Diagnosis first: A hood that drifts down, will not stay fully open, or needs to be lifted through most of its travel can have weak gas-charged lift supports. On a 2006 BMW 325i E90 sedan, first inspect both supports, their ball-stud mounts, the hood hinges and the latch area. Binding hinges, a bent hood, loose ball studs or collision damage need separate repair; new supports will not correct those faults.
This guide covers replacement of the two front hood lift supports on a North American 2006 BMW 325i E90 four-door sedan. No dedicated OBD-II trouble code identifies a weak mechanical hood support. The repair is external and does not require lifting the car, disconnecting the battery, opening a fluid system or disturbing a threaded fastener when the original ball studs are sound.
Beginner, with a helper or secure hood support
About 15–30 minutes for the pair
Allow about $20–$45; planning estimate, not a live price
Featured replacement supports
A-Premium front hood lift supports, ASIN B06WD4TTGK. The selected variation is the two-piece black carbon-steel set for the left and right front hood positions. A-Premium identifies its catalog part as GS163; the exact Amazon-marketplace listing identifies manufacturer part number APGS163AM. These are product identifiers, not the seller item number. The official catalog lists a 15.75-inch extended length and 6.3-inch stroke; the Amazon page displays 15.87 inches, so length alone is not a safe ordering method.
The package is represented as two gas-charged hood supports. Ball studs, hinges, hood hardware, tools, lubricant and a temporary hood prop are not listed as included. BMW catalog reference 51 23 7 060 550 (51237060550) is an interchange reference, not the A-Premium manufacturer number. Compare the new sockets, overall form and attachment orientation with both removed parts before installation.
Check the exact A-Premium two-support set
Vehicle fitment and exclusions
| Vehicle | Body / position | Catalog evidence | Required check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 BMW 325i | E90 four-door sedan; left and right front hood supports | A-Premium GS163 lists this exact year/model; BMW parts catalogs list 51237060550, 330 N, quantity two | Confirm E90 sedan by VIN, two original ball-socket supports and matching removed-part geometry before opening the package |
This procedure deliberately excludes the 325xi, E91 wagon, E92 coupe, E93 convertible, M3, later F30 models and non-U.S. configurations, even where a seller page or broader catalog may list a related part. It also excludes aftermarket hoods, altered hinge geometry, hood struts attached with threaded brackets instead of the shown ball sockets, and vehicles with collision damage. Engine and transmission choice do not drive this part selection, but body/chassis and hood mounting do.
Symptoms and diagnosis before replacement
- Hood will not remain fully open: both supports commonly lose gas pressure with age, but confirm that the hood reaches its normal service position and the hinges are not binding.
- Hood slowly sinks in cool weather: temperature can reveal marginal supports. A hood that cannot remain safely open still needs attention; do not work beneath it.
- Oily film on a support: leakage around the rod seal supports replacement. Road grime alone is not proof, so wipe and inspect without scratching the rod.
- Popping, side movement or uneven travel: inspect socket clips, ball studs, hinge pivots and sheet metal. Replace damaged mounting hardware using VIN-matched BMW service information.
- Hood is hard to move even with supports detached: stop. A bent or seized hinge is not a gas-support diagnosis, and forcing it can buckle the hood.
There is no scan-tool test or universal fault code for these supports. A simple controlled check is sufficient: with the hood safely supported, inspect both units and their mounts, then move the hood only after all people and tools are clear. Do not puncture, heat, clamp, drill or attempt to recharge a gas support.
Tools and supplies
The normal ball-socket replacement does not need a jack, torque wrench or vehicle battery service. Use tools you already own; the only affiliate link below is the exact featured part.
| Tool or Supply | Exact Product | Product Link | Purpose and Selection Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement supports — required | A-Premium GS163 / Amazon MPN APGS163AM, two-piece front hood set | View exact two-piece set | Verify ASIN, 2006 325i E90 sedan, quantity two, socket form and BMW reference 51237060550. |
| Hood support — required safety provision | Adult helper or stable purpose-suitable mechanical support already owned | No product link | Must hold the hood fully open independently of both old supports and remain stable while each socket is released. |
| Small flat-blade screwdriver — required | Existing small flat-blade hand screwdriver | No product link | Lift each spring clip only enough to unlock the socket. Choose a blade that fits under the clip without gouging the ball or launching the clip. |
| Eye protection — recommended | Existing clear safety glasses | No product link | Protects against a released retaining clip or debris. Keep your face away from the socket while prying. |
| Clean cloth — optional | One lint-free cloth already owned | No product link | Wipe dirt from ball studs before inspection. Do not wrap the cloth around moving hinges or use abrasive cleaner on the support rod. |
No torque value applies to this normal procedure because the spring clips release from existing ball studs and no threaded fastener is disturbed. If a ball stud turns, is loose, corroded or damaged, stop and obtain the BMW repair instruction and exact fastener specification before proceeding.
Estimated DIY versus shop cost
| Expense | DIY planning allowance | Professional planning allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Two hood supports | $20–$45 | $30–$100 depending on brand and markup |
| Tools / consumables | $0–$10 if basic items are owned | Normally included |
| Labor | Your time; about 15–30 minutes | Roughly $50–$140 |
| Estimated total | About $20–$55 | About $80–$240 |
These are broad U.S. planning estimates, not a current Amazon price or local shop quote. Tax, shipping, diagnosis, damaged ball studs, hinge repair and body damage are excluded. Ask whether a shop quote covers both supports and whether it uses genuine BMW, OE-supplier or aftermarket parts.
Step-by-step hood support replacement
- Confirm the car and parts. Verify the VIN identifies a 2006 325i E90 sedan. Confirm the package has two matching front hood supports and compare their sockets, length and body/rod orientation with the installed pair. Do not remove anything if the new parts differ.
- Prepare a safe work area. Park level, apply the parking brake, switch the engine off and remove loose items from the engine bay. Put on eye protection. Release and raise the hood to its normal fully open position.
- Support the hood independently. Position a helper or secure mechanical support so the hood cannot fall when one old support is disconnected. Gently test stability without placing yourself beneath the hood. The remaining old support is not a safety device.
- Record orientation. Photograph the first support. Note which end attaches to the hood and which attaches to the body, and how the cylinder and rod are oriented. Install the replacement the same way unless its supplied instructions explicitly state otherwise.
- Unlock the first upper socket. Place a small flat-blade screwdriver beneath the metal retaining clip. Ease the clip outward only enough to release its grip on the ball. Do not fully remove or deform the clip. Keep your face and free hand away from its path.
- Release the lower socket. Keep the hood fully supported. Unlock the lower clip in the same controlled manner, then pull each socket straight off its ball stud. Do not lever against painted sheet metal, wiring or plastic trim.
- Inspect the mounts. Wipe each ball and check that it is round, tight and free of deep corrosion or cracks. Inspect the hinge area for distortion. A loose or damaged threaded ball stud requires a separate BMW-specified repair; do not hide it with a new support.
- Install the first new support. Match the recorded orientation. Align one socket squarely over its ball and press until it clicks into place, then attach the other end. New sockets normally snap on without lifting their clips. Tug each end gently to confirm retention; do not strike or clamp the support.
- Replace the opposite side. Keep the independent hood support in place and repeat the release, inspection and installation steps. Replacing the pair restores balanced support and avoids depending on one aged unit.
- Perform a controlled check. Remove the helper or mechanical support only after all four new sockets are positively retained. With hands and tools clear, lower the hood partway and confirm smooth, even resistance. Raise it fully and verify it remains open. Then close it gently and confirm normal latch engagement and panel alignment.
Final inspection and functional checks
- Each of the four ball sockets is fully seated and its retaining clip lies flat in the locked position.
- The supports match side-to-side, do not rub bodywork or wiring, and follow the original orientation.
- The hood rises and lowers evenly without popping, binding or twisting.
- The hood remains fully open for several minutes with no drifting.
- The latch closes and releases normally, and hood gaps did not change.
If a socket will not stay attached, stop using the hood until the incorrect part or damaged ball stud is corrected. If the hood still falls with both correct new supports installed, recheck fitment rather than adding clamps or makeshift restraints.
Common mistakes
- Trusting the remaining worn support while working beneath the hood.
- Replacing both supports at once before providing independent hood support.
- Pulling a retaining clip completely off and losing or bending it.
- Installing the cylinder and rod opposite the original orientation without product instructions.
- Using overall length as the only fitment check or confusing hood supports with trunk-lid supports.
- Trying to fix loose ball studs or hinges without the applicable service specification.
- Puncturing, heating, painting the rod, clamping the tube or attempting to recharge a sealed gas support.
Frequently asked questions
Should I replace both hood supports?
Yes. The BMW parts diagram specifies quantity two, and the featured package contains a matched pair. Replacing both avoids loading a new support against an aged weak one.
Do I need to remove the hood or hinges?
No for the normal ball-socket support replacement. If a hinge, ball stud or hood panel is damaged, that is a different repair and this procedure stops.
Is grease required?
The exact product sources do not establish a required added lubricant. Inspect the new sockets and follow any instructions in the package. Do not add an unverified grease that can retain grit or affect socket material.
Can I install one support and leave the other old?
The hood may move unevenly and the new unit would share the load with a degraded part. The selected set and BMW catalog call for two; replace them as a pair after confirming both new pieces match.
Why does the listing show more than one length?
The official A-Premium catalog and Amazon display slightly different rounded extended lengths. Use the exact ASIN, A-Premium part GS163, BMW reference 51237060550, vehicle/body fitment and removed-part comparison together. Do not purchase by a single rounded measurement.
Sources and related BMW guides
- A-Premium GS163 catalog page: 2006 BMW 325i fitment, quantity, position, dimensions and interchange
- BMW parts diagram: 2006 325i E90 hood gas spring 51237060550, 330 N, quantity two
- BMW hood-strut ball-socket removal and installation demonstration
- NHTSA vehicle-reference photograph and public-domain statement
- Related guide: 2006–2011 BMW 3 Series E90 cabin air filter replacement
- Related guide: 2006–2011 BMW 3 Series E90 3.0L engine air filter replacement
- Browse the BMW 3 Series repair guide hub
- Ask an application-specific question in the BMW 3 Series chatroom