86 21... Removing Gas Spring

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 12 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW 535xi, 2010 BMW 535i, 2009 BMW 535xi, 2009 BMW 535i, and 2008 BMW 750i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Only remove the gas spring while the lid is open. The gas spring will then not be subjected to load and the spring piston will not jump out of the spring housing. Prop the lid open with one hand to prevent it dropping closed. Remove the gas spring with your other hand.

NOTE:

Side lids are each fitted with a gas spring. Rear lid is fitted with two gas springs. The following text describes how to remove the gas spring at one mounting point as an example. Proceed in the same way for all other mounting points.

Rear lid:

Replace gas springs in pairs only.

Lever out retaining clip (1) in recess (2) and push on gas spring head (3) in direction of arrow. Detach spring head (3) from ball pivot.

Installation:

Push retaining clip (1) back into its original position.

Press spring head (3) onto ball pivot until spring head (3) snaps audibly into place.

Fig 1: Identifying Spring Head And Retaining Clip

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.