51 00... Service position of engine hood

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 BMW X5, 2005 BMW X5, and 2004 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tool setup:

SPECIAL TOOL SETUP CHART

Model series	Special tool
E46, E90, E91, R50, R52, R53	51 2 160
E53, E85, E60, E61, E63, E64, E87	51 2 170
E65, E66, E67	51 2 180
E83	51 0 040

WARNING: A second person must hold the engine hood (risk of injury and damage).

NOTE: The illustrations below serve as examples for all corresponding vehicles.
The operation is described on the left side; proceed in the same way for the right side.

Special tool can only be used on housing (1) of gas spring strut (thick part).

Fig 1: Identifying Gas Spring Strut Housing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Gas spring strut can also be installed the other way round (housing on hood).
Special tool can be used in both directions.

Release gas spring strut on left/right housing side. Refer to 51 23 265 REMOVING AND INSTALLING/REPLACING LEFT OR RIGHT GAS STRUT FOR ENGINE BONNET/HOOD .

Slide special tool (1) over housing (2) of gas spring strut.

Fig 2: Sliding Special Tool Over Housing

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Clip ball socket of special tool on ball stud.

Proceed in same way on other side.