Important!
This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 tds, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 528 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 540 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 td, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) M5, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 535 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 d, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 525 i, BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 530 i View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

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

video
All the parts you need to replace – Tailgate Struts for 5 Saloon (E39) and other BMW models
How to change Tailgate strut on BMW E39 523 i – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Tailgate strut
How to change Gas Spring, rear windscreen on BMW E39 523 i – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Gas Spring, rear windscreen
How to change Electrical motor, tailgate on BMW E39 523 i – step-by-step instructions for straightforward car repair
Electrical motor, tailgate
Tools
Replacement: tailgate struts – BMW E39. List of the tools you'll need:
WD-40 spray
Flat Screwdriver
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:
  1. Step 1
    How to change Tailgate Struts on BMW E39 1995 - free PDF and video manuals
    Open the boot lid.
  2. Step 2
    How to replace BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 523 i 1996 Tailgate Struts - step-by-step manuals and video guides
    Release the circlip connecting the gas strut to the boot lid. Use a flat screwdriver.
  3. Step 3
    BMW E39 530d 3.0 1997 Tailgate Struts replacement: free workshop manuals
    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.
  4. Step 4
    Changing Tailgate Struts on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 520 i 1998 by yourself
    Remove the boot lid gas strut.
  5. Step 5
    How to remove BMW 5 SERIES 525 tds 1999 Tailgate Struts - online easy-to-follow instructions
    Release the circlip connecting the gas strut to the boot lid. Use a flat screwdriver.
  6. Step 6
    How to replace Tailgate Struts on BMW 5 Saloon (E39) 2000: download PDF manuals and video instructions
    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.
  7. Step 7
    How hard is it to do yourself: Tailgate Struts replacement on BMW E39 525i 2.5 2001 - download illustrated guide
    Remove the boot lid gas strut.
  8. Step 8
    Need to know how to renew Tailgate Struts on BMW 5 SERIES 2002? This free workshop manual will help you to do it yourself
    Clean the mounting seats of the boot strut. Use WD-40 spray.
  9. Step 9
    Changing of Tailgate Struts on BMW E39 2003 won't be an issue if you follow this illustrated step-by-step guide
    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.
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DIY BMW 5 Saloon (E39) Tailgate Struts replacement - online guide
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