BMW Boot Gas Strut Replacement Guide: How to Fix a Dropping Boot Lid SpringFixUk

BMW Boot Gas Strut Replacement Guide: How to Fix a Dropping Boot Lid

Is Your BMW Boot Lid Dropping or Not Staying Open?

If your BMW boot lid no longer stays open on its own, drops suddenly, or feels heavy to lift, the gas struts are almost certainly worn out. This is a very common issue on BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series models — and the good news is it's a straightforward fix you can do at home in under 30 minutes.

Tools You'll Need

  • Flat-head screwdriver or trim removal tool
  • Replacement gas struts (sold in pairs)
  • A helper to hold the boot lid open safely

Step 1: Find the Right Replacement Struts

Before you start, make sure you have the correct gas struts for your BMW model and year. Each strut has an OEM part number stamped on the body — note this down or search by your vehicle details. At SpringFixUK, all our BMW gas struts are listed with OEM part numbers for an exact match.

Common BMW gas strut part numbers include:

  • BMW 5 Series E39 Touring (boot): OEM 51248190688
  • BMW 3 Series E46 Cabrio (boot): OEM 51248254281
  • BMW 3 Series E36 (bonnet): OEM 51231960852
  • BMW 7 Series E38 (bonnet): OEM 51238150077

Step 2: Support the Boot Lid

Ask a helper to hold the boot lid fully open while you work. Never work under an unsupported boot lid — a failing strut can give way without warning.

Step 3: Remove the Old Struts

BMW gas struts clip onto ball studs at each end. To remove:

  • Insert a flat-head screwdriver or trim tool into the clip at the base of the end fitting
  • Lever gently to release the clip from the ball stud
  • Repeat at the top end
  • The strut will come free — it may still have some residual pressure, so keep it pointed away from you

Repeat on the other side.

Step 4: Fit the New Struts

New struts simply clip back onto the ball studs:

  • Align the end fitting over the ball stud
  • Press firmly until you hear a click — this confirms it's locked in place
  • Fit the top end first, then the bottom
  • Repeat on the other side

Step 5: Test the Boot Lid

Carefully lower and raise the boot lid a few times to check the struts are holding correctly. The lid should stay fully open without support and lower smoothly under control.

Always Replace Both Struts at the Same Time

Gas struts wear at a similar rate, so if one has failed, the other won't be far behind. Replacing both ensures balanced support and prevents uneven stress on the boot lid hinges.

Shop BMW Gas Struts at SpringFixUK

All our BMW gas struts are OEM-spec, sold in pairs, and dispatched quickly from the UK. Browse the full range for your model:

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