[The Nightman]

.

[tlow98]

Omg fml. Can’t believe never knew this. Really would have helped when I was digging into the valve cover.

This is amazing. Thank you.

[Vulcan50]

I wish I had the space in my garage to do it!

[Efthreeoh]

Just don't bump the gas springs... Ouch

[feuer]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Just don't bump the gas springs... Ouch

Yes, too scratchy, is asking to get hurt.

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Just don't bump the gas springs... Ouch

It takes a surprising amount of force to displace the struts once the hood is resting on them. The dimple in the nut helps secure the struts but I still strongly recommend a stick for safety. There are fancy telescoping props but I just use the broomstick my parents used to beat me with.

If you're feeling fancy, BMW sells strut extensions (83300493647) for a mere $100:

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by freedomfries

It takes a surprising amount of force to displace the struts once the hood is resting on them. The dimple in the nut helps secure the struts but I still strongly recommend a stick for safety. There are fancy telescoping props but I just use the broomstick my parents used to beat me with.

If you're feeling fancy, BMW sells strut extensions (83300493647) for a mere $100:

Don't bump the broomstick...

[Wolf 335]

Originally Posted by freedomfries

You can easily put your hood into "service position" for more access to the engine bay by removing the hood struts from the hood and positioning them at a lower point. The hood opens nearly 90 degrees - there are stops on the hinges that prevent it from opening further. You only need a small flathead to undo the retaining clip from the hood strut

I like to rest the struts against the lower hinge bolt as pictured. The dimple in the nut and weight of the hood keeps the strut secured, but I still recommend propping a stick against the hood for safety.

I'm more curious as to what lighting you're using in your garage?

Engine bay is very nicely lit. Can you share?

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by freedomfries

It takes a surprising amount of force to displace the struts once the hood is resting on them. The dimple in the nut helps secure the struts but I still strongly recommend a stick for safety. There are fancy telescoping props but I just use the broomstick my parents used to beat me with.

If you're feeling fancy, BMW sells strut extensions (83300493647) for a mere $100:

Part number didn't show up in realoem…

Nor as a reference in Newtis.info.

Trying to figure out what they are for. ECP Euro says a special tool.

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Part number didn't show up in realoem…

Nor as a reference in Newtis.info.

Trying to figure out what they are for. ECP Euro says a special tool.

They are extensions for your factory hood struts to raise the hood higher

[hassmaschine]

That is sketchy as hell. I've had a hood fall on my head, no way I would trust that.

Once the hood on my E30 fell onto a ratchet that was on the intake, and pushed a spot out on my hood - I pushed it back in with my finger, you couldn't even tell. But after that, I just took the whole hood off.

On my E90, I tie a rope to a hook I have mounted in the ceiling, and tie the hood out of the way.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by freedomfries

They are extensions for your factory hood struts to raise the hood higher

Ah, since you said that, I looked at the Bentley pic closer and realize the extensions move the ball joint stud from the hood sheet metal to the hinge, closer to the hingeline of the hood. Yet I'm not sure those parts fit the E9X. ECS had the parts, but did not list them for the E9X IIRC. It looks like the extensions have a threaded end in the non-ball end that a thru bolt screws into through a hole in the hinge arm. The E9x has no hole as far as I can tell.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

That is sketchy as hell. I've had a hood fall on my head, no way I would trust that.

Once the hood on my E30 fell onto a ratchet that was on the intake, and pushed a spot out on my hood - I pushed it back in with my finger, you couldn't even tell. But after that, I just took the whole hood off.

On my E90, I tie a rope to a hook I have mounted in the ceiling, and tie the hood out of the way.

Yeah, the stealth E30 hood head slam. Been there. The E30 has a cool hood design and all, but it doesn't let you know when the gas piston is strong enough to push the hood forward, but not strong enough to help the counter balance of the hood to keep it raised. LoL.

[mecheng77]

Why not remove that lower bolt so it has a hole to lock in. The single bolt is more than strong enough to hold the hood in place.
Looks sketchy and the strut can just slide off the bolt head

[liontigerwings]

putting my head underneath the hood always freaks me out a bit.

[S65Hunter]

I had the hood on my dodge ram fall down and hit me on the head on the side of the highway. I had to get stitches....

[Efthreeoh]

I like the idea of the repositioning of the gas strut to open the hood more. The extensions are a good idea but I don't think work on the E9X hinge setup.

What I'd do is get another set of ball-pins and drill/tap holes in the E9X hood hinge and but the "service" set of ball-pins on the hinges. Then you can relocate the gas struts during engine service. The only issue I see is stretching the ground/safety strap.

[feuer]

I get it. People get ideas all the time. But this one? Not a good, definitely!