Perished rubber on shock - can anyone identify the part?

[Just-ify]

Hi guys

I was wondering under my car last night and came across this perished rubber.

Does anyone know what it is and its function (ignore the bungee cord )?

My only guess would be a type of buffer block for the shock...

Thanks!

 

[danieljames]

It's bump stop. I think it's somehow suppose to help protect from bottoming out

 

[Just-ify]

It's bump stop. I think it's somehow suppose to help protect from bottoming out

Great, thanks

 

[moranor@axis]

it is the bump stop you probably find its time for new shocks also... let me know what you need

 

[Just-ify]

it is the bump stop you probably find its time for new shocks also... let me know what you need

Thanks moranor - is there a reliable way to test if the shocks need replacing? Do those gadgets that they magnetically stick to the side of the car while bouncing it actually work?

Also, which shocks would you recommend for a 316i '96 E36?

 

[zippy320]

When my car was purchased new back in 2002 , I took my at that time then less then 3 months old car to a few very reputable tyre / shock etc fitment centers in Durban , I was looking for something for the E30 at the time while running around in the E46 , Anyways I was a little curious so I had most of them do that Shock test using the magnets , And every single one of them had told me that my shocks are old and worn and need replacement, Not sure how they couldn't recognize that the car was new and everything was still spotless but that's what I was told . Need new shocks here is our quote.

Its now 2014 and im still running on those Original shocks , I asked BMW at my last service , to have a look at them and they said it was fine no leaks or anything, I dont know how they test it but im sure there is wear as its been over 190 000kms but i dont feel as if there are any issues with my car in terms of braking wandering etc, , So I personally would be very skeptical of those magnetic testers. Im not sure how else one could test it besides the basic braking at a stop street, bounce by hand , etc tests .

it is the bump stop you probably find its time for new shocks also... let me know what you need

Thanks moranor - is there a reliable way to test if the shocks need replacing? Do those gadgets that they magnetically stick to the side of the car while bouncing it actually work?

Also, which shocks would you recommend for a 316i '96 E36?

 

[moranor@axis]

general rule is shocks last about 100 000km before they loose their effectiveness leaks or not

only reliable way to test is to take the dampers off and run them in a damper dyno this is not cost effective for a street shock...

Koni STR.T or Biltein B4 would be a good replacement drop me a PM when you ready

 

[applehero]

it is the bump stop you probably find its time for new shocks also... let me know what you need

Thanks moranor - is there a reliable way to test if the shocks need replacing? Do those gadgets that they magnetically stick to the side of the car while bouncing it actually work?

Also, which shocks would you recommend for a 316i '96 E36?

From what I have heard, the testing method isnt that reliable. (I have never had it done or seen it first hand).

BMW Dealers tend to decided on damper replacement by visual inspection - leaks etc.

As a rough example, my car has around 280 000 kms on it and was lowered previously. Dampers were completely finished. If you have the cash, replace them every 100 000 km.

If you have the budget to go OEM, then definitely do it.

 

[moranor@axis]

OEM is over priced you may as well upgrade t a better damper from Koni r Bilstein