E36 Convertible (Gas Strut on Convertible Top Lid)

[triksterut]

Hey guys,

Trying to replace the gas strut on the convertible top lid of my 99 M3. I found the diagram in the service manual:

290377

I found the strut on the car but I can't for the life of me figure out how to actually get to it to replace it. It's behind a welded in frame and various other bits. I can pop the bottom part off but the top I can't even feel with my fingers. Anyone done this?

Cheers,

Jeremy

[LockDots]

Try the vert section, you'll get way more views

[triksterut]

I didn't even see that - I'll try it :)

Jeremy

[LockDots]

Welcome to the world of Bimmer online communities, you'll find we're all one big family haha.

The vert family's cooler of course.:stickoutt

[triksterut]

Of course! :) I have two of them actually an 05 and a 99 - I actually like my 99 a bit better if only it were as fast as my 05

[risklife]

1. open the top until the soft cover is vertical and the tonneau cover is open to its max
2. remove the cover - make sure that you note the shimms and the number and the location- or else it is a pain to get back right
one trick is to outline the bracket to the lid in marker so that you can approx the position
3. you may need help to maneuver the top
4. push down the bracket arms until you see the clip ends
5. pull up the clip
6. remove the top end
7. remove the bottom end
8. reverse the above - that's it
only thing is to get the length of the new strut right to fit it on- a little work but it can be done