51 71 371 Removing and installing/replacing tension strut on left or right spring strut dome

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2008 BMW 335i, 2008 BMW 328i, 2008 BMW 323i, 2007 BMW 335i, and 2007 BMW 328i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

00 9 120

IMPORTANT: Driving without the tension strut is not permitted. (Risk of damage to the body).

Tension strut screws must be tightened to torque and then tightened down with special tool 00 9 120.

IMPORTANT: Catch (2) and seal (3) of cover (1) must not be damaged.

Even a minimally damaged cover (1) may result in water leaking in; if necessary, replace cover (1).

NOTE: Two possible versions of cover (1):

Turn cover (with notch) approx. 45° counterclockwise
Snap out cover (without notch) in upward direction
Remove cover (1) and release screw underneath.

Fig 1: Identifying Spring Strut Dome Catch, Seal And Cover
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release screw (1).

Grip grommet (3) and pull out tension strut (2) in direction of arrow.

NOTE: Grommet (3) must not be pulled out of bulkhead because this eliminates the possibility of correct feeding in when installed.

Fig 2: Identifying Spring Strut Mounting Screw, Tension Strut And Grommet

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Installation:

Replace screws.

Carefully feed tension strut (1) into grommet (2).

Tighten down screws to specified torque and then retighten to angle of rotation using special tool 00 9 120.

For tightening torque refer to 51 71 2AZ in 51 71 SEALS AND LOOSE BODY PARTS .

Fig 3: Identifying Tension Strut And Grommet

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.