Front shock absorber mystery

[Jookeone]

Hi,

I recently got my first E30 (1987 325i SE) and have got it in the garage for the time being sorting a few things. Under the bonnet I've noticed a spacer sandwiched between the top of the shock strut and the body where it mounts. The spacer is white and seems a fairly hard material 5mm thick or so. The strange thing being that it is only present on the drivers side (R/H) with the strut mounted directly to the shell on the opposite side!

Anyone know what's going on here; is it normal, or a common alteration/fix or bodge?

Cheers, Jack

[Rtaylor2208]

Not normal. The chances are someone has replaced the shocks or springs at some point and forgot to put a component back in. This is turn causes a rattle, which can be bodged by adding a spacer as you describe.

In my case it was a missing upper spring pad on one strut and a missing washer between the shock and the too mount on the other.

[Jookeone]

Thanks, I'll have a look into that then.