BMW 740i/iL Trunk Shock Replacement Procedure
Vehicle: 1997 740iL, however, I think this applies to all 95-01.
Symptom: trunk may not stay fully open or may free fall when closing. In my case, the trunk would free fall closed and unless I was holding it carefully, it would slam shut.
The procedure took only about 30 minutes and was very easy. The outcome was excellent making the project well worth it and highly recommended.
Procedure:
1. It is best to remove and replace one shock and then move to the other side. Without any shock the trunk will easily fall on your head. To be safe, you may want to prop the trunk lid so it cannot fall on your head. When I had one shock removed, the wind did blow the lid down on my head!
2. Begin with the driver side shock. I recommend this because it is slightly easier since the wiring/harness does not come into play.
3. First, remove the c-clip of the upper mount, but do not disconnect the shock from the pivot mount yet. Here is picture with c-clip already removed. Another tip, I suggest replacing since cheap, but regardless, when you attempt to remove try to cover the clip with a rag so it doesn’t go flying. Mine disappeared out in the yard somewhere.
4. The next step is to remove the lower mounting clip. This is accomplished by using a screwdriver to push the clip downward and off the shock.
5. Now the driver side shock can be removed. Simply pull the lower part straight out and pull the upper mount off the pivot shaft. Again, be careful here that the trunk stays up and not on your skull.
6. Next install the new drivers side trunk shock. But first clean off the upper mount shaft and the lower ball joint. It really isn’t necessary to grease these connections because the new shock comes with grease already in the part.
Get pdf BMW 740i/iL Trunk Shock Replacement Procedure
