Rear strut bushing doesn't fit because of a metal sleeve

[E30REDD]

I'm changing my upper rear strut bushings.

This metal sleeve (to the left of the strut) was inside the old strut bushing:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/oeoxn8fv36hho ... 131136.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8imscy5afn0g9 ... 1119.jpg?m

It's impossible to get the metal sleeve inside the new strut because the strut bushing hole is too tight:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cnwdn3xds6lvw ... 1054.jpg?m

If I remove the metal sleeve I can easily put the bushing in place, but I guess the metal sleeve has some functionality.

[E30REDD]

I'm also wondering if this gasket is necesarry: http://i.ebayimg.com/t/BMW-Rear-Strut-T ... wWDUwMA==/$(KGrHqV,!oUFB0WPFMu5BQlQf6z9ew~~60_35.JPG

The old bushings doesn't have that gasket between the car and the bushing and there was no gasket included when I bought the new bushings.

[gromgsxr]

by the look the metal tube is part of the old bush and should still be attached to the center of the bush. new ones should have a part like that in the middle of the bush. gasket not sure my ones came with them get some gasket paper from a parts shop a few £ and cut it out easy

[Brianmoooore]

The metal sleeve is part of the old top mount - throw it away.
A new sleeve ( which might actually be barrel shaped, if you have upgraded to E46 cab. ones) is bonded into the new mount.
A gasket of some kind is necessary to stop water getting in, but I have used a little seam sealant as an alternative on the odd occasion.

[E30REDD]

Just after I created this thread I realized where the metal sleeve came from.

Thank you for the answers tho!