51 00... Service position of engine compartment lid

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 BMW M3, 2010 BMW M3, 2009 BMW M3, and 2008 BMW M3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Only the special tool pertaining to the model series can be selected.

SPECIAL TOOLS REFERENCE CHART

Series	Special tool
E46, R50, R52, R53	51 2 160
E53, E60, E61, E63, E64, E71, E72, E81, E82, E88, E85, E86, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93
E65, E66, E67	51 2 180
E83	51 0 040
E70	51 2 240

WARNING: Risk of injury and damage!
Engine compartment lid must be held by a second person helping.

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/bonnet).

Special tool can be used in both directions.

Fig 1: Identifying Housing Of 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.