Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

How to change gas struts / tailgate struts on BMW 520i (E39) [TUTORIAL AUTODOC]

Replacement: tailgate struts – BMW E39. List of the tools you'll need:

WD-40 spray

Flat Screwdriver

All the parts you need to replace – Tailgate Struts for 5 Saloon (E39) and other BMW models

BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i

Replacement: tailgate struts – BMW E39. AUTODOC recommends:

Right and left gas struts of the boot lid should be replaced simultaneously.
The replacement procedure is identical for the right and left gas struts of the boot lid.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.

Replacement: tailgate struts – BMW E39. Recommended sequence of steps:

Step 1

Open the boot lid.
Step 2

Release the circlip connecting the gas strut to the boot lid. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 3

Release the circlip connecting the gas strut to the car body. Use a flat screwdriver.

Replacement: tailgate struts – BMW E39. Tip:

To avoid any injuries, be sure to hold the boot lid while demounting the gas struts.
Step 4

Remove the boot lid gas strut.
Step 5

Release the circlip connecting the gas strut to the boot lid. Use a flat screwdriver.
Step 6

Release the circlip connecting the gas strut to the car body. Use a flat screwdriver.

Replacement: tailgate struts – BMW E39. Tip from AUTODOC experts:

To avoid any injuries, be sure to hold the boot lid while demounting the gas struts.
Step 7

Remove the boot lid gas strut.
Step 8

Clean the mounting seats of the boot strut.Use WD-40 spray.
Step 9

Install the new boot lid gas strut.

Replacement: tailgate struts – BMW E39. Tip from AUTODOC:

To avoid any injuries, be sure to hold the boot lid while installing the gas strut.
Step 10

Snap on the circlip connecting the gas strut to the boot lid.
Step 11

Snap on the circlip connecting the gas strut to the car body.
Step 12

Install the new boot lid gas strut.

Replacement: tailgate struts – BMW E39. Tip:

To avoid any injuries, be sure to hold the boot lid while installing the gas strut.
Step 13

Snap on the circlip connecting the gas strut to the boot lid.
Step 14

Snap on the circlip connecting the gas strut to the car body.
Step 15

Check the working condition of the boot lid gas springs after they are installed.
Step 16

Close the lid of the luggage compartment.

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