i have detailed instructions on how to do this but cannot find them
so i will TRY to descibe how to

open the lift gate
looking down near the tailgate push button
there are accordion fins running across the tailgate
take a flat screwdriver and stick it under the fins
turn it so the fins lift

next steps are simple but not so ez

you are looking at foam padding at this point'
you want to get the padding out of the way i removed it for good
there is an access hole that you want find
it is below that tailgate push button
loop through the hole and pull

i cant remember if you pull left or right
i think it was right... towards the passenger side (US)

 

Thank you, I will try that today after work.

 

If you do find them would you be kind to forward them to me. I can send you my email thanks

 

check out this 8 yr old thread where qsilver posts what you are looking for
at number 6
tailgate
couple other things in there kinda interesting too
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=297952

here you are dealing with number 6 and you could have an issue with number 4
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=FB33-USA-01-2003-E53-BMW-X5_44i&diagId=41_1292

the two pics...
the first pic is what you will see once you remove the foam
make a hook out of a coat hanger with an L shaped end about 1/2in or so long
stick it thru at the red mark
pull it in the direction of the black mark

the second pic just shows the opposite side of that plate
where the tailgate actuator is