I got my hids in yesterday so I went to test them out today to make sure they work. I took my halogen bulb out which was a silverstar and left it on my radiator support. After I tested the first ballast and bulb I ran inside to grab the other ballast and bulb and as soon as I walked out my door my hood slammed shut onto the halogen bulb and shattered it. So now I guess it's time for new shocks. Unfortunately the hids are 9006 and I didn't get my new headlights in so I have to go buy a new bulb. On top of that it left a little dimple on my hood from where it slammed shut on the bulb.

 

That sucks man. Just use a pole, something metal and black or silver that looks decent. Saves money and IMO, wont fail.

 

You can use a cloth and dull, pointy object about the size of the dimple and LIGHTLY tap the dimple out with a rubber mallet.

 

Yeah...they suck. I replaced mine and they're already failing now that it's cold (they're OK when it's warm, though). They are required to support too much hood-weight. My 540i, in contrast, has the struts set further back and they are required to support much less.

 

I'll probably leave the dimple how it is. I don't want to risk making it worse or chipping paint off. I'll probably upgrade the hood in the near future anyway. It just sucks cause it's something that could have been easily avoided. I shouldn't have left it there in the first place but this is the first time i've had the problem of the shocks giving out.

 

I feel you, my hood shocks went out so I went to autozone and replaced them, well they were good for about 6 months, now they fall all the time too, so when I work in my garage, I use an antifreeze jug to hold the hood, although I was thinking it would be cool to go to a junkyard and find a hood rod from an older chevy or something and mount it on the max to hold to hood. I'm just sick of the damn thing falling all the time.

 

not just you man, there's a lot of things that could have easily avoided... I accidentally ran over my paint can a few months back while trying to get the car in the shade for a better paintjob...

 

dude I've had the hood fall on my head so many times I think I'm going retarded but here's a tip way better that using a pole.

Use Vice grips on the current hood struts on the actual piece that moves so you lock it. Ligher, less bulky, and and doesnt get in your way when working on the car Also less chance of knowking it out accidentally

 

Vice Grips Ftw..

 

Nice idea...! I think I will use that, but what to do if you need the vice grips while working? Haha!! Anyway, Ive got 2 pair...

 

Yeah that is a pretty good idea. Thanks. I'll do that until I get sick of not having shocks that work.

 

some crap started squirting out of one of my hood shocks today when i was checking my oil. weird

 

 

.. Same here, I think it was soapy water.

 

just spend the $40 at autozone and get the cheap ones with lifetime warranties. (I'm just bitter I had to do this yesterday)

 

I use a wrench to prop up one of the struts.

 

What other replacement brand have people tried? I read the autozone ones fail every 6 months.

 

tien hood dampers ftmfw!

 

Those are fcking EXPENSIVE!

 

****, I hope we can get a deal on Tein (ultra-damper) cupholders too.

 

That looks like something I'd find in a Honda.

 

Thats funny cuz its true

 

Guys there's a place to say stupid ****.. This is not it. It has no bearing on a Honda, AT ALL.

 

but my moms 93 accord is like that!

 

So are a ton of other cars, but w/e..

 

Or a G35, next.