Auto trunk lid mod

[purplecty]

Any try this on an e38 yet? Wonder if it will work on our heavier trunk lids...

https://youtu.be/1R-FvdUgRuU

https://www.bearingboys.co.uk/Medium...Spring-31092-p

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[TheAngryBear]

Interesting and good idea.
They don’t show the closing though. Wonder where it naturally holds on closing and you have to compress it back...


2001 750iL DD74441
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[clarkitect]

Looks like it would prevent the unwashed from slamming the trunk to close it. That would be a bonus. Couple of valve springs could do the trick.

[TheAngryBear]

Eh, for $9 I got a package of 10 springs of the same diameter(s) and compression. Only difference is those are 65mm and the ones I ordered are 64mm. Worth a shot.
If it works I will have 8 extra...


2001 750iL DD74441
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[haynes740]

Angry Bear keep us posted on how this works. I work at a place we’re your trunk gets inspected before you leave the facility. They have no trunk edicate when closing the boot.


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[franco90]

interested

[COSteve]

Put me down for a set if they work.

[purplecty]

Eh, for $9 I got a package of 10 springs of the same diameter(s) and compression. Only difference is those are 65mm and the ones I ordered are 64mm. Worth a shot.
If it works I will have 8 extra...


2001 750iL DD74441
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

Link? I saw some on ebay that were 65mm but the guy who did that e39 recommended 64mm...

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[masbury]

Gentlemen;

I (I think) I converted from metric to sae and found this spring domestically. I (think) it's the same. Can someone please verify for me before I jump in the pool and it turns out to be sh**.

Thanks

[TheAngryBear]

Link? I saw some on ebay that were 65mm but the guy who did that e39 recommended 64mm...

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Apparently I got the last Prime order... but others (potentially without free shipping) available.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EKX54PO

Wow, just looked at that link and it is the item I ordered for $9.74. Now it says the other source is $140? Lol. They heard Bmw owners are buying these...


2001 750iL DD74441
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[TheAngryBear]

Well the springs arrived and of course I went to put them on to see if this works. Had an old set of lifts and ran into a slight issue.
To get the springs on you have to pull the caps off. Well they seem like they are on there rather well...

and simple tools weren’t getting them off.
So went to eBay and got 2 sets of lifts for $15 (coupons applied) that I think I should be able to pull/screw off.
Those should be here by Tuesday and I can experiment more then.


2001 750iL DD74441
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[purplecty]

Where did you find 2 sets for $15?

[TheAngryBear]

These listings plus I had an eBay coupon for 40% off, so actually $16.50 but close enough.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-Tailgate...=1933160414008
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2pcs-Rear-T...=1977334711007
I am sure these are of the highest quality...


2001 750iL DD74441
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[TheAngryBear]

Well I have initial results... sort of.
First, as I suspected the non bmw aren’t crimped like the OE. The ones I got are screw ons.

So to remove, get your favorite clamp (vice for me) and set on the shaft

Get a pair of pliers on the head and twist

Slide on the spring, screw on the head, repeat with the other and all set.

Now the OD and ID are correct but the length is off between the E39 and E38. While the E39 might be 64mm the E38 is something less.

Yes the spring is compressed and the trunk is still open.
Looking back at the old shaft and wear marks I am guessing about 30mm is the goal length when compressed.

So I might just cut the springs to 50 mm and try. 50mm as the max spring compression is 40% so 30mm divided by 0.6 gives 50mm. (Yes, public math and appreciate any corrections required)
So more to follow.


2001 750iL DD74441
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[purplecty]

Thanks for doing all the trial and error for the e38...

[pavrom]

Very useful mod when raining
Am i the only one liking the factory type opening of the trunk ?

[TheAngryBear]

Alright, well I have some results.
First, the correct length seems to be 50mm. I cut the springs to that length and everything fit and opened and closed. Here are the cut springs


For those that may be wondering, yes the spring fit internally to the trim piece and yes you have to actively pull it the last 10mm. It doesn’t seem to bind or stress anything so ultimately this mod will work.
But the bad news: these springs are too weak to duplicate the video. It is enough to slow down the trunk so it doesn’t slam shut but for the opening? Doesn’t do jack.
When I was looking through the various springs there are many with higher rates. Iirc most don’t give the actual rate but are color coded. Maybe one of the higher rate colors would work.
For me, here and now, it is nice not to have the “slam” to the closed position past a certain point so I am calling well enough. But for those wanting more, get the higher rate springs and report back.


2001 750iL DD74441
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[purplecty]

Bummer! I figured the e38 trunk is way heavier than the e39 and e46...

[Gold Beemer]

Very useful mod when raining
Am i the only one liking the factory type opening of the trunk ?

I like the small release factory opening...and its because if u ever pop it while in the car by accident....trunk stays closed to the sight and trunk indicator will tell you...I dont need my trunk flying open and wearing out my trunk struts...every prelong savings on my 323i sport is a savings to my wallet.

[purplecty]

On a side note, how is the quality of those ebay trunk struts?

[TheAngryBear]

I like the small release factory opening...and its because if u ever pop it while in the car by accident....trunk stays closed to the sight and trunk indicator will tell you...I dont need my trunk flying open and wearing out my trunk struts...every prelong savings on my 323i sport is a savings to my wallet.

Interesting point. The stay close is nice in rain and overall notice. I am not sure it holds that it makes the struts last longer, but I can’t say you are wrong.

On a side note, how is the quality of those ebay trunk struts?

So these are the second link (I think). Besides the screw mounts there isn’t much difference. Honestly can’t tell a difference with action. Time will tell on the longevity.



2001 750iL DD74441
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[purplecty]

But can they hold the trunk lid half way or a quarter of the way open without falling closed??

[TheAngryBear]

But can they hold the trunk lid half way or a quarter of the way open without falling closed??

Yes and especially with the springs in they can hold at lower.


And yes, I need to clean out the trunk and give a bath.


2001 750iL DD74441
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[masbury]

So realized after the fact, I forgot links to domestic springs.

Did more digging after TheAngryBear did the diy and provided a different length. Again, attempting to translate metric/sae. Someone with better translation skills please double check me. Was wondering about the red spring (higher rated "push")?

Blue spring: https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/07660582
Red spring: https://www.mscdirect.com/product/de...61572?fromRR=Y

[TheAngryBear]

So realized after the fact, I forgot links to domestic springs.

Did more digging after TheAngryBear did the diy and provided a different length. Again, attempting to translate metric/sae. Someone with better translation skills please double check me. Was wondering about the red spring (higher rated "push")?

Blue spring: https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/07660582
Red spring: https://www.mscdirect.com/product/de...61572?fromRR=Y

Right concept with the red (185lb) but wrong lengths. The 1” is too short for a single spring, ideally you want to aim for 1.969” (50mm) with deflection to 1.181” (30mm).
The ID of 10mm (.394”) allows it to sit on the head of the strut. Using 2 1” springs wouldn’t allow full rest on the other leading to binding, scratches, and general bad juju.


2001 750iL DD74441
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1