I recently replaced one in my 2003 E53, bought a new one for 90€ (110$) here in europe and replaced it fine. However, after the work was done I examined the faulty one and found it was just a spring that broke inside. I bent over one of the end loops on the broken end of the spring to make a hook and now I have a working spare. Will try to find a stronger replacement spring if possible. If you have taken out your faulty one might be worth seeing if you can fix it temporarily until you get the new one.

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2003 E53 3.0D european