Mini Cooper One R50 R52 R53 Gas Pressurized Spring Hood Bonnet 290N

The Gas Strut for Mini Cooper One R50 R52 R53 Bonnet 290N is an original BMW part, designed for stable support and controlled opening of the engine cover on first-generation Mini models. Thanks to the precisely selected force of the gas spring, it ensures safe bonnet operation and convenient access to the engine compartment during servicing.

Specifications and technical data

• SKU: 4360740-1
• Mark: BMW (Genuine OE)
• Condition: Used
• OEM Part Number: 51237175020
• Substitutable numbers: 51237175020, 7175020, 51234360740, 4360740, 51237160818, 7160818, 41616801259, 6801259, 51237066566, 7066566
• Category: Other Interior Parts & Accessories

Intended Use and Function of the Strut

The gas-filled pressure strut is responsible for the smooth lifting and stable holding of the engine cover in the open position. In the Mini Cooper One R50, R52, and R53 generation, this is a crucial safety component – a worn strut can cause the bonnet to self-lower, make it difficult to lift, or require excessive force to open.

Replacing it with a functional, original BMW strut restores the bonnet's proper operating characteristics, improves the comfort of accessing the engine compartment, and reduces the risk of mechanical damage resulting from uncontrolled bonnet lowering.

Construction and Performance Parameters

The Gas Strut for Mini Cooper One R50 R52 R53 Bonnet 290N utilizes a sealed cylinder with pressurized gas and a piston rod guided in a precision sleeve. This design ensures:

• stable bonnet support force throughout its entire operating range,
• controlled opening and closing speed,
• adequate stiffness at maximum lid travel,
• reduction of vibrations and jerks during bonnet movement.

The strut is designed to work with the factory mounting points on the body and bonnet, which simplifies installation and eliminates the need for any modifications.

Original Origin and Replacement Numbers

The presented part is from the BMW group, compliant with the manufacturer's factory documentation. It has a dedicated OEM part number and assigned interchangeable numbers, which facilitates compatibility verification with specific versions of the Mini Cooper One R50, R52, or R53. This allows for precise selection of the strut for a given vehicle, avoiding issues with incorrect length or gas spring force.

The presence of reference numbers also allows for easy comparison with the currently installed part and with service catalogs, which is particularly useful for professional workshop services.

Condition, Installation, and Service Application

The strut is offered in used condition, allowing for an economical replacement of a worn part while maintaining the original manufacturer's specifications. For workshops and individual users, this means a favorable cost-to-quality ratio and the ability to quickly restore full bonnet functionality.

Installation is typical for bonnet gas springs – after disconnecting the worn strut, the new part is attached to the factory sockets without the need for body modifications. Replacement is particularly recommended when the bonnet does not stay open on its own, lowers in wind gusts, or requires support from an additional element.

Benefits of Using an Original BMW Strut

• Engine Work Safety – stable holding of the bonnet in the open position reduces the risk of sudden lowering.
• Operating Comfort – smooth opening and closing of the bonnet without the need for excessive force.
• Factory Fitment – compatibility with the construction of the Mini Cooper One R50, R52, R53 and original mounting points.
• Economical Repair – a used OEM part allows for reduced service costs while maintaining proper operating parameters.

If you are planning a comprehensive repair or upgrade of the engine compartment area in your BMW and need other parts from the same group, such as struts, brackets, or additional mountings, check the available parts in the Other BMW category.

To compare the characteristics of sports drivetrains and chassis with solutions used in production cars, it is worth reading the analysis in the article Audi RS vs. Other Models – What's Under the Hood and Chassis?, which shows the importance of appropriately selected service components.

If you are considering wider use of used parts for your car of this brand, the guide Used Parts for BMW – Is It Worth It? Key Benefits for Brand Enthusiasts, discussing the practical aspects of selecting used OEM parts, may also be helpful.