jadedj

Just bought my first BMW and so far I love it!

There were some minor repairs I have to work on, fixing the tail gate struts is pretty high up on the list. Question is, what do I need to place? The ball joint itself or both struts? And would these be the right parts?

RIGHT GAS PRESSURIZED SPRING . 315N Part Number: 51247201468



BALL PIN . M10 Part Number: 41627148797


bottom right strut

top right strut/ball

entire right strut

bottom left strut - you can't see it but the ball is almost entirely rusted out - the strut will pop out

top left strut

entire left/hydraulic strut

Wagon Master

Better question is "Why are they so badly rusted?"

I suggest you look into what is causing them to be in that condition. Figure that out, fix or repair and then put in new struts.

jadedj

I assume it's just from being old. Not sure how I would go about figuring out why, nor do I think it's worth it. I'm just going to replace at least the right strut (the non hydraulic one) and then see about fixing the joints on the left strut.

kguarnotta

That is quite an odd amount of rust. I've got a '08, with pretty much no rust there.

As for replacements - the driver side is a hydraulic thing. I've got problems with - looks to be about $800-$1000. I'm trying to find a way to salvage what I've got. The ball is the 10 mm socket, about $25.

pocholin

Did you guys figure out a fix?

I've found this fix
The Fix-it Blog - Sorting Things Out: BMW 535xi Touring E61 Tailgate Hydraulic Strut Popping off the Ball Joint - Set Screw Repair

Wondering is anyone tried a thicker retaining ring or another fix.

pocholin

I found a retaining ring in the US, I'll call tomorrow to find out diameter of ring. I'll keep you guys posted.

jadedj

Forget all of this, I am replacing it with a manual strut and will have to resort to manually lifting my gate now (oh, the horror!)

quattromeister

gman6262

These part numbers are correct - I just replaced my right side strut and ball a few months ago.

pocholin

I called and they confirmed that the ring's thickness is 1.2mm, pretty much the same as the one I have, although mine is not even. I am tempted at ordering the minimum and trying it out. Alternatively, I can try to make my own ring with keychain ring, which is thicker, the challenge is finding 1.3mm thick to make a difference, I am also wondering if 1.3mm might be too thick for the application.