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Subject: Replacing the trunk shocks -- a pictorial guide Author: DavidC (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 12116 posts Posted on: 2007-01-09 20:27:01

The trunk lid of my '97 740iL was noticiably more difficult to raise than it had been in the past, and it would practically slam itself shut when lowering, rather than lower itself gracefully as it once did. Time for new trunk shocks.

The procedure is a 10-minute job, but there are two tricks that will save you some time:

1. A small, flat-blade screwdriver works well to pry off the metal band clips that secure the lower end of the shocks to the trunk. Just pop them off and the ends of the shocks are easily removed.

2. Take care to orient the upper ends of the shocks in the proper position (see photos below) during installation. If the upper ends are oriented incorrectly, the trunk will not close. If you try to force it closed in such a position, you could damage your trunk lid.


Here are the two new trunk shocks, part # 51 24 8 171 480 ($27.74 each at the BMW Store). The manufacturer is Stabilus (with the BMW logo, too). Somewhat expensive for what you get, but if they last another 10 years like the originals did, I won't complain. BTW, I recommend sticking with the official BMW parts (see Sarasota's recent post about aftermarket trunk shocks for details).




On the passenger side, use a 10mm socket to loosen the two nuts (fore and aft) holding the plastic shield, then move it out of the way.


Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to pry the retaining clip just enough so that the end of the shock is freed from the stud.


Here's a view of the same clip being removed on the driver's side.


Then use a larger flat-blade screwdriver to push the end of the shock off of the stud. Be careful not to scratch the paint.


Now, at the top of the shock, pop off the E-clip holding the top of the shock to the trunk lid. The end of the shock slides out away from the car.


Slide the shock out of the plastic guide. If your other shock is worn out, a small gust of wind is all it takes to blow the trunk lid down onto your head, so be careful.



Insert the new shock into the plastic guide, taking note of how the upper end is oriented in the photo above. If the angle of the bracket at the top points in the other direction, the trunk lid won't close. Attach the E-clip and you're done!


I also added a bit of white lithium grease to the upper and lower mounting points.

David Cecil

'97 740iL, 155k miles
'92 750iL, 88k miles
'86 735i, 101k miles

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• Replacing the trunk shocks -- a pictorial guide (pic) (url) - DavidC 2007-01-09 20:27:01 (12619 views)
  • Did mine recently too. Couple of notes to add... (url) - bugs1357 2007-01-10 07:00:18 (922 views)
  • Beautiful instructions, as usual! (nt) - kc314 2007-01-10 06:56:38 (360 views)
  • Great instructions, David. Looks just like I remembered when I did mine - sdmike1 2007-01-10 00:26:01 (386 views)
    • correction... - sdmike1 2007-01-10 00:27:23 (472 views)
  • Did mine a couple of months ago. (nt) - Roy In GA 2007-01-10 00:20:59 (479 views)