Ronin wrote: Sun Oct 12, 2025 9:32 amShould still have plenty of life left in it.

In reality I suspect not, one of the struts makes a pretty unpleasant "graunching" noise as it approaches fully open, about the point where I have to start "encouraging" it. Onto the "to do" list.

Discussion with eBay to follow - not as described!
The eBay seller is I think trying to lead me on a merry dance, just bouncing back and forth with irrelevant requests. The latest is for a close-up picture of the labels on the struts, even though they already have pictures of the labelling on the ...

So, moving on I decided to have another closer look at my bonnet struts.
My research leads me to: 4D0 823 359F or FEBI 27675 530mm long, 223mm stroke, 245N force (oddly somewhat less than the boot which is 300N).

When I open the bonnet I do have to lift it a bit, but it stays up. However I realised ...

Isn't there an immobiliser situation where it will allow the engine to be started but won't run on? Dredging my memory here.....

Battery light stays on if you don't start the engine.

Job done, slightly disappointed in that the units that arrived were black, but shiny, but they were cheaper!
Found an old broom handle that was just the right length to prop the boot while working; it now opens and closes as it should. :mrgreen:

I couldn't figure out how to undo the spring clips ...

Does this help: https://forums.quattroworld.com/a8/msgs/71550.phtml

Many thanks, even cheaper on eBay! Ordered. A job for another day.....

Nice.
How much and where from? And does anyone have the part number(s)?

I'm sure there's some information about this on "the other resource" but its down at present, so....
My boot is getting heavier to open, though it will stay up if fully lifted, so I think one strut is failing at least.
Does anyone have a known source/specification for these and are they different to ...