BMW 3 Series rear shock absorber

What does a rear shock absorber do?

Shock absorbers are responsible for your vehicle’s smooth drive over bumpy or uneven roads and are an essential part of your suspension system. Your shock absorbers are gas-filled tubes that are compressed by a piston, dissipating kinetic energy to provide a comfortable ride for you and your passengers, regulating the rebounding of the car.

How often should shock absorbers need replacing?

You can expect shock absorbers to last at least 50k miles. Your owner’s manual may specify a different mileage or duration, as this figure is only a guideline. You should also have your shock absorbers checked after heavy contact with potholes, curbs or large rocks in the road.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

Car suspension is a common reason for MOT failures. Broken or faulty shock absorbers, including oil leaks, will be a definite fail at an MOT.

What happens when we replace your shock absorbers?

• Our efficient and fully qualified mechanics will examine or test-drive your car to establish the cause of the problem.
• Wherever required, a shock absorber will be replaced, and you’ll be advised of any other connected or associated problems arising from its malfunction.
• You will also be advised of any other parts that may need to be replaced for the best operation and health of your vehicle.
• Once the faulty shock absorber has been replaced, our mechanics will test it thoroughly to ensure the correct running of the new part and make any adjustments required for its premium operation.

What causes a shock absorber to stop working correctly?

If a shock absorber is leaking fluid, from malfunctioning or damaged seals, it will fail to operate correctly. A damaged, broken or bent shock absorber will also fail to operate as intended. This can happen through continual use, general wear or through damage from an accident. Some of the smaller internal parts will eventually wear out, which will prevent the complete component operating correctly.

Symptoms of a malfunctioning rear shock absorber

Excessive bouncing and an uncomfortable ride

If your car is providing uncomfortable ride quality and is bouncing excessively, it could be that your shock absorbers aren’t operating correctly.

The car feels unstable

When navigating corners or over uneven ground and your car feels unstable, this could also be due to suspension damage.

Driving over speed bumps is difficult

When driving over speed bumps or raised road elements causes uncomfortable and excessive bouncing, it is likely that your shock absorbers are damaged.

If you spot signs of leaking

Any puddles of oil-like fluid on the road around your wheels could be escaping from leaking shock absorbers.

If your wheels leave the ground

If your tyres lose contact with the road when driving over bumpy or uneven surfaces, then your suspension isn’t working properly and could be down to a faulty shock absorber.

BMW

BMW AG is a German automobile and motorcycle manufacturer that was established over 100 years ago in March 1916. They also own Mini and Rolls Royce, after taking over the two British marques in 2000 and 1998 respectively.

How popular is BMW in the United Kingdom?

BMW makes luxury vehicles and is possibly most famous for its sports saloon models. In 2018, BMW had 1.9m vehicles on the roads in the UK, a number that has been steadily increasing each year for the past decade.

As one of the ‘big 3’ German marques, along with Audi and Mercedes, BMW carries a strong reputation for making high-quality stylish vehicles, and have captured a large section of the UK market.

Luxury family and business models for every driver

Probably most popular for the 3 Series and 5 Series saloon models, BMW has got every possible angle covered for the more discerning drivers.

The full range includes everything from the 1 Series city car to the full-size saloons and sports coupes of the 7 and 8 Series models.

To provide everything you’d ever need for family motoring there’s a seven-seat MPV, their range of X model SUVs, and since 2014, the introduction of their plug-in electric i models. Top it all off with their M model high-performance supercars, the Z4 convertible and the i8 Roadster—and you’ve got the full package.

BMW: High performance on and off the track

BMW has a successful history in a range of motorsports.

They have been significant performers in touring car racing and rally driving, enjoyed success in Formula One with the BMW Sauber team, and BMW cars have been regular competitors and winners at Le Mans since the race’s early years.

BMW’s reliability and reputation

BMW ranked 16th place out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. BMW hasn’t always had the best reputation for reliability but to rank alongside marques such as Honda, Volkswagen and Fiat they’re holding their own alongside plenty of the other big names.

Recent BMW recalls and reliability issues

Various recalls have been made on BMW models throughout their motoring history. The following are a list of the most recent in the UK and Europe.

22/03/2019 – BMW X5 (2018)

Incorrect tightening torque of left front seat fixing bolts

22/03/2019 – BMW X5, 5 Series (2000–2003)

Potential rupture of driver front airbag inflator

04/03/2019 – BMW X1 (2018–2019)

Rear lights may be fixed with incorrect securing units

01/03/2019 – BMW X5, X6, 7 Series, 6 Series and 5 Series (2009–2011)

Auxiliary water pump’s electronics could lead to a short circuit

01/02/2019 – BMW X5 and X6 (2007–2010)

The idler pulley bolt could become loosened

21/01/2019 – BMW M3, M4 and M4 convertible (2016)

The flange of the propshaft may become detached

27/12/2018 – BMW X6 (2014–2015)

EGR module cooler could leak

27/12/2018 – BMW 4 Series (2013–2015)

Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak

All recall information sourced from gov.co.uk data.