2019 G01 cargo floor strut mod (my 12.00 fix)

OttoMobilia · 02-08-2019, 12:50 PM

Okay, so I am one of those with disappointment and surprise that my 2019 G01 X3 M40i did not have the so cool strut that holds up the floor in the cargo area. When testing/shopping this was a stand out feature for me as I am in and out of my trunk many times a day with my job. Anyways .... after finding out what the parts cost is/was going to be to replicate I thought there might be an easy less costly way of achieving the same result. Figuring that I might pay BMW’s price I thought why not try to modify the existing and worse case I’d have to shell out the $$$. I did read in a post that someone measured the OE strut at 10 1/2 inches or so. So I proceeded... Ordered 4 different strut types through our friends at Amazon. Ranging from 10lb to 66lb. I needed to order hardware / mounts at the same time. Although the 10lb and 22.5 lb units came with their own mounts. Using the mounts supplied with the weaker units I move on... At first I decided to just use tek screws to hold in place. After compressing the different struts the 66lb one was way to strong/stiff and didn’t even try. Now thinking the 10lb strut was the next choice I installed and it didn’t even hole up the floor. So on to my next guess, the 22.5. Bingo, was perfect! I succeeded! Well at least I thought so...the screws didn’t hold up on the underneath of the “lid” (cargo floor cover) I noticed that the floor cover seemed to be hollow so I simply drilled the appropriate size hole and used a nursert (kind of a rivet with inside threads) and off I went...until they pulled right out with the pressure of the strut as I lifted the floor the next day. So now what? Well I’m bound and determined...Drilled right through the floor (remember if this didn’t work I was going to replace it anyway with oe parts) I remembered using these really flat screw type fasteners at one time but did not know what they were called so of to the hardware store (LOWES in my case) I found the “binding post screws” in the screw isle (big surprise) in a drawer cabinet. These work great...hold perfect and look okay (I guess you could use a sharpie to color black if you must) At this point all was okay but I felt I should replace the tek screws holding the lower mount with rivets using a washer on the backside for additional strength.
This whole process was done without removing any interior parts (I did need to remove the fasteners holding in the lower liner to access the underside for the rivets)...I just reached in being carful of not leaning on the rear bumper as not to mar or scratch it. It has been more than a week now with daily use and is holding up just fine. I feel it looks okay and saved me hundreds. I have attached photos for those of you that might like to replicate I hope this description of my endeavors helps out others.

Link to strut...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Enjoy,
Ron.

teaston · 02-08-2019, 12:59 PM

Great mod, I like your style!

I was considering doing the same, but it only takes a couple of seconds to put the loop onto the hook to hold it up, so I can't be bothered.

XGoober · 02-08-2019, 01:04 PM

Well done! I have a feeling this will be a very popular mod.

JayPichardo · 02-08-2019, 02:22 PM

Nice!

MechX3M40i · 02-08-2019, 02:54 PM

Man - you just defeated BMW's attempt for weight reduction, causing a 0.002s increase in 0-60 time

DrKevM5 · 02-08-2019, 03:00 PM

Genius

Orient330iNYC · 02-08-2019, 03:03 PM

did something similar, surface mounted with epoxy/ screws.

parts:
250N 10" Strut: 12.99 for 2
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

M8 10MM Ball Nut: 5.19 for 2
https://www.amazon.com/Strut-Bolts-T...s=M8+Ball+Stud

M8 wingnut- hardware store, 1-2 dollars

angle bracket: 7.99 for 2
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

100 x 50mm steel plate: 6.42 for 2
https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Stainl...m+x+50mm+plate

Modified truss head screws, epoxy, etc, 2-3 bucks

total cost per setup ~25

snapped a pic before i installed the strut listed above.
went through quite a few struts to get the right strength and length. the ones i list above need to be compressed slightly when installing-- it gives max opening and enough resistance to hold the lid up with a cargo mat on it.
i suspect the drop bracket changes the leverage a bit as the 22lb struts were too weak.

OttoMobilia · 02-08-2019, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orient330iNYC

did something similar, surface mounted with epoxy/ screws.

parts:
250N 10" Strut: 12.99 for 2
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...UTF8&psc=1

M8 10MM Ball Nut: 5.19 for 2
https://www.amazon.com/Strut-Bolts-T...s=M8+Ball+Stud

M8 wingnut- hardware store, 1-2 dollars

angle bracket: 7.99 for 2
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...UTF8&psc=1

100 x 50mm steel plate: 6.42 for 2
https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Stainl...m+x+50mm+plate

Modified truss head screws, epoxy, etc, 2-3 bucks

total cost per setup ~25

snapped a pic before i installed the strut listed above.
went through quite a few struts to get the right strength and length. the ones i list above need to be compressed slightly when installing-- it gives max opening and enough resistance to hold the lid up with a cargo mat on it.
i suspect the drop bracket changes the leverage a bit as the 22lb struts were too weak.

Nice

gugin · 02-09-2019, 02:56 PM

Do I understand correctly that I need TWO struts to hold up the trunk floor? The photos only show a strut on the passenger side, but I presume that there is a corresponding strut on the driver side also.

OttoMobilia · 02-09-2019, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gugin

Do I understand correctly that I need TWO struts to hold up the trunk floor? The photos only show a strut on the passenger side, but I presume that there is a corresponding strut on the driver side also.

Nope...only the right side.

There is an indentation where it goes

gugin · 02-09-2019, 04:16 PM

Thank you. I just checked it out in my trunk. I understand now--you bought two if each part because they come in pairs, and you would have bought one of each if that was an option.

OttoMobilia · 02-09-2019, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gugin

Thank you. I just checked it out in my trunk. I understand now--you bought two if each part because they come in pairs, and you would have bought one of each if that was an option.

You bet.

The struts actually come in a 4 pack. Each strut has 2 mounts included but they are different in the way they mount so you'll need to use 2 of these...

bmtespar · 02-09-2019, 04:52 PM

Glad you got it all installed.

MechX3M40i · 02-09-2019, 04:58 PM

Nice! Appreciate this how-tp guide. Even though I won't have the time to try this myself, I always appreciate someone took the time to stick it to BMW about removing a feature so loved by everyone

OttoMobilia · 02-09-2019, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MechX3M40i

Nice! Appreciate this how-tp guide. Even though I won't have the time to try this myself, I always appreciate someone took the time to stick it to BMW about removing a feature so loved by everyone

thx... for sure

super handy too

geodeo · 02-13-2019, 12:24 AM

So I have to thank everyone for pointing out this completely unethical move by BMW ( thanks to thread https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...are+tire+strut)

I was called by the dealership yesterday regarding the vehicle being ready - I asked for a prior inspection.

I of-course then pointed out to the sales person that the boot tray strut had not been installed which was the case at the time of my purchase.

I then showed pictures I had taken of the car that was on display at the time of the purchase. Making things favorable further- the display X3 vehicle they had was installed with the strut.

As per statutory Australian consumer law I had the right to either reject the purchase as I had not been informed and consented or compensated.

I chose to reject the vehicle unless they re-quipped the boot with the strut including the 2018 model carpet floor.

Salesperson rang this afternoon to let me know my car has been refitted with strut and ready to pickup tomorrow. Thanks guys and don't just roll over - enforce your consumer rights or demand compensation !!

OttoMobilia · 02-13-2019, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geodeo

So I have to thank everyone for pointing out this completely unethical move by BMW ( thanks to thread https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...are+tire+strut)

I was called by the dealership yesterday regarding the vehicle being ready - I asked for a prior inspection.

I of-course then pointed out to the sales person that the boot tray strut had not been installed which was the case at the time of my purchase.

I then showed pictures I had taken of the car that was on display at the time of the purchase. Making things favorable further- the display X3 vehicle they had was installed with the strut.

As per statutory Australian consumer law I had the right to either reject the purchase as I had not been informed and consented or compensated.

I chose to reject the vehicle unless they re-quipped the boot with the strut including the 2018 model carpet floor.

Salesperson rang this afternoon to let me know my car has been refitted with strut and ready to pickup tomorrow. Thanks guys and don't just roll over - enforce your consumer rights or demand compensation !!

That's awesome!

seanclarke · 11-20-2019, 02:20 AM

I've only just noticed that my 2019 X3 doesn't hasve the gas strut installed. The fold out clip thing just doesn't work easily, nor keep the boot floor up as high as i would like.

Think I'll be having a go at this mod.

Alias1431 · 11-20-2019, 06:59 PM

We have a fold out clip thing?

BobsM3Coupe · 11-20-2019, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alias1431

We have a fold out clip thing?

You're not alone. My early built (Aug 2018) doesn't have that cheap velcro strap either. I resorted to a cheap black piece of pvc pipe that I store in the lower cargo area.
Thank you BMW for being so cheap and deleting the hydraulic strut from the cargo cover for model year 2019 and later.
There was a time when BMW was considered a luxury brand, but every year they just continue to bring it down to the level of a chevy or ford. Cheapskates.

Slalom · 11-26-2019, 01:41 PM

In my car the cargo cover cracked at the strut. I do not open it with anything on top, so I think that it is a design issue - weak material and a single strut. Dealer has ordered a replacement under warranty

gugin · 11-27-2019, 09:39 AM

I always wondered whether this was the real reason why BMW dropped the strut. The strut is basically held under pressure 24/7 when the trunk floor is closed. Given that it's made of plastic, I am not entirely surprised. Did the cover itself crack or the plastic part glued to the cover to which the strut attaches? I read your post to mean the latter.

02-08-2019, 12:50 PM	#1
OttoMobilia Private First Class 265 Rep 195 Posts Drives: it varies on my mood 😊 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Bay Area CA USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW X3 M40i [0.00] 2000 GMC Savana [0.00] 2006 Mercedes Benz E55 [0.00] 2008 Porsche 911 [0.00] 1968 Dodge Dart 340 [0.00] 1972 Alfa Romeo Spider [0.00]	2019 G01 cargo floor strut mod (my 12.00 fix) Okay, so I am one of those with disappointment and surprise that my 2019 G01 X3 M40i did not have the so cool strut that holds up the floor in the cargo area. When testing/shopping this was a stand out feature for me as I am in and out of my trunk many times a day with my job. Anyways .... after finding out what the parts cost is/was going to be to replicate I thought there might be an easy less costly way of achieving the same result. Figuring that I might pay BMW’s price I thought why not try to modify the existing and worse case I’d have to shell out the $$$. I did read in a post that someone measured the OE strut at 10 1/2 inches or so. So I proceeded... Ordered 4 different strut types through our friends at Amazon. Ranging from 10lb to 66lb. I needed to order hardware / mounts at the same time. Although the 10lb and 22.5 lb units came with their own mounts. Using the mounts supplied with the weaker units I move on... At first I decided to just use tek screws to hold in place. After compressing the different struts the 66lb one was way to strong/stiff and didn’t even try. Now thinking the 10lb strut was the next choice I installed and it didn’t even hole up the floor. So on to my next guess, the 22.5. Bingo, was perfect! I succeeded! Well at least I thought so...the screws didn’t hold up on the underneath of the “lid” (cargo floor cover) I noticed that the floor cover seemed to be hollow so I simply drilled the appropriate size hole and used a nursert (kind of a rivet with inside threads) and off I went...until they pulled right out with the pressure of the strut as I lifted the floor the next day. So now what? Well I’m bound and determined...Drilled right through the floor (remember if this didn’t work I was going to replace it anyway with oe parts) I remembered using these really flat screw type fasteners at one time but did not know what they were called so of to the hardware store (LOWES in my case) I found the “binding post screws” in the screw isle (big surprise) in a drawer cabinet. These work great...hold perfect and look okay (I guess you could use a sharpie to color black if you must) At this point all was okay but I felt I should replace the tek screws holding the lower mount with rivets using a washer on the backside for additional strength. This whole process was done without removing any interior parts (I did need to remove the fasteners holding in the lower liner to access the underside for the rivets)...I just reached in being carful of not leaning on the rear bumper as not to mar or scratch it. It has been more than a week now with daily use and is holding up just fine. I feel it looks okay and saved me hundreds. I have attached photos for those of you that might like to replicate I hope this description of my endeavors helps out others. Link to strut... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Enjoy, Ron. Attached Images __________________ 2019 X3 M40i \| Carbon Black \|  21" wheels \| Cognac Leather  \| Alum Trim  \| Driving Assistance Pkg\| Driving Assistance Plus Pkg \| Executive Pkg \| Premium Pkg \| F & R Heated Seats  \| Trailer Hitch  \| Wireless Charging and WiFi Hotspot  \| Adaptive M Suspension  \| M Sport Diff \| H K sound Last edited by OttoMobilia; 02-08-2019 at 01:57 PM.. Reason: amazon link
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02-08-2019, 12:59 PM	#2
teaston Banned 10995 Rep 32,881 Posts Drives: X3 M40d Join Date: May 2012 Location: The High Seas iTrader: (1)	Great mod, I like your style! I was considering doing the same, but it only takes a couple of seconds to put the loop onto the hook to hold it up, so I can't be bothered.
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02-08-2019, 01:04 PM	#3
XGoober Lieutenant 295 Rep 424 Posts Drives: X5 45e Join Date: May 2012 Location: Puget Sound, WA iTrader: (1)	Well done! I have a feeling this will be a very popular mod.
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02-08-2019, 02:22 PM	#4
JayPichardo BMW Client Advisor 3452 Rep 2,504 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i Join Date: May 2017 Location: Tulley BMW Nashua, NH iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M340i [0.00]	Nice! __________________ Contact me for all your BMW needs in the New England area. jpichardo@tulley.com Top M Client Advisor in New England.
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02-08-2019, 02:54 PM	#5
MechX3M40i Lieutenant Colonel 1006 Rep 1,727 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Blue/Cognac Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: MidWest USA iTrader: (0)	Man - you just defeated BMW's attempt for weight reduction, causing a 0.002s increase in 0-60 time
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02-08-2019, 03:00 PM	#6
DrKevM5 Colonel 2274 Rep 2,523 Posts Drives: G05 X5, F87 M2 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Western NY iTrader: (7)	Genius __________________ ?16 M2 Long Beach Blue/Black, 6MT '22 X5 4.0 M Sport Black Sapphire/Tartufo ?22 Tesla Model Y Performance Midnight Silver/White
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02-08-2019, 03:03 PM	#7
Orient330iNYC Brigadier General 1469 Rep 3,552 Posts Drives: 2023 X7 40i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wall St iTrader: (2)	did something similar, surface mounted with epoxy/ screws. parts: 250N 10" Strut: 12.99 for 2 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 M8 10MM Ball Nut: 5.19 for 2 https://www.amazon.com/Strut-Bolts-T...s=M8+Ball+Stud M8 wingnut- hardware store, 1-2 dollars angle bracket: 7.99 for 2 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 100 x 50mm steel plate: 6.42 for 2 https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Stainl...m+x+50mm+plate Modified truss head screws, epoxy, etc, 2-3 bucks total cost per setup ~25 snapped a pic before i installed the strut listed above. went through quite a few struts to get the right strength and length. the ones i list above need to be compressed slightly when installing-- it gives max opening and enough resistance to hold the lid up with a cargo mat on it. i suspect the drop bracket changes the leverage a bit as the 22lb struts were too weak. Attached Images __________________ Present: 2023 G07 40i ZDH/ZDU/ZMP/ZMQ/2NH/ZPK/ZPP/ZRC/300/3AC Past: 2013 335i 6MT ZMM/ZDH/ZTP/3AG/494/508 Past: 2016 F34 335i xDrive ZCW/ZDA/ZDH/ZTP/ZMP/2V5/5DL Past: 2019 G01 M40i ZDA/2VF/ZPP/ZPX/688/3AC Last edited by Orient330iNYC; 02-08-2019 at 03:11 PM..
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02-09-2019, 02:56 PM	#9
gugin New member 318 Rep 553 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 M40i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (0)	Do I understand correctly that I need TWO struts to hold up the trunk floor? The photos only show a strut on the passenger side, but I presume that there is a corresponding strut on the driver side also.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-09-2019, 04:16 PM	#11
gugin New member 318 Rep 553 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 M40i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (0)	Thank you. I just checked it out in my trunk. I understand now--you bought two if each part because they come in pairs, and you would have bought one of each if that was an option.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-09-2019, 04:52 PM	#13
bmtespar Major 709 Rep 1,066 Posts Drives: 19 X3 30i, 18 230iX Vert Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Atlanta Ga iTrader: (0)	Glad you got it all installed.
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02-09-2019, 04:58 PM	#14
MechX3M40i Lieutenant Colonel 1006 Rep 1,727 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Blue/Cognac Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: MidWest USA iTrader: (0)	Nice! Appreciate this how-tp guide. Even though I won't have the time to try this myself, I always appreciate someone took the time to stick it to BMW about removing a feature so loved by everyone
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02-13-2019, 12:24 AM	#16
geodeo New Member 40 Rep 13 Posts Drives: BMW X3 30D M-SPORT Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: AUSTRALIA iTrader: (0)	Fix For Strut So I have to thank everyone for pointing out this completely unethical move by BMW ( thanks to thread https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...are+tire+strut) I was called by the dealership yesterday regarding the vehicle being ready - I asked for a prior inspection. I of-course then pointed out to the sales person that the boot tray strut had not been installed which was the case at the time of my purchase. I then showed pictures I had taken of the car that was on display at the time of the purchase. Making things favorable further- the display X3 vehicle they had was installed with the strut. As per statutory Australian consumer law I had the right to either reject the purchase as I had not been informed and consented or compensated. I chose to reject the vehicle unless they re-quipped the boot with the strut including the 2018 model carpet floor. Salesperson rang this afternoon to let me know my car has been refitted with strut and ready to pickup tomorrow. Thanks guys and don't just roll over - enforce your consumer rights or demand compensation !!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-20-2019, 02:20 AM	#18
seanclarke Registered 2 Rep 3 Posts Drives: BMW X3 M40d Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Cheshire iTrader: (0)	I've only just noticed that my 2019 X3 doesn't hasve the gas strut installed. The fold out clip thing just doesn't work easily, nor keep the boot floor up as high as i would like. Think I'll be having a go at this mod.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-20-2019, 06:59 PM	#19
Alias1431 Lieutenant Colonel 795 Rep 1,959 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X3 M40i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Washington iTrader: (0)	We have a fold out clip thing?
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11-26-2019, 01:41 PM	#21
Slalom Major 509 Rep 1,345 Posts Drives: 04 Z4, 18 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Ottawa and Collelongo (AQ) Italy iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 Z4 [0.00] 2018 BMW X3 M40i [10.00]	In my car the cargo cover cracked at the strut. I do not open it with anything on top, so I think that it is a design issue - weak material and a single strut. Dealer has ordered a replacement under warranty
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-27-2019, 09:39 AM	#22
gugin New member 318 Rep 553 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 M40i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (0)	I always wondered whether this was the real reason why BMW dropped the strut. The strut is basically held under pressure 24/7 when the trunk floor is closed. Given that it's made of plastic, I am not entirely surprised. Did the cover itself crack or the plastic part glued to the cover to which the strut attaches? I read your post to mean the latter.
	Appreciate 0 Quote