Bought my touring 3 months ago and the tailgate struts were well past their best. The coil packs were failing!

Called BMW and felt that ?100 plus VAT was a bit much and considering that my car is only 3 years old I don't fancy fitting the same struts again!

Found a gas strut specialist and after a bit of confusion and trial and error I've now got a perfectly functioning boot lid! Sad but after using mole grips on the strut rod to keep the boot up while loading having it opening almost by itself seems like a luxury!

Anyway here's the company I used, speak to Andy or Seb

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/

Was less than 1/2 the price of BMW and have 2 year warranty.

 

Great work!

Can you give us a brand + type (part no.) so us mainlanders can also buy them?

 

If you mention 'the e61 you did for chesney in Aberdeen' then they'll know exactly what you need. Part number they supplied was

GS8-18-250-300 BMW E61 Gas Strut

This was the original number but I had to get it shortened as it was too long. They are aware of the length it needs to be 22.5" should do it as mine are 23" and I only just managed to get them on. 22.5" would be perfect.

Fairly sure they'll post anywhere in the world too

 

I think I have the same problem. The tailgate is extremly slow, and I have to use force to open it fully. My girlsfriend has serious problems doing it on her own.

The strange thing is that is happened about exactly the same time as the winther and low temperatures came.


Is it my struts?

 

Quite likely - lower temp = lower gas pressure in the strut. Plus any ice or snow on the tailgate will make it heavier.

 

You will experience a slower reaction from the struts when cold, and an unwillingness to open up fully. Are the ok when it's warm?

If your girlfriend is struggling that coudl be an indication that they need to be replaced.

 

The tailgate struts do fail after a while mine slowed down and stopped lifting the tailgate fully. They were replaced under warranty at under three years old. Will use the above company for them next time though now I have to pay for them.