A Guide to Replacing the Tailgate Lift Supports on Your 2007-2015 BMW 335i Wagon
If your E91 Touring's heavy tailgate is becoming a workout to lift or won't stay open, it's time for new lift supports.
- Failing tailgate lift supports on the E91 wagon are a common wear item, not a specific defect.
- Replacement is a very easy, 15-minute DIY job that only requires a flathead screwdriver.
- For best results, choose aftermarket struts from the OEM supplier, Stabilus, and always replace them in pairs.
- A falling tailgate is a safety hazard; prop it open securely if the struts are weak.
Is Your Tailgate Fighting Back?
The lift supports on the BMW 335i wagon are a common wear-and-tear item. Due to the weight of the tailgate, these struts are under constant pressure. After years of use, especially in colder climates, the seals can weaken and the internal gas pressure escapes. This leads to the classic symptoms of a failing lift support.
Symptoms of a Failing Tailgate Lift Support
Recognizing the signs of a worn-out lift support is straightforward. Look for these common indicators:
- Heavy Lifting: The tailgate feels much heavier than it used to and requires significant effort to open manually.
- Won't Stay Open: You have to hold the tailgate up, or it slowly drifts down after you let go.
- Stops Halfway: The tailgate may only open partially before stopping, requiring an extra push to get it fully open.
- Sudden Closing: In advanced stages of failure, the tailgate can slam shut without warning, which is a serious safety risk.
- Sluggish in the Cold: The struts may seem weaker and perform worse in cold weather.
Safety First
A tailgate that falls unexpectedly can cause serious injury. If your lift supports are weak, do not stand or work under the tailgate without propping it open securely with a sturdy object.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Lift Support
When replacing your tailgate struts, you have a choice between OEM parts from a dealer and aftermarket options. For this specific part, the choice is quite clear.
- OEM-Equivalent (Recommended): The original struts on your BMW were made by a company called Stabilus. You can buy these same Stabilus-branded struts from aftermarket suppliers for a fraction of the dealer price. They are considered the best option, providing the correct lifting force and longevity without the high cost of a part in a BMW box.
- Budget Aftermarket (Use with Caution): Brands like Lesjofors offer a more budget-friendly alternative. However, real-world feedback suggests some lower-cost struts may not be strong enough to lift the heavy E91 tailgate properly, sometimes only opening it halfway. While you might save a little money initially, the performance may not match the original design. Some cheap aftermarket parts are also known to fail in as little as a year.
Pro Tip: Always replace lift supports in pairs. Replacing only one will cause uneven pressure and wear out the new strut much faster.
Cost of Replacing Tailgate Lift Supports (2007-2015 BMW 335i)
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Lift Supports (Pair) | $34 - $75 |
| New OEM Lift Supports (Pair) | $120 - $150 |
| Shop Labor | $50 - $100 |
| DIY Cost (Recommended) | $34 - $75 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a difficult DIY job?
No, this is one of the easiest DIY jobs you can do. It typically takes less than 15 minutes and only requires a small flathead screwdriver to release the old clips.
Are there any recalls for the tailgate struts?
No, there are no recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from BMW or the NHTSA specifically for the tailgate lift supports on the 2007-2015 335i. Failure is considered normal wear and tear.
My remote unlocks the tailgate but it doesn't lift on its own. Is it broken?
This is normal operation. The remote or handle button only unlatches the tailgate; it does not automatically lift it. You must begin lifting it manually. However, with new, healthy struts, a small initial lift should be enough for the struts to take over and raise the tailgate the rest of the way.
Does this guide apply to my 335i sedan or coupe?
This guide is specifically for the E91 Touring (wagon) model, which has a "tailgate." The E90 sedan and E92 coupe have a smaller "trunk lid" that uses different, though similar, lift supports. The replacement process is nearly identical, but you must order the correct part number for your specific body style.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 51247127875
This guide applies to the BMW 335i E91 Touring (Wagon) model. Sedan and Coupe models use different part numbers.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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