86 21 ... Removing Gas Spring

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW X3, 2009 BMW X3, 2008 BMW X3, 2007 BMW X3, and 2006 BMW X3. 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: Detaching Spring Head From Ball Pivot

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.