2003 M45 Burtman Trunk Conversion -- Question -

[M45Caliber]

OK -- so I took my car in this week for it's oil/filter change and to have them replace to trunk struts (again). They did, but the trunk still does not pop past the pull down tab... so I called the service manager back. He's willing to install the Burtman kit for free (if I buy the kit) IF -- BIG IF -- it's a "drop in" replacement - i.e. no additional brackets or other components to install - just pull the factory "junk" and install the Burtman struts.

Question -- is this the case? I've also seen a post where only 1 strut was installed, and also where the trunk lid wouldn't close after the install. Is this an option, and has any one else had any issues?

thanks --

[Salty2X]

You could try the struts Bag302recommend in this post zerothread/303183 .

The napa part number is BK. 8195625. He said it was a direct replacement and the struts are more powerful making it open nice and smooth.

[DRIPS]

There are no extra parts. THe only thing that may be different than stock is that the length needs to be adjusted to be the same as the stock length. This is very quick and simple- you just unscrew the end cap until the length matches.

[M45Caliber]

thanks for the lead on the NAPA part. I am going to head over to NAPA and pick two of these up for less than 1/2 of Burtman's price. Dealer will install for free, since there just installed factory parts still won't lift the lid past the pull down tab, and I DON'T even have the spoiler.

For any reading this post, the NAPA part number you use to look this up in their online catalogue is: 81959625. The strut is a "universal" 9 1/2 inch to 15 inch (compressed/extended) strut. 80 lbs of force. Will open the trunk lid fully. I'll let you all know how it goes. Might not be for a month or two as the dealer said bring it in when I bring the car in @ 1,000 miles for it's first "oil consumption" check.

[Bag302]

Mine's still going strong with the NAPA struts. FWIW

[RBote]

So I went to NAPA and bought the strut $33.00...they only had 1 left. I installed it this PM and my trunk problem was fixed. When I press the trunk button, the trunk raises approx. 1-2 inches. Hey Bag302...if I replace the other one, will the trunk raise all the way up? I may need to order 1 more on-line if this is the case. Thanks for sharing this info.

[Bag302]

So I went to NAPA and bought the strut $33.00...they only had 1 left. I installed it this PM and my trunk problem was fixed. When I press the trunk button, the trunk raises approx. 1-2 inches. Hey Bag302...if I replace the other one, will the trunk raise all the way up? I may need to order 1 more on-line if this is the case. Thanks for sharing this info.

RBote, definitely get the other one. It raises the trunk fully and at a nice smooth rate. you will be happy!

[RBote]

The other strut came in, installed at the most 10 mins. You were right bag, trunk opens all the way up. Very nice. You don't really need to remove anything from the trunk to access the strut. I did have to remove the seat and seat back, 2 clips and 4 screws. Very easy job. ThANKS AGAIN.