My F15 X5 4.0d registered in March 2018 went in for MOT last Friday in February at the main dealership near where I live. it will be 4 years old in a couple of weeks. I was told it will need the bonnet struts replaced as they'll be past their expiry date by the next brake fluid change (due March 2023).
I cannot find out if it's the bonnet gas struts or the explosive bolts which I think are at the rear sides of the engine bay that should be replaced. There is a code ending in 18 on the gas struts but I cannot see anything on what look like the explosive bolts.
I've no idea what the cost will be at the main dealership. Research on Google indicates there are new compatible gas struts for sale cheaper than BMW replacements. But which has to be replaced - the gas strut or the explosive bolt??
Your comments and help requested please??
Graeme
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Bonnet strut replacement between 4 and 5 years - pedestrian safety
Bonnet strut replacement between 4 and 5 years - pedestrian safety
The ‘pedestrian guard’ system comprises a pyrotechnic gas generator on each bonnet hinge mount, and gas struts.
Part number: 51237308065. Febi versions are £71.00 each. These are specific for vehicles fitted with SA8TF
There is a specific service line item against the F15 & F16 to replace the gas struts before the expiry date.
=> F15/16 New testing point:
On vehicles with active pedestrian impact mitigation (SA8TF) check expiry date of gas struts. Expiry must not be before next brake fluid service. If necessary replace at extra charge. Change interval 5 years from date of manufacture.
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Change procedure (the only one listed)
It does say to get the pressure off first as the spring is under pre-load!
It doesn’t mention the pyros. Those are about £180 each.
I think my F46 has the same option but no mention of needing to do anything. It’s only listed against the F15/16 with SA8TF fitted.
Part number: 51237308065. Febi versions are £71.00 each. These are specific for vehicles fitted with SA8TF
There is a specific service line item against the F15 & F16 to replace the gas struts before the expiry date.
=> F15/16 New testing point:
On vehicles with active pedestrian impact mitigation (SA8TF) check expiry date of gas struts. Expiry must not be before next brake fluid service. If necessary replace at extra charge. Change interval 5 years from date of manufacture.
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- 99693E2A-FEB0-4C72-B6A1-C69C56BA2365.jpeg (93.63 KiB) Viewed 4881 times
It doesn’t mention the pyros. Those are about £180 each.
I think my F46 has the same option but no mention of needing to do anything. It’s only listed against the F15/16 with SA8TF fitted.
Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.Bonnet strut replacement between 4 and 5 years - pedestrian safety
"Excluding us vehicles" though I wonder why ? Seems money for old rope same as when airbags had an expiry date 
Bonnet strut replacement between 4 and 5 years - pedestrian safety
Perhaps in the US if you run in front of a car and get hit….tough! 
Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.
Bonnet strut replacement between 4 and 5 years - pedestrian safety
I was told the same when it went in for a brake fluid service, the service manager said,
‘we have to tell you but they don’t need changing’ for the first time (5 years old) I took the car to an Indipendant mot station and surprise surprise no mention.
The only thing I can conclude is that different dealerships have different views
‘we have to tell you but they don’t need changing’ for the first time (5 years old) I took the car to an Indipendant mot station and surprise surprise no mention.
The only thing I can conclude is that different dealerships have different views