Bonnet won't stay up

Post Sat Sep 22, 2018 5:00 pm

Hi, I have a 2-door 1988 318i.

The bonnet does not stay up. I had a look at realoem.com and I would say it is the gas pressurised spring which doesn't have enough resistance any more to hold up the bonnet (all the other bits and pieces seem to be okay).

Is it possible to service the spring, or does it need to be replaced?

Post Sat Sep 22, 2018 5:46 pm

Easy to replace. Just get a new one. BMW one will fit best.

Post Sat Sep 22, 2018 6:25 pm

To answer your question: no you can't service it you need to get a new one.

And a quick tip when removing bonnet strut, make sure you supporting the bonnet somehow as it becomes very heavy instantly and bangs your head hard, don't ask me how I know

Post Sat Sep 22, 2018 8:34 pm

As above the damper has failed you should be able to get a replacement for between £20 to £30.

Post Sat Sep 22, 2018 8:48 pm

Try these guys https://www.sgs-engineering.com/ I used them a while and had very good service.

Post Sun Sep 23, 2018 12:50 pm

Pop the part number into e-bay and see what comes up, got mine that way.

Welcome to the zone as well mate !!

Mart.

Post Sun Sep 23, 2018 4:13 pm

I have SGS in the past and also like Mart said eBay and bought a Febi strut.

Post Mon Sep 24, 2018 8:23 am

Thanks everyone for your replies, much appreciated!

Turns out the spring is now the least of my problems: yesterday, the starter motor gave up the ghost! It spins but the engine doesn't crank - a real shame, this is the first major problem I've had in over 6 years of ownership, so I suppose I was due!

Thanks again all, cheers!

Post Mon Sep 24, 2018 9:40 am

Could be the solenoid tap it with a hammer.

Oh, an use a length of wood to hold the bonnet up as you tap it otherwise a sore head........

Post Mon Sep 24, 2018 10:31 am

heheheh, good advice

just tried the hammer trick, no change unfortunately.

My Haynes manual says removing starter motor is a "one spanner" job, so maybe i'll have a go at removing it and ordering a new one.

Post Mon Sep 24, 2018 11:09 am

Not to be too technical, try a bigger hammer!

Post Mon Sep 24, 2018 11:21 am

ChrisHC wrote:Not to be too technical, try a bigger hammer!

Or know where to whack it.

Post Mon Sep 24, 2018 11:24 am

"Or know where to whack it."

I was just hitting it from wherever i could reach it