Replacing the Trunk Lid's "shocks"?

[wernst]

All,

So today, I noticed it was much tougher than normal to open the trunk, like the trunk like was very heavy. Likewise, when I went to close it, it slammed shut on its own.

I assume this means that one or more of the little gas pistons that look like shocks on the trunk lid hinges have failed.

When I looked closely, it looks like one of the pistons leaked its fluid a bit.

So, can someone point me to a write-up on replacing these? It looks like there's probably a simple trick to it.

Also, is the dealer pretty much the only place to get replacements?

Thanks,
Warr

[Monolith]

with a clip. Use a flat screwdriver, etc. to pry up the clip. Make sure you have the trunk supported if you plan on taking off both old shocks before putting on the new ones.

[lpcapital]

with a flathead screwdriver and pull the shock to remove it. I would highly recommend having a helper to hold the trunk open while you remove the shock or the trunk might slam close. Not only that could hurt you, but, most importantly, the now loose shock might get stuck between the lid and the body causing a nasty ding...
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2003 Z4 2.5i
2002 Ducati Monster S4

[TexZan]

97 2.8 Arctic Silver - Tanin Red interior with wood console - black top
Whalen Shift Machine, polished - Type II windscreen (non roll-hoops) - Bilstein HD shocks/struts
Axxis Metal Master pads - Brembo rotors - Doug Whalen seat bushings
Passenger Eject (unfortunately non-functional) - OEM Passenger Airbag Disable switch
Polk Audio all around - Blaupunkt PA amps - LeatherZ Mark II armrest - Strong Strut Trio - AUX input via tapedeck

[ZZZING]

Dealer will charge you more, of course. I got replacements from Pelican Parts for much cheaper. Local auto parts store may have them as well.

[wernst]

I'm so used to necessary parts being special-voodoo-BMW parts, but these struts are fairly generic, are they?

-Warr

[ZZZING]

You can definitely get non-BMW replacements for cheaper. I replaced mine about in '06, they are still working fine, and I open my trunk 3 or 4 times a day (car (roof) cover).

[CTG]

I wandered through the local Pep-Boys/Autozones a few years ago to see if I could get my hands on a replacement. In the gas-strut section, their leashed reference book listed the part number for the Z3, but it wasn't something normally stocked on the shelf. Special order. I think I ended up ordering BMW OEM.


Carter
'96½ Z3 _7_7_7_7
—roadster—
Dinan Stage I Suspension, Dinan Cold Air Intake, Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3, Bosch Platinum +4, Ground Control RSMs

[D.R.Smith]

I checked at napa today as mine need replacing.$47.00 each for the Z3

[Monolith]

It's going to take some time. Fairly rare part. I'll let you know if he turns one up. Thanks again.

[wernst]

Pelican had OEM versions of them for about $15 each, whereas ebay had generic ones for about $30 for two. Needless to say, I ordered them from Pelican.

Thanks for the pointers, guys.

-Warr