Automatic opening and closing of the boot lid/tailgate is controlled by the boot lid/tailgate module and the general module of the ZKE III.
The boot lid/tailgate is opened and closed by means of a hydraulic system, consisting of a hydraulic pump and two hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic system is controlled by the boot lid/tailgate module.
In addition to the hydraulic system, an automatic soft-close facility (fitted as standard on E38) and an electrical rear lid release (fitted as standard on E39) are also fitted on the rear lid. These components are controlled by the general module of the ZKE III.
The general module and boot lid/tailgate module are interlinked via the K-bus.
Boot lid opening procedure
Boot lid closing procedure
The boot lid/tailgate opening and closing functions are operated by means of three pushbuttons.
All operating buttons switch to ground.
If the buttons are struck briefly the boot lid/tailgate is fully opened (all pushbuttons) or closed (only buttons in boot lid/tailgate).
If the boot lid/tailgate is moving, it is stopped when a button is pressed once more.
The boot lid/tailgate can also be opened and closed by means of the radio remote control.
The boot lid/tailgate is opened by pressing the key button with the boot lid/tailgate symbol. If the boot lid/tailgate is moving, it is stopped when a button is pressed once more.
The button on the key-chain transmitter must be pressed and held in order to close the boot lid/tailgate.
A tilt switch is fitted in the boot lid/tailgate in order to detect its position. The switch is active when the tailgate has reached the upper stop (tailgate open). The tailgate module then switches off the hydraulic pump after an afterrunning period of 1 second.
The hydraulic system consists of the following components:
The system is operated with a maximum pressure of 100 bar.
The hydraulic system is maintenance-free and self-venting.
Note
The procedures described in the repair instructions must be followed when working on the hydraulic system.
The hydraulic pump is controlled by the boot lid/tailgate module in the directions of rotation "open boot lid/tailgate" and "close boot lid/tailgate".
Power is supplied by means of two relays integrated in the boot lid/tailgate module.
A repeat lock facility prevents the hydraulic pump overheating. The pump is switched off for approx. 6 minutes if it was in operation for longer than 2 minutes within a short space of time.
The pressure relief valves are integrated in the hydraulic unit and limit the maximum possible pressure in the hydraulic cylinders.
The pressure is limited to maximum 100 bar to open the boot lid/tailgate and to maximum 60 bar to close the boot lid/tailgate.
In the event of system failure, the boot lid/tailgate can be opened and closed manually by exerting little pressure.
An emergency valve is additionally integrated in the hydraulic unit which, in the event of system failure, maintains a system pressure of 40 bar thus ensuring the boot lid/tailgate movement is dampened.