Bonnet struts
 

I think my bonnet struts have come to the end of their life as the bonnet often shuts itself when I leave it open.

Are there any recommended makes of replacement strut, or makes to avoid (Chinese ones will be avoided, of course!)?

The brand names I came across for original suppliers are Stabilus, Lesjofors (two dots above the first 'o'), Triscan, Quinton Hazell, Delphi and Febi Bilstein, and I've only heard of the last two.

Lots available on eBay from the likes of Meyle and Magneti Marelli as well as 'other' brands, but MJs opinion is probably the best.

Part number by the way is 4D0823359F.

UPDATE: Forgot to add the specs for them if looking at other manufacturers for them. Length - 530mm, Housing diameter - 18mm, Piston rod diameter - 8mm, Eject force - 245N, Stroke - 215mm

Thanks for the data, Sean. Very helpful.

I think phaeton chrome struts fit the A89 D2 just like the rear boot struts

The original struts that failed to lift the bonnet on my car were made by a Belgian company called HINSCHA with the '4027CV 0245N' code printed on the side of the strut casing. I did a bit of searching around on 'tinterweb' and eventually plumped for a set of front struts called Nitro Lift for my car from SGS Engineering. Work really well, easy to fit. I think they're up north somewhere, Derby (I just checked). I've attached an image of the measurements in PNG format.

Ha ha! Only a Londoner could call Derby “up north somewhere” :ROFL:

But thanks for the recommendation. I think my boot struts were from SGS, so I’ll check them out.

Ah, perhaps my soft spot for Derby didn't come through in my post. Got a childhood friend who lives in Mickleover, and a mate of mine used to work at RR before being made redundant. Top people 'up north' in my book, including SGS who kept me fully updated on my enquiry and subsequent order for the front struts. I'm going to blow your mind now by telling you that I made it all the way to Newcastle once to see a man about some wheels. Norretal makes a fine cup of tea ;)

+1 For SGS, use them all the time for struts in work

I suspect the struts you get are a smidge bigger. ;)

Contacted SGS as the bonnet struts aren’t listed on their web site