Electric Tailgate

This is the installation guide for BMW i3 Electric Tailgate from EVOffer.

i3 Electric TailgateEVOffer

Packing List

1. Strut x 2

2. Control box (ECU) x 1

3. Soft closing lock x 1

4. Power/Signal wire harness x 1

5. Strut brackets x 2

6. Strut screws x 2

7. Add-on button (Driver) x 1

8. Add-on button (Liftgate) x 1

9. Double-sided tapes

10. Zip ties

11. Driller

Precaution

Vehicle Protection: To prevent damage to the paint, seats, or interior, installers should remove metal objects or hard items from their person. Place removed trim panels carefully to avoid scratches.

Connector Safety: Some wire terminals may not be inserted into their plastic housings at the factory to facilitate routing. To prevent short circuits, insert terminals into their housings immediately after routing and before connecting power.

Power Connection: Do not plug or unplug connected wires while the device is powered on to avoid damaging the main unit or accessories.

Pre-Installation Check

• Confirm if the vehicle's tailgate has not been modified or repaired previously.

• Check the dashboard for any existing fault codes.

• Verify that interior buttons and remote key functions are working normally.

• Check the original tailgate gaps (left/right) and flatness.

The images in this manual are for reference. Specific vehicle configurations may vary, but the installation method remains the same.

Recommended Tools

1. Diagonal cutting pliers

2. Hex sockets

3. T screwdrivers

4. Flat head screwdriver

5. Pry tools

6. Electrical tape

Installation

Step 1 - Liftgate Trim Disassembly

Carefully remove the main plastic trim panel from the inside of the tailgate.

Remove the trim panel located on the trunk threshold (bottom edge of the cargo area).

Step 2 - Strut Installation

Remove the original hydraulic struts (left and right).

Unscrew the original ball studs from the vehicle body and tailgate. Install the supplied ball studs (Identical on both sides).

Remove the original body-side brackets (left and right).

Install Electric Struts. The wire exiting the strut should face down and towards the body. Ensure the ball socket clips snap fully into place.

Route the strut wire through the trunk vent hole into the vehicle interior.

Step 3 - Lock Installation

Remove the OEM latch mechanism from the tailgate.

Install the provided electric soft close lock using the original screws.

Secure the soft close motor actuator module in a suitable location inside the tailgate (refer to manual images for specific cavity location).

Connect the wire harness as following.

Remove the original striker on the body side. Install the supplied striker with the arrow pointing toward the front of the car. Use original screws.

Step 4 - Power Connection

Remove the trim panel below the glove box (Passenger side).

Connect the Ground (GND) wire to a metal bolt on the dashboard skeleton/frame.

Tip: Connect Ground before connecting Power.

Locate the fuse box under the glove box.

Find a 12V Constant fuse.

Use the supplied fuse tap to make the connection. Ensure proper orientation.

Step 5 - Wire Connection

If the main power/signal connector shell is separate from the wires, insert the pins according to the color code provided in the manual.

Power Wire Terminal Sequences

Signal Wire Terminal Sequences

Connect all harnesses (Power, Struts, Lock, Buttons) to the Control Box.

Secure the Control Box inside the tailgate or body cavity where it will not rattle or interfere with trim.

Step 6 - Controls Setup

Drill a hole in the designated location on the tailgate trim (usually the grab handle area) and install the supplied close button.

This system utilizes the original car's central locking/unlocking button or a custom configuration (see User Guide).

To use the original remote key to control the tailgate, you may need to configure the vehicle settings:

• Go to Central Information Display (CID).

• Settings -> Doors/Key.

• Set a custom button (e.g., Diamond button on key) to "Tailgate".

Step 6 - System Initialization

You must initialize the system after installation or if power is reconnected.

Manually lift the tailgate to the highest position.

Press and hold the newly installed Trunk Button for 5 seconds.

Release the button after you hear a long "Beep".

Congratulations! The system is now initialized and ready for use.