgate Wiring Repair

In this video I go through the tedious process of repairing the wiring leading to the tailgate. This is the number one most common issue if your key stops unlocking/locking the doors when you press the button or your rear glass won't open, or any of the lights on the back stop working. All BMWs from this era will at some point have this problem, even ones with a trunk.
You will need:
Torx 30 bit
Torx 20 bit
8mm socket
13mm socket
some wire
This is the wire I used:
www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01M...
wire strippers and cutters
some method of connecting wire like a solder and a soldering iron
electrical tape
heat shrinks insulators or alternative
plastic prying tool
patience & time

[@dutchfpv7010]

To anyone dealing with this issue who has come upon this video, PLEASE, remove the speaker cover/speaker FIRST, and inspect the wiring from there before you set to disassembling your whole hatch. There is a good 50% likelihood you'll be able to address the problem from here and save yourself hours of tedious disassembly that may not be necessary. "Every BMW owner" who posts a DIY for this repair (God bless you!) unfortunately does the same thing. They start with the tedious and complex task of disassembling the whole hatch and exposing all the wiring only to do the speaker removal last and find that that's where the damaged wires are! Notice that all the wiring inside the hatch trim is clipped and clamped in a fixed position. This is not where its going to fail. Where its going to fail is where the wire gets flexed, which is behind the hatch, inside the headliner. That's also where all the slack is, giving you the ability to work on it as is. So if the failure isn't specifically within the channel or diversity compartment, you probably don't need to access that location at all. VERIFY THIS FIRST!!! You will thank me later. This is a great DIY, and if my tip doesn't work, you should follow every step of this one to disassemble your hatch and diversity cover. Its well done and gets everything right. But again, do yourself a favor and start at the speaker cover. It can save you hours of tedious unnecessary labor.

[@johannesvandoremalen4384]

My tail lights are "frickeling", and therefor probably a negative APK ( MOT ), would this be the same issue with a wiring problem?

[@d47000]

Hey, late response but I just wanted to say thanks! I was dealing with non-functional remote locking and was able to fix my issue by going through the speaker only. Your advice saved me heaps of time.

[@varArnfjorBjarmason]

@dutchfpv7010: Having done this job (a while ago) I don't think this is good advice. In my case the only clean breaks of the wires were indeed accessible from the speaker. But the sheathing for some of them was cracked within the clamped parts of the tailgate mechanism itself, and if two wires have that issue they can connect, causing all sorts of electrical issues. Furthermore a couple of wires had cracks in the sheathing a few centimeters further into the car from where they actually broke. I think the best way to do this is to cut the whole loom just after the wires come out of the diversity antenna (leaving enough room to solder), pull it all through the speaker opening then soldering on that side too. Just rip the band-aid off. Taking the glass etc. off takes maybe 10 minutes once you've done it a couple of times.

[@dutchfpv7010]

@@varArnfjorBjarmason its mostly just 'check this first' advice that has worked for some. I've had both situations. Where I could fix it through the speaker and where I had to take the whole glass off. There's no denying that sometimes you'll have to do this. But the times that you can fix your issue through the speaker hole, you'll be glad that you did. BMW tech bulletins seem to lean towards more billable hours. Like removing the whole water pump and thermostat (a nightmare) to remove the AC compressor through a narrow hole, instead of just removing the radiator in 5 minutes and pulling it straight forward. By all means do everything by the book if that's your preference, but there are many ways to save time sensibly.

[@varArnfjorBjarmason]

@@dutchfpv7010 I'm not saying your advice is invalid, just that the root cause for this failing is that the wire sheathing becomes brittle with age, and therefore locating and fixing the first place it breaks is likely to be a false optimization. Because once you fix that it'll probably break again somewhere nearby. When I first had this issue I paid a mechanic to fix it, and they just soldiered the breakage from the speaker. A year later or so it recurred, and then I just did it properly and soldiered new flexible wires from the diversity antenna. But yeah, often there's easy ways to do things, and quick fixes v.s. more exhaustive fixes. I've fixed plenty of things on my car, usually not quite by the book. The "book" fix for this b.t.w. would be to replace the entire wiring harness, which requires even more disassembly.

[@bmw2fix296]

I forgot to thank you! You did a great job and a lot of people will really appreciate this. Great sense of humor. I plan to return to see what else the car has taught you. That antenna is pretty pricey as well .

[@bmwe6xcsm913]

I am the 800 man who liked it. I've already done it on 2 wagoons but this video should be in top for this job

[@constantinmaria]

👍👍👍 I did the same yesterday , now my key it's works perfect. Thx man , you're the best ❗️

[@alexlashman4279]

I’ve had mine fixed twice in 8 years. It’s just gone again and I’m doing it myself this time. Thanks for the video and everyone else’s helpful comments.

[@blerpii]

Just wanted to say thank you, fixed my tailgate wires guided by this video, keep it up, you're awesome

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Thank you. I'm glad it worked out.

[@usurper762]

As soon as you opened with rite of passage, I knew this was a good video. Didn’t disappoint either. This is my E61 tailgate wiring instructional video.

[@MrRobhadfield]

Thanks for the video, helped me massively. My symptoms were the central locking stopped working. Cables were shot exactly as shown 🤘🏼

[@DS-mb7mm]

Very clear video. And also with your humor nice to watch. Thank you. Greetings from Europe.

[@marvinfraser]

You are awesome! You made me fix my remote central locking and I enjoyed watching your video!

[@asb54331]

Great job! I have a similar problem with my F11. Your video will definitely help.

[@adnanel-jarad7562]

Excellent instructions very professional

[@AK-kc7co]

Good no nonsense video, well explained! Keep up the good work!

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Much appreciated!

[@darkkohbros8168]

Thank you so much. Your video help me tremendously fix my center break light.

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Glad to help!

[@DavidGriffiths-mo9cj]

Great video, mine had exact same problem with wire damage in same place - it’s a fiddly job but easy enough with this video.

[@thedoodwitamullet420]

I love your videos. Very well said. Everything.

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@charlessunny6712]

Hello, This video is very useful and exact same problem for my E61. And I fixed Thanks for this video... 😊👍

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Thanks Charles, I'm glad you got it working.

[@nizzels1088]

Thank you for the video It worked after, just a fuse in the trunk to the key that was blown. Think it was fuse 59. Thank again!

[@bbocaner]

Thanks, I fixed mine! Your video was truly helpful.

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Good to hear!

[@pasit1738]

Very good video! As you may have figured out, I have this ahead of me. One usefull safety hint: You can use the sholdering iron to shrink the tubes and hence minimize the hazard of getting a charcoal interior.

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

I ended up buying a heat gun for all future shrink wrapping.

[@jakubdoulan5283]

I'm enjoying your content. Your diversity antenna wiring loom video helped me a lot and I had a laugh watching :)

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Thanks. Glad to help.

[@trondjohansen298]

Thank you. one off the best.

[@blueones1000]

Nice detailed video 👌🏾

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Thank you

[@Elvis35-77]

Aw man, I've got this job to look forward to!😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@jameselms7310]

great video, I have been dreading doing this ever since I bought my wagon with a non functioning opener. the local BMW dealers solution was to replace the cars entire wiring loom for 8 thousand dollars ! yeah sure,sign me up.

[@ventcivasilev5535]

Ty I just did mein .you help me alot.

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Good to hear.

[@hiphophooligan911ify]

Funny and interesting to watch 😂

[@mrspatrunjel7582]

Thank you !

[@JulianMichaelOnLine]

This guy gets a thumbs up from me for the diversity sarcasm alone..😆Nice job.

[@jobbruggen7269]

Very good! I have an E61 with bad radio reception. Also the glass will not open separately from the tailgate. The tailgate itself opens fine with the switch and the keyfob. You think these problems could be related?

[@greeneaglz2573]

You could do with tinning the wires when soldering. Put some solder on each wire you want to join. Then when you put them together heat them up and they will join.

[@MEISTROROBZTAH]

Great video! My reverse lights doesn’t work. I changed the bulbs but no light. Is it a cable that broke for me? Please let me know before I tear it all down. Thanks!

[@chipmunk1631]

I have a question about after you removed the rear hatch wing to expose the diversity antenna, does you wing sit flat to the hatch or is it lifted up

[@anthonygillesse7242]

Soldering.. first mechanically secure, then solder for electrical continuity. I have replaced all of the wires with tinned silicone because if one breaks the rest are not long to follow. Your right bad stiff oem wire sheathing. 🇨🇦 Ontario

[@FiscalWoofer]

How on earth did you shoot this video, solder and fit in that boot (truck) it’s really tight for space I can’t even sit up! Super job! Thank you!!

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Thanks for the kind words. It's a tight fit in there; no wonder shops charge so much for this repair.

[@anthonygillesse7242]

I laid on my back to do the job until all the blood drained out of my arms🇨🇦

[@alaptatu]

Thanks for the video, have to try repair mine too.. I have same problem, key fob not working and already replaced diversity antenna last year. Probably wires broken now. I asked price for repair and it was 1200€ to 1500€.

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Yeah the labour is killer. It's best to do it yourself.

[@poopin04]

Can you supply the link to the amazon wires you bought? Need to tackle mine next.

[@dstiteler]

Can you provide the Amazon link for the wires?

[@kellymuaalldolledupessex2064]

Guys anyone checked their taillight specifically near side (left side) my brake lamp contact point is burnt out, so ordered a savaged rear light and it arrived with the same damage (not as bad as mine) but is anyone else seeing this in theirs (e61 525d 55plate 2005) just wondered if there’s something I’m missing 😩 why do we still love our BMW’s lol 😂

[@Di0ga0]

I have the same problem, tomorrow i will try repair my bmw 😅

[@ronnieverhage759]

I finished this job this weekend. both the left and the right hinge. Be aware that the thin red white wire on the right hinge has 12 volts continuously on it. This wire is for your remote control. I got a short circuit, causing fuse 59 5 Ampere blowd up.

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Good note. I just had to go back and redo some of this because my glass hatch stopped working and while I was fixing it I broke the wire going to the diversity antenna again. My soldering is really crap.

[@ronnieverhage759]

@@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY the rear window heating runs at the right hinge the power supply, thick red white wire. left hinge earth, thick brown wire

[@alexkriche6327]

Hello. Great video. Can you remember what colour wires you fixed to correct the problem with the key locking the car? Thanks.

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Sorry I don't remember. I know I had to do that job again and ended up fixing all the wires there. Only way to be sure.

[@matthewwarren7317]

Ahhhh..... What about the last step where you test the problem that you came to fix? Does your fob unlock the vehicle now?

[@manuelthodos5925]

So the wire you first started working on was it blue/white and was that for the key fob? I just redid all these wires tonight since 5 of them were severed completely. I've fixed everything I had issues with mainly the glass hatch popping open. But, to no avail the keyfob won't work. Is there a wire on the driver side that also helps with this that I should check?

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

I'm sorry the repair didn't work. I don't know what wires do what. I didn't crack open the other side. If you are sure all the wires are properly reconnected and it's still not working your diversity antenna might be fried. Try a used one off eBay, they don't have to be coded to the car. After that it might be the key not working; that you can only get from the dealer, gulp.

[@andershansen1387]

Hi Thanks for a great video! I did a full repair of all wires in the same loom today because my remote control doesn’t work anymore. Unfortunately, it didn’t help. Does anyone know whether there could be wires in the left side that also impacts the diversity antenna? Or do you think there is no alternative to a new antenna? Any thoughts? Thanks again

[@kristapsjurgenbergs6622]

Read my comment, just find 1 used antenna and plug it in it will work! Usually radio, start to get issues with stations as well!

[@dutchfpv7010]

There is a fuse for the diversity antenna that commonly blows. When it does your key fob won't work. Its in the trunk panel. I recently had the same issue and thankfully found the blown fuse before I went digging for wires.

[@Tempo_est]

@@dutchfpv7010 e61 does not have diversity antenna FUSE, only remote lock fuse. What number fuse you replaced?

[@dutchfpv7010]

@@Tempo_est hmmm. Mine had a fuse location specifically labeled 'Diversity' on the little card at the fuse box. It was fuse 58 in my trunk panel. 5A. But yeah, not the remote lock fuse.

[@DS-mb7mm]

What wire thickness to use? AWG26 or….?

[@Uvisir]

I'm going to check this part of the car tomorrow. I'm at that stage now... I would have loved to see what you connected to the diversity PCB when you were in the car just before your key started to work again, What did you connect?

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

I plugged the big bundle of wires into it. They're all connected by a big flat plug.

[@Uvisir]

@@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY ah you had dragged it there? the connector that was in the tailgate connected to the diversity module?

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

@@Uvisir yup

[@indianahorst5558]

i replaced one by one the wires since some colors are used more often. -very exhausting job -but much cheaper than bmw to fix it

[@varArnfjorBjarmason]

I did the same. Checked connectivity with a multimeter etc. beforehand, and labeled everything. But I found out later that the colors are actually unique (some are dual color). The exception is the brown wires, but those are ground BMW's. So I matched them all up out of sheer OCD, but allegedly you don't need to keep track of those, since it's all ground anyway connecting any brown to any other browns is fine.

[@peke6829]

if the Diversity Antennas wires are broken could they affect ccc? i mean my Diversity Antenna is broken i know that but can it affect the ccc operability (middlescreen)

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

I doubt it but you never know.

[@kingurban57]

What do i do if i cant’t open up the glass hatch? I can’t open mine due to this wirefailure and want to try to fix it. Is there sny way without opening the glass hatch?

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

If you take out the speaker you might be able to get at the wiring

[@aleksandarjovanovic8862]

How can you tell if the wiring is the problem without digging through the wiring? Can you check big flat black plug for voltage and tell if the wiring is bad? I have replaced my antenna module, but still there is no remote locking, but now I have better FM reception (which means the new module is good, for the FM part, but they say it's completely working), and the antenna power black plug carries the voltage on all pins except earth, and the earth is good, 12v and 5v good. I have checked all the possible fuses in the trunk, all fine.. Also checked my key fob batteries, all at good voltage, I have 2 keys non-comfort access, they charge with ignition on. What you suggest me to do? I doubt it's the wiring, all the voltages are good on the main black connector. Also did key fobs relearning/calibration procedure by inserting them in the ignition and pressing a combination of buttons, no luck. But one thing to mention, my fuel door does not lock with the car when I lock it manually with the key and my radio settings reset every time I leave the car, bass/treble, etc..

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

I would suggest you spend the afternoon digging out that wiring loom and checking each individual wire. It's not that hard and the only way to be sure that it's not the wires. Go slow, listen to a podcast, you can do it.

[@aleksandarjovanovic8862]

@@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY But the wire you fixed, that carries voltage, is good on my side.. right? If I receive all the voltages on the main black connector, the wiring is good? Did you try measuring your voltages coming to the diversity antenna before deciding to fix the wiring?

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

@@aleksandarjovanovic8862 I didn't measure the voltages. As soon as I pulled the loom I could see the wires broken or barely holding together.

[@nikolamladenovic8284]

Ok, how did you know immidiately that it was the wiring problem, and not the broken div antenna? On the bunch of other videos, when key fob isn't working, they go straight to antenna change. My issues so far are: FM radio, tailgate glass heating wire, right rear fog LED light and recently key fob won't open the doors. I could buy another antenna, but should I try with the wire fix first or? Thanks

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

You have to check the wiring first. If it's broken it doesn't matter how many new antennas you put in they all won't work. Your symptoms are classic broken wiring symptoms. Start at the speaker as others have suggested and see if you can pull out the wiring. Good luck.

[@nikolamladenovic8284]

@@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY Found five broken wires that's been soldered before but very poorly. But it turnes out it's antenna after all. Still nothing mentioned above worked after plugging the wires back in. It's completely corroded inside so I've ordered another one. Used around 5 hours for the job, had some troubles along the way, but I don't mind :) I just wonder if you maybe know.. Do I maybe need to code my key fob after puting new antenna, in case the clicker doesn't work again. Thanks

[@mariusantanavicius9859]

How about another side?

[@ronnieverhage759]

Are there any cables running at the left hinge?

[@elvinasp8576]

Yes, there are

[@kumark8901]

Can you please post Amazon link for the wires or advise what type & AWG value for the wires ?

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Here's the wire I used. It's pretty flimsy but the silicone sheath looks and feels like it will last. www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01M5EY57C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@kumark8901]

Thanks for quick reply. What Guage wire did you use ?

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

@@kumark8901 I used 16 and it worked fine.

[@rodrigofernandes8248]

I’ve got the same problem like you ! What kind wires you bought in Amazon ? I going straight to this cable 🤣🤣🤣

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

I don't remember the gauge I bought, I want to say 14 but don't quote me. I got the kind of wire with silicone insulation, seems more flexible and less likely to break.

[@rodrigofernandes8248]

@@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY ok ! Cheese mate 👍🏼

[@thedrawingcarboy9055]

Did you disco next the battery before you start?

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

No I didn't. I'm irrationally terrified of disconnecting the battery for worry of computer problems.

[@johannesvandoremalen4384]

My tail lights are "frickeling", and therefor probably a negative APK ( MOT ), would this be the same issue with a wiring problem?

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

If it's the lights in the tailgate. For rear lights outside the tailgate check the connectors. In one of mine the ground was bad and melting the plastic around it causing one taillight to flicker and be dimmer.

[@johannesvandoremalen4384]

@@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY Thanks, will do!

[@cecocvetkov7324]

That's the easy part try fixing the hole tailgate wires

[@nattadam4171]

I've got to do my E61 as well.

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

You can do it. You'll enjoy your car so much more.

[@georgidaskalov8389]

3:21 DUDE I AM SUBSCRIBING BECAUSE OF IT!!! Freaking h****s:D

[@Tannemanne1]

Great video but the " musik nono

[@kristapsjurgenbergs6622]

And! Was it working after your job? 99% is diversity antenna, when you talk about locking! I had done many off them! It takes 5 minutes to check it, simply plug another one, but if you talk about! Window heating Rear wiper Trunk lights Power button Then its 99%cables in trunk! 1 mistake diversity antenna, cover you need to close it 100%, not just put spoiler on top! Thats a reason it gets water damages! But good job💪✌️ Great day, from LATVIA 😉

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

It did work.

[@Tempo_est]

99% it’s not diversity antenna but is wiring.

[@hanedanotomotiv9724]

Türkçe altyazı olmadığı için abone olmadım Türkçe altyazı ayarlarsanız soner olup beğenip takip edicem saygılar

[@garrettgiuffre5653]

Also why rodents eat wire harness during the winter. Also have fun with the headlights lol

[@gunslinger9352]

Well f me.. My first bolt attached to glass snapped of like it was nothing, no resistance what so ever. Well fun me to fix that 🙄

[@IDontKnowWhatImDoingDIY]

Your job just got a bit longer.

[@gunslinger9352]

It sure did, gonna replace the tail gate upon summer. will fix it then :p winter is here and snow is falling.

[@garrettgiuffre5653]

Wait wait wait. You're not going to repair the other wires about to break and cause u to do it again