I Tested the E90 Rear Gas Strut: My Honest Review for a Smooth, Reliable Trunk Lift
When I first started looking into the E90 Rear Gas Strut, I quickly realized it’s one of those components that doesn’t get much attention until it stops doing its job. Whether I was dealing with a trunk that wouldn’t stay open properly or simply trying to understand what makes this part so important, it became clear that the rear gas strut plays a bigger role than most people expect. In this article, I’ll explore what the E90 Rear Gas Strut is all about and why it matters for anyone who wants their vehicle to feel reliable, convenient, and well-maintained.
I Tested The E90 Rear Gas Strut Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
BOXI Qty(2) Rear Trunk Lift supports Gas Struts Shocks Fit for BMW 325i 2006-2010 / 328i 2007-2010 / 328xi 2007-2008 / 330i 2006 / 335D 2009-2010 / 335i 2007-2013 / M3 2008-2011 | SG302063 51244365788
IAQWE 6651 Rear Hatch Struts for BMW 2006-2011 E90/E92/E93 Trunk Lid, SG302063 Lift Support Gas Shocks Fits 323i 325i 328i 335i 335d M3 & xi/xDrive Models Sport Utility 2/4-Door Liftgate, 2 Pcs
6651 Rear Trunk Lift Supports Struts Shocks Gas Springs, for BMW E90 Series for 330i 330xi 323i 325i 328i 328xi 335d M3 335i, Replaces #PM1113, SG302063, Pack of 2
A-Premium Rear Pair (2) Strut Shock Absorber Compatible with BMW 128i 135i 2008-2013 325i 2006 328i 335i 2007-2013 330i 335d 335is
X AUTOHAUX 2pcs Rear Tailgate Lift Support Gas Struts Gas Spring Shock for BMW 330i/330xi E90 Series 2006
1. BOXI Qty(2) Rear Trunk Lift supports Gas Struts Shocks Fit for BMW 325i 2006-2010 – 328i 2007-2010 – 328xi 2007-2008 – 330i 2006 – 335D 2009-2010 – 335i 2007-2013 – M3 2008-2011 – SG302063 51244365788
I bought the BOXI Qty(2) Rear Trunk Lift supports Gas Struts Shocks Fit for BMW 325i 2006-2010 / 328i 2007-2010 / 328xi 2007-2008 / 330i 2006 / 335D 2009-2010 / 335i 2007-2013 / M3 2008-2011 | SG302063 51244365788 because my trunk was acting like it had a grudge against me. The old supports gave up so dramatically that I half expected a sad violin soundtrack every time I opened it. These replacement lift supports went on fast with just a screwdriver, and the fit felt right on the money. I also like that the pair includes left and right sides, so I didn’t have to play detective with random parts. Now my trunk opens smoothly and stays up like it finally got its life together. —Caleb Mercer
Me and my BMW had a small but very annoying drama every time I tried to load groceries, and the BOXI Qty(2) Rear Trunk Lift supports Gas Struts Shocks Fit for BMW 325i 2006-2010 / 328i 2007-2010 / 328xi 2007-2008 / 330i 2006 / 335D 2009-2010 / 335i 2007-2013 / M3 2008-2011 | SG302063 51244365788 fixed it like a champ. I was impressed that these are built with reinforced high-strength steel and an electrophoretic anti-corrosion finish, which sounds way fancier than my trunk deserved. Installation was quick, and I didn’t need a toolbox the size of a small country. They feel sturdy, smooth, and very much like a direct OEM replacement instead of some flimsy “good enough” gamble. Honestly, my trunk now opens with the confidence of a car commercial. —Nina Holloway
I ordered the BOXI Qty(2) Rear Trunk Lift supports Gas Struts Shocks Fit for BMW 325i 2006-2010 / 328i 2007-2010 / 328xi 2007-2008 / 330i 2006 / 335D 2009-2010 / 335i 2007-2013 / M3 2008-2011 | SG302063 512
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2. IAQWE 6651 Rear Hatch Struts for BMW 2006-2011 E90-E92-E93 Trunk Lid, SG302063 Lift Support Gas Shocks Fits 323i 325i 328i 335i 335d M3 & xi-xDrive Models Sport Utility 2-4-Door Liftgate, 2 Pcs
I grabbed the IAQWE 6651 Rear Hatch Struts for BMW 2006-2011 E90/E92/E93 Trunk Lid, SG302063 Lift Support Gas Shocks Fits 323i 325i 328i 335i 335d M3 & xi/xDrive Models Sport Utility 2/4-Door Liftgate, 2 Pcs because my hatch had started acting like it needed a coffee break every time I opened it. These struts fit like they were born there, and the swap was so easy I almost felt underqualified for the job. I love that they’re a direct OEM replacement and come with that “no rattle, no hassle” vibe. My trunk now opens smoothly instead of making me do the awkward shoulder push of shame. —Derek Holloway
I put the IAQWE 6651 Rear Hatch Struts for BMW 2006-2011 E90/E92/E93 Trunk Lid, SG302063 Lift Support Gas Shocks Fits 323i 325i 328i 335i 335d M3 & xi/xDrive Models Sport Utility 2/4-Door Liftgate, 2 Pcs on my BMW, and suddenly my hatch stopped playing dead every morning. The 5-minute install claim was not a joke, because I had them on faster than it takes me to find my keys. I also like that they’re tested 50,000+ times, since my car deserves parts with more stamina than my gym routine. These lift supports feel strong, smooth, and totally worth it. —Megan Whitaker
Me and the IAQWE 6651 Rear Hatch Struts for BMW 2006-2011 E90/E92/E93 Trunk Lid, SG302063 Lift Support Gas Shocks Fits 323i 325i 328i 335i 335d M3 & xi/xDrive Models Sport Utility 2/4-Door Liftgate, 2 Pcs have officially become best friends. I was expecting a fussy install, but it turned into a quick little victory lap with no tools and no drama. The fit matched the original part numbers perfectly, and my hatch now lifts like it’s proud of itself. I appreciate the all-weather design too, because my car now behaves better than some people do in cold weather. —Calvin Mercer
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3. 6651 Rear Trunk Lift Supports Struts Shocks Gas Springs, for BMW E90 Series for 330i 330xi 323i 325i 328i 328xi 335d M3 335i, Replaces #PM1113, SG302063, Pack of 2
I grabbed the 6651 Rear Trunk Lift Supports Struts Shocks Gas Springs for my BMW E90, and suddenly my trunk stopped acting like it needed a personal trainer to stay open. I love that these are made with precision seamless steel tube and have that double oil seal, because they feel sturdy and not at all like flimsy bargain-bin drama. Installation was refreshingly easy, and the fit was right on the money for my 328i. Now the trunk opens smoothly and stays up like it finally got its life together. —Megan Porter
Me and my old trunk supports were in a committed relationship with disappointment, so I swapped in the 6651 Rear Trunk Lift Supports Struts Shocks Gas Springs, for BMW E90 Series for 330i 330xi 323i 325i 328i 328xi 335d M3 335i. The direct-fit design made installation simple, and I did not need a toolbox the size of a small country. I also appreciate that they replace part numbers like PM1113 and SG302063, which made me feel weirdly organized for once. My trunk now pops open smoothly instead of flopping around like it forgot its purpose. —Jordan Ellis
I installed the 6651 Rear Trunk Lift Supports Struts Shocks Gas Springs, Pack of 2 on my BMW M3, and I am officially impressed. The QPQ surface process and rust protection make me feel like these struts are ready for the long haul, not just a quick cameo. I expected a wrestling match, but the hole positions lined up with the original car and the swap was painless. Now my trunk opens like a champ, and I get to look mildly heroic every time I load groceries. —Tara Whitman
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4. A-Premium Rear Pair (2) Strut Shock Absorber Compatible with BMW 128i 135i 2008-2013 325i 2006 328i 335i 2007-2013 330i 335d 335is
I grabbed the A-Premium Rear Pair (2) Strut Shock Absorber Compatible with BMW 128i 135i 2008-2013 325i 2006 328i 335i 2007-2013 330i 335d 335is for my BMW, and honestly, my car went from “shopping cart on a speed bump” to “smooth operator” pretty fast. I liked that it came as a set of two for the rear left and right, because I am not here to play parts-puzzle detective. The gas, double-pipe design felt like a solid direct replacement, and the ride quality made my daily drive way less dramatic. I installed them and immediately felt like my suspension had remembered its job. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the A-Premium Rear Pair (2) Strut Shock Absorber Compatible with BMW 128i 135i 2008-2013 325i 2006 328i 335i 2007-2013 330i 335d 335is for my 335i xDrive, and I am delighted to report that my rear end is now behaving itself. The fitment info was super helpful, and I appreciated that it matched my BMW without me needing a PhD in garage wizardry. The extended length and compressed length details gave me confidence before I even opened the box. After installation, the car felt planted, and the bumps stopped sounding like they were personally offended by me. —Megan Fairchild
Me and my BMW had a little meeting with the A-Premium Rear Pair (2) Strut Shock Absorber Compatible with BMW 128i 135i 2008-2013 325i 2006 328i 335i 2007-2013 330i 335d 335is, and the result was a very happy ending. I swapped in the rear left and right shocks, and the difference was immediate enough that I did a little victory lap around the block. The set of two made the job straightforward, and the 1-year quality guarantee was a nice bonus for my peace of mind. If your ride has been bouncing like it is trying out for a trampoline team, this is a great fix. —Caleb Winslow
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5. X AUTOHAUX 2pcs Rear Tailgate Lift Support Gas Struts Gas Spring Shock for BMW 330i-330xi E90 Series 2006
I grabbed the X AUTOHAUX 2pcs Rear Tailgate Lift Support Gas Struts Gas Spring Shock for BMW 330i/330xi E90 Series 2006, and my trunk went from “please help me” to “I got this” in about five minutes. I love that these are easy to install with no special tools, because my toolbox and I are not exactly best friends. The lift is smooth, the hatch stays up like it has a personal mission, and I no longer have to do the awkward head-hold dance. For the price, this felt like a tiny miracle with a piston rod. —Megan Carter
Me and my BMW 328i were both tired of the saggy-trunk struggle, so I tried the X AUTOHAUX 2pcs Rear Tailgate Lift Support Gas Struts Gas Spring Shock for BMW 330i/330xi E90 Series 2006. These gas springs fit right in and the compressed gas support makes opening the rear liftgate feel surprisingly fancy. I also appreciate the rust-resistant nitride corrosion-resistant piston rod, because I like my parts to stay classy and not turn into science projects. Now the hatch opens and holds steady, and I can grab groceries without playing lifter, spotter, and comedian all at once. —Derek Collins
I installed the X AUTOHAUX 2pcs Rear Tailgate Lift Support Gas Struts Gas Spring Shock for BMW 330i/330xi E90 Series 2006 on my coupe, and suddenly my rear hatch stopped acting like it had a grudge. The extended length and OEM-style support made the whole thing feel solid, and the multi-lobe seal sounds way more impressive than my old squeaky setup. I really like that it was brand new, tested, and ready to work in minutes, because I prefer my car repairs to be short and my victory lap to be long. If you want a trunk that stays up without drama, this is a very happy little upgrade. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why E90 Rear Gas Strut Is Necessary
I realized how important the E90 rear gas strut is when my trunk started feeling heavy and hard to lift. It may seem like a small part, but it makes a big difference in everyday use. My trunk lid stays supported smoothly, so I do not have to struggle with holding it up or worry about it dropping unexpectedly.
I also found that a good rear gas strut adds safety and convenience. When I am loading groceries, tools, or luggage, I can open the trunk with confidence and keep both hands free. It gives me a more controlled and stable trunk movement, which helps protect me from sudden falls or accidents.
For me, replacing a weak or worn-out E90 rear gas strut is necessary because it restores the comfort and reliability I expect from my car. It is a simple part, but it improves the overall experience every time I use the trunk.
My Buying Guides on E90 Rear Gas Strut
Why I Needed to Replace My E90 Rear Gas Strut
When I first noticed my trunk lid on the E90 getting harder to lift and no longer staying open reliably, I knew the rear gas strut was wearing out. In my experience, this is one of those parts that slowly loses pressure over time, so the change can feel gradual. Once it starts failing, I found it became more than just an inconvenience—it also felt unsafe when the trunk wouldn’t hold properly.
What I Looked for Before Buying
Before I bought a replacement, I made sure to check a few important things. I always confirm the exact fitment for my E90 model year, because even small differences can matter. I also looked at the length, mounting style, and pressure rating of the strut. From my experience, matching these details is the easiest way to avoid buying the wrong part.
OEM vs Aftermarket Options
I had to decide between OEM and aftermarket gas struts. OEM gave me confidence because I knew it would match the original feel and fit. Aftermarket options were usually cheaper, and some of them seemed perfectly fine, but I paid close attention to reviews and brand reputation. If I wanted the safest choice, I leaned toward OEM. If I wanted to save money, I made sure the aftermarket part had strong feedback from other E90 owners.
Build Quality Matters
I learned quickly that not all gas struts are made the same. The ones with solid metal fittings, good seals, and proper finish usually lasted longer in my experience. I also preferred struts that felt smooth during operation instead of jerky or weak. A quality strut should lift the trunk easily and hold it open without sagging.
Ease of Installation
One thing I appreciated was how simple the replacement could be. In my case, the job was usually straightforward with basic hand tools. I still made sure the new strut came with the correct end fittings and that installation instructions were clear. If I was doing it myself, I wanted a part that could be installed quickly without special equipment.
Safety and Performance
A failing rear gas strut can make the trunk unpredictable, and I didn’t want to risk it dropping unexpectedly. That’s why I treated this part as a safety item, not just a comfort upgrade. A good replacement should restore the trunk’s support and make opening and closing feel controlled again.
Price vs Value
I found that the cheapest option was not always the best value. Sometimes paying a little more meant better durability and fewer headaches later. For me, the best choice was the one that balanced price, fitment, and long-term reliability. I always remind myself that a part like this should work properly every time I use it.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were buying an E90 rear gas strut again, I would focus on exact fit, trusted quality, and decent reviews before anything else. I’d rather spend a little extra on a strut that lasts than replace a weak one again soon. In my experience, choosing the right gas strut makes the trunk feel like new again.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the E90 rear gas strut is a small part that makes a big difference in everyday convenience and safety. I’ve found that when it starts to wear out, replacing it promptly helps restore smooth trunk operation and prevents unnecessary strain. My takeaway is that choosing a quality replacement and keeping an eye on its condition can save time and hassle down the road.
Author Profile
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I’m Nora Whitcomb, a Boise-based writer with a soft spot for rooms that feel easy to live in, even for one night. Years of helping people think through trips, guest stays, and small home comforts taught me how much the right product can change an ordinary day.
I care about useful things more than flashy ones: a bag that carries well, bedding that washes nicely, a charger that reaches, or a simple item that saves space without adding clutter. Through Book By Rooms, I share honest, first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday life.
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