51 00... Service position of engine hood

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 16 other vehicles, including the 2006 BMW 330Ci, 2005 BMW 330xi, 2005 BMW 330i, 2005 BMW 330Ci, and 2004 BMW 330xi. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tool setup:

SPECIAL TOOL SPECIFICATION

Model series	Special tool
E46, E90, R50, R52, R53	51 2 160
E53, E85, E60, E61, E63, E64, E87	51 2 170
E65, E66	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).

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

Fig 1: Identifying Gas Spring Strut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release gas spring strut on left/right housing side.

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

Clip ball socket of special tool on ball stud.

Proceed in same way on other side.

Fig 2: Sliding Special Tool Over Housing Of Gas Spring Strut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.