51 00 ... Service position of engine hood

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2008 MINI Cooper, 2007 MINI Cooper, 2006 MINI Cooper, 2005 MINI Cooper, and 2004 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tool setup:

SPECIAL TOOL SETUP

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 Special Tool On Housing Of Gas Spring Strut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

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

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.