BMW 7 Series Rear Tailgate Replacement Parts

The 7 Series has run through several distinct generations: E38 (1994–2001), E65/E66 (2001–2008), F01/F02 (2008–2015), and G11/G12 (2015–2022), with the current G70 from 2022 onwards. Tailgates are generation-specific and will not cross between these platforms, so you must match your car to the correct generation first. Give your registration to the breaker and they can confirm exactly which platform you're on.

The F01 ran from 2008 to 2015 with a facelift in 2012, and while the core platform is shared, pressing changes around a facelift can mean subtle differences in panel shape, shut lines, or camera apertures. You should name the boundary – pre-2012 versus post-2012 – to the breaker and ask them to verify the part against your specific registration before buying. Never assume a pre-facelift panel is a straight swap onto a facelifted car without that check.

Engine variants like 730d and 750i make no difference whatsoever to tailgate fitment, so don't let that put you off a part from a different engine car. M Sport is a trim and styling package, not a separate body, so the tailgate shell itself is the same pressing – however, be aware that an M Sport car may have a different bootlid spoiler, badging, or trim finisher that won't transfer across. The breaker can confirm whether any cosmetic items you need are included with the part.

The standard-wheelbase saloon (F01, or G11 in the later generation) and the long-wheelbase L version (F02, or G12) are both four-door saloons with a conventional boot lid rather than a hatchback-style tailgate, so in practice the rear aperture and panel are the same between the two wheelbase variants. Confirm this with the breaker against your registration to be certain, as subtle differences between same-platform variants are worth checking. Your breaker will be able to match the part to your VIN.

The standard 7 Series is a saloon, so it has a conventional drop-down boot lid rather than a full hatchback tailgate – when searching, 'boot lid' or 'bootlid' will get you more accurate results from UK breakers. Some buyers use 'tailgate' loosely to mean the rear opening panel regardless of body style, which is fine, but be clear with your breaker that you want the saloon boot lid. Confirm your exact body style and generation when requesting a quote so the breaker pulls the right part.

Generation matters enormously for a tailgate, so a listing without a year or generation reference is a real risk – always ask the breaker for the donor car's registration or at minimum the platform code (E38, E65, F01, G11, and so on). Once you have that, cross-check it against your own generation and, if it's an F01 or later, clarify whether it's pre- or post-facelift. A reputable breaker will be happy to verify fitment against your registration before you commit.