Cheap BMW i4 Bonnet Strut

Yes, the BMW i4 uses gas-charged bonnet struts (also called bonnet stays or bonnet lift supports) to hold the bonnet open, rather than an old-fashioned prop rod. All variants of the i4 — including the eDrive35, eDrive40, and M50 — share this feature, as it is a body-structure item unrelated to drivetrain or power output. If you need a replacement, a used unit from a breaker is a straightforward find.

The BMW i4 launched in 2021 and sits on the G26 platform; as of 2025 no generation change has occurred, so a 2022 and a 2024 car are the same generation. However, BMW introduced a facelift for the i4 in 2024 which revised the front end, including the bonnet shut line area, so whether the strut itself changed at that point is something you should confirm with the breaker against your exact registration before buying.

Bonnet struts are a front-end structural item and trim level does not affect fitment — the M50, eDrive40, and eDrive35 all share the same bonnet assembly on the G26 platform. You may find cosmetic differences such as M-badged finishers elsewhere under the bonnet, but the strut itself is the same part. Any G26 i4 donor car at a breaker should supply the correct strut regardless of which trim it came from.

The 2024 facelift updated the i4's exterior, and while the bonnet strut is a relatively simple component, whether it interchanges directly across the pre- and post-facelift boundary is not something that can be confirmed here with certainty. You should quote your registration to the breaker and ask them to verify their donor car's model year against yours before purchase. This is the safest approach any time a part spans a known facelift boundary.

No — the bonnet strut is a front-end body component and is completely unrelated to the drivetrain layout. Whether your i4 is an eDrive (rear-wheel drive) or an xDrive M50 (all-wheel drive), the bonnet and its struts are shared across the G26 platform. Simply match the model year and facelift period with the breaker's donor vehicle.

Gas struts can weaken over time, causing the bonnet to drop slowly or not stay up fully — so it is worth asking the breaker how the bonnet held on their donor vehicle. Most reputable UK breakers will have tested basic functionality when dismantling, but used struts carry no guarantee of the same lifespan as new. If the quoted price is very low, consider whether a new aftermarket strut might be better value for such a safety-critical item.