E36 Hood Strut
The E36 hood strut is a hydraulic support system for BMW’s E36 series, facilitating smooth and controlled lifting and holding of the car’s hood. It ensures easy access to the engine compartment while providing stability and safety during maintenance tasks, enhancing user convenience.
BMW E36 Hood Struts – Gas Spring Replacement
BMW E36 hood struts are essential components that support and hold your hood open safely and smoothly. Over time, the original gas struts lose pressure, causing the hood to drop, feel heavy, or fail to stay open properly. Replacing them restores safe and effortless hood operation. This replacement hood strut set is designed for BMW E36 models, providing reliable lifting force, stable support, and easy installation without special tools.
In addition to this model, GASTAC gas spring supplies hood struts for various vehicle applications, covering multiple OEM replacements with precise specifications and long service life.
Why BMW E36 Hood Struts Fail Over Time
When this happens, the hood becomes unsafe to open and may suddenly fall, which is a common result of worn or failed hood struts. Hood struts are gas-filled components that naturally wear out after years of use. Common reasons for failure include:
- Loss of internal gas pressure over time
- Oil leakage from worn seals
- Temperature-related performance degradation
- Frequent hood usage and aging rubber seals
Common Symptoms of Bad E36 Hood Struts
When hood struts fail, the hood may become unsafe to operate and can suddenly drop, making it difficult and risky to access the engine bay. If your hood struts are failing, you may notice—and if any of these symptoms appear, replacement is strongly recommended:
- The hood slowly drops instead of staying open
- The hood feels heavy when lifting
- The hood does not stay fully open
- Visible oil leakage on the strut body
- Weak performance in cold weather
BMW E36 Hood Struts Specification Sheet
To help customers quickly identify the correct replacement part, we have listed the following OEM reference numbers with their corresponding specifications. This cross-reference table makes it easier to match the original part with the correct gas strut solution, ensuring proper fitment and reliable performance (Click the OEM number to go directly to our online store for purchase).
| OEM | Image | Rod / Tube Ø | Stroke | Extended Length | Force |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51231960852 |  |
6/15 mm | 146 mm | 367 mm | 320 N |
| 51238119558 | |
6/15 mm | 165 mm | 411 mm | 280 N |
| 51241960862 |  |
8/18 mm | 80 mm | 295 mm | 480 N |
| 51248230070 | |
8/18 mm | 187 mm | 596 mm | 420 N |
| 51258132679 |  |
8/18 mm | 110 mm | 286 mm | 140 N |
BMW E36 Fitment Guide
These hood struts are compatible with multiple BMW E36 models:
- BMW E36 3 Series Sedan
- BMW E36 Coupe
- BMW E36 Convertible
- BMW E36 M3 (selected applications)
✔ Typically 2 gas struts are required per vehicle
✔ Designed as direct replacement parts
Interior Technology
- Highest corrosion resistance achieved through powder coated cyclinders and special treated piston rod surfaces.
- Minimal friction for the production of lowest extension forces.
- Great life cycles.
- Protection against vibration and light side forces.
- Integrated grease chamber.
- Low break away forces.
- Installation and storage in any position.
Easy DIY Installation E36 Hood Struts (No Special Tools Required)
Replacing hood struts on the BMW BMW E36 is a quick and straightforward process that requires minimal tools. With proper handling, the replacement can be completed safely within minutes without any permanent modifications. Below are the installation and replacement steps (Installation time: 10–15 minutes; No drilling or modifications required) :
- Step 1: Fully open the hood and secure it safely
- Step 2: Use a flat tool to release the clip on the old strut
- Step 3: Remove the old gas strut carefully
- Step 4: Install the new strut by snapping both ends into place
- Step 5: Test hood lifting and closing function
Why Choose BMW E36 Hood Struts From GASTAC?
- Direct OEM replacement fit
- Strong and stable lifting force
- Long service life and high-quality sealing system
- Smooth and controlled hood opening
- Easy plug-and-play installation
- Cost-effective alternative to OEM parts
BMW E36 Hood Struts FAQs
BMW E36 Hood struts on the BMW BMW E36 are wear-and-tear components that gradually lose performance over time. As they degrade, they can cause several functional and safety issues during hood operation.
1. What are BMW E36 hood struts?
BMW E36 hood struts are gas-filled support components that help hold the hood open safely and provide smooth lifting and closing performance.
2. How do I know if my hood struts are bad?
Common signs include a hood that slowly drops, feels heavy when lifting, does not stay fully open, or shows visible oil leakage from the strut body.
3. How long do E36 hood struts last?
Typically, hood struts last around 3–5 years depending on usage frequency, temperature conditions, and overall vehicle maintenance.
4. Can I replace E36 hood struts myself?
Yes, replacement is simple and usually takes only 10–15 minutes with basic tools. No drilling or modifications are required.
5. Do I need to replace both hood struts at the same time?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to replace both sides together to ensure balanced lifting force and safe hood operation.
6. Are E36 hood struts universal?
No, hood struts are model-specific. It is important to match OEM numbers and specifications for correct fitment.
7. Does GASTAC offer E36 hood struts replacements?
Yes, GASTAC provides high-quality replacement hood struts for BMW E36 and also supports a wide range of other vehicle models with OEM-compatible solutions.
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