BMW 850CSi (E31) Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber Costs
The average cost for a BMW 850CSi (E31) Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber Replacement is between $72 - $134. Get an instant quote with our AI repair estimator.
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What is a Suspension Strut or Shock Absorber?
A suspension strut or shock absorber is a critical component of a vehicle's suspension system, designed to absorb and dampen shock impulses. Their primary function is to keep your vehicle's tires in contact with the road surface, ensuring a safe and smooth ride. While both struts and shock absorbers serve similar purposes, they differ in structure and location. Struts are structural components that integrate multiple suspension parts into one assembly, including the coil spring, and play a key role in the steering system. Shock absorbers, on the other hand, typically operate independently of other suspension components and primarily manage the vehicle’s ride stability and comfort by controlling the impact and rebound movement of the vehicle's springs.
Symptoms of Worn Suspension Struts or Shock Absorbers
Driving with worn suspension struts or shock absorbers can lead to a degraded driving experience and increased safety risks. Some common symptoms of faulty struts or shocks include:
- Excessive Bouncing: If you notice your vehicle continues to bounce after hitting a bump or pothole, it is often a sign of worn-out absorbers.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Bad shocks can cause uneven tire wear due to improper handling and balance on the road.
- Nose Diving or Squatting: If your car noticeably dips forward (nose diving) during braking or squats backward during acceleration, this indicates trouble with the suspension struts or shocks.
- Vibrations: You may feel excessive vibrations or a rough ride even on smooth surfaces if the struts or shocks are compromised.
- Fluid Leaks: Visible oil or fluid leaking from the struts or shocks is a clear indicator that they are failing.
- Unusual Noises: Knocking or rattling sounds when driving over bumps can suggest issues with the struts or shocks.
How Urgent is Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber Maintenance?
Repairing or replacing faulty suspension struts or shock absorbers is quite urgent, as they impact the vehicle's control, comfort, and safety. Delaying this maintenance can lead to dangerous driving conditions, as the ability to handle the vehicle properly is impaired. Additionally, prolonged use of ineffective shocks or struts can result in accelerated wear on other vehicle components, such as tires and suspension systems, ultimately increasing repair costs. It is highly recommended to address any issues with struts or shocks as soon as they are noticed.
How Much Does Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber Replacement Cost?
The cost of replacing suspension struts or shock absorbers can vary greatly depending on the vehicle make and model, as well as the specifics of the parts needed. On average, the cost for repairing or replacing a set of struts or shocks can range from $150 to $800 per unit including parts and labor. Luxury or performance vehicles may incur higher costs due to more expensive parts and complex suspension systems. It’s often advisable to replace both struts or shocks on an axle at the same time to maintain balanced handling and performance.
5 FAQs about Suspension Struts / Shock Absorbers
- How often should suspension struts and shock absorbers be replaced?
Generally, struts and shocks should be inspected around every 50,000 to 60,000 miles, but replacement needs can vary based on driving conditions and habits. Signs of wear should be addressed immediately. - What happens if I don’t replace worn struts or shock absorbers?
If left unchecked, worn struts and shocks can lead to poor vehicle handling, increased stopping distances, and excessive tire wear. They also increase the risk of accidents due to reduced control. - Can I replace my struts and shocks myself?
Replacing struts and shocks can be complex, especially struts as they are part of the vehicle’s structural support and may require specialized tools. Professional replacement is recommended unless you have the necessary skills and tools. - What are the benefits of new shock absorbers or struts?
New shock absorbers improve ride comfort, enhance handling, and ensure better vehicle stability. They help maintain proper tire contact with the road and contribute to safer driving conditions. - Do shock absorbers and struts perform the same function?
While both components serve to absorb impact and provide a smoother ride, struts are integral to the vehicle’s steering and alignment, acting as a structural part of the suspension, whereas shock absorbers are strictly focused on controlling ride motion.
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1995 BMW 850CSi (E31) V12-5577cc 5.6L SOHC (S70) - Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber Costs
Parts: $30.00Labor: $2.00{ "partPrice": 30, "laborPrice": 2, "alldata_id": 21669, "alldata_vehicle_id": 21669, "title": "Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Front Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Strut Assembly", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Standard Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Right", "part": [ { "name": "10 - Strut Assembly", "note": "Includes: Knuckle.", "price": "1779.07", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "31311140008" } ] }, { "name": "Left", "part": [ { "name": "10 - Strut Assembly", "note": "Includes: Knuckle.", "price": "1779.07", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "31311140007" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Sport Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Right", "part": [ { "name": "10 - Strut Assembly", "note": "Includes: Knuckle.", "price": "1951.83", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "31312227256" } ] }, { "name": "Left", "part": [ { "name": "10 - Strut Assembly", "note": "Includes: Knuckle.", "price": "1951.83", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "31312227255" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Electronic Control", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Right", "part": [ { "name": "10 - Strut Assembly", "note": "Includes: Knuckle.", "price": "1259.45", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "31311138496" } ] }, { "name": "Left", "part": [ { "name": "10 - Strut Assembly", "note": "Includes: Knuckle.", "price": "1285.90", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "31311138495" } ] } ] } ] } ] }, { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Sport Suspension", "part": [ { "name": "11 - Shock Absorber", "price": "471.07", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "33521137479" } ] }, { "name": "Comfort Suspension", "part": [ { "name": "11 - Shock Absorber", "price": "471.07", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "33521137479" } ] }, { "name": "Electric Dampening Control", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Right", "part": [ { "name": "11 - Shock Absorber", "price": "1322.33", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "33521090398" } ] }, { "name": "Left", "part": [ { "name": "11 - Shock Absorber", "price": "1322.33", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "33521090397" } ] } ] } ] }, { "name": "Gasket", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "part": [ { "name": "16 - Gasket Plate", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "33521134028" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Nut", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Front Suspension", "part": [ { "name": "12 - Nut", "price": "0.00", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "NOT USED" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Protection Boot/Dust Shield", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "part": [ { "name": "12 - Rubber Boot", "price": "10.45", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "33521134044" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Shock Mount/Guide Support", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "part": [ { "name": "15 - Guide Support", "price": "77.34", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "33521091605" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Shock Plate/Spacer", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "part": [ { "name": "14 - Spacer Plate", "price": "12.61", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "33521129559" }, { "name": "17 - Spacer Plate", "price": "12.61", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "33521135195" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Front Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "note": "Does Not Include: Alignment. ", "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.0", "warrantytime": "1.5" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Both Sides", "labor": { "note": "Does Not Include: Alignment. ", "skill": "B", "standardtime": "3.7", "warrantytime": "2.7" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] }, { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.0", "warrantytime": "0.7" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Both Sides", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.8", "warrantytime": "1.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] }, { "name": "Shock Mount", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.0", "warrantytime": "0.7" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Both Sides", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.8", "warrantytime": "1.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 1995, "make": "BMW", "model": "850CSi (E31)", "engine": "V12-5577cc 5.6L SOHC (S70)" }1994 BMW 850CSi (E31) V12-5577cc 5.6L SOHC (S70) - Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber Costs
Parts: $91.00Labor: $79.00{ "partPrice": 91, "laborPrice": 79, "alldata_id": 19254, "alldata_vehicle_id": 19254, "title": "Suspension Strut / Shock Absorber", "parts": { "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Sport Suspension", "part": [ { "name": "11 - Shock Absorber", "price": "471.07", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "33521137479" } ] }, { "name": "Comfort Suspension", "part": [ { "name": "11 - Shock Absorber", "price": "471.07", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "33521137479" } ] }, { "name": "Electric Dampening Control", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Right", "part": [ { "name": "11 - Shock Absorber", "price": "1322.33", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "33521090398" } ] }, { "name": "Left", "part": [ { "name": "11 - Shock Absorber", "price": "1322.33", "pricecode": "Contact Dealer for most current part and price information", "partnumber": "33521090397" } ] } ] } ] }, { "name": "Protection Boot/Dust Shield", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "part": [ { "name": "12 - Rubber Boot", "price": "10.45", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "33521134044" } ] } ] }, { "name": "Shock Mount/Guide Support", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "part": [ { "name": "15 - Guide Support", "price": "77.34", "pricecode": "", "partnumber": "33521091605" } ] } ] } ] }, "labors": { "operations": [ { "operation": "Replace", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Front Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "note": "Does Not Include: Alignment. ", "skill": "B", "standardtime": "2.0", "warrantytime": "1.5" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Both Sides", "labor": { "note": "Does Not Include: Alignment. ", "skill": "B", "standardtime": "3.7", "warrantytime": "2.7" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] }, { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.0", "warrantytime": "0.7" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Both Sides", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.8", "warrantytime": "1.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] }, { "name": "Shock Mount", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "Rear Suspension", "qualifiers": [ { "name": "One Side", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.0", "warrantytime": "0.7" }, "qualifiers": [] }, { "name": "Both Sides", "labor": { "skill": "B", "standardtime": "1.8", "warrantytime": "1.3" }, "qualifiers": [] } ] } ] } ] } ] }, "year": 1994, "make": "BMW", "model": "850CSi (E31)", "engine": "V12-5577cc 5.6L SOHC (S70)" }