2013 X3 35i power Tailgate

Can not find in owners manual if you can close the rear tailgate by using the open button next to your left knee. I can only open it from the front and have to close it by pushing the button on the rear tailgate.

No, the button by your knee will only open it, not close it. You have to hit the button on the inside tailgate (with comfort access) to close it.

It is possible to "code" the inside button and key fob to close the tailgate. See the BMW Coding and Programming forum on this site. One disclaimer is that I assume BMW does not make this feature active in the US for safety reasons. If you do code it, be careful closing the tailgate.
BMW Coding and Programming

Has anyone verified that the coding for this works on the X3? I had some things coded on my 2012 X3, like closing the side mirrors by holding your finger on the lock space of the door handle outside - but for some reason they couldn't get the closing of the tailgate by fob or knee button to work. I'd like to try it again if indeed it does work and I had missed something earlier.

you can always tie a rope to the inside of the tailgate and pull it from the driver seat.

Yes. Closing the tailgate can be coded for the interior button and the key fob. ... I just did it last night.

Originally Posted by JSY

Has anyone verified that the coding for this works on the X3? I had some things coded on my 2012 X3, like closing the side mirrors by holding your finger on the lock space of the door handle outside - but for some reason they couldn't get the closing of the tailgate by fob or knee button to work. I'd like to try it again if indeed it does work and I had missed something earlier.

Yes, it definitely works. Make sure whoever was doing the coding was doing all of the items that need to be coded for that, including TASTER_FBD.

Originally Posted by edbiology

you can always tie a rope to the inside of the tailgate and pull it from the driver seat.