Possible counterfeit Sachs shocks

[rlavvy]

Hello,
I have just received a pair of Sachs shocks for my E85.
317 551 and 317 552.

I am concerned that they may be counterfeit. At least one, maybe both.
I maybe worrying for nothing because I am used to dealing with motorcycles and their shocks seem better finished/specced.

There is a 2mm difference in length of the rod between the seal and the mounting shoulder.
The boxes had slightly different paperwork inside.

Also, can anyone advise if the nuts on the rod top of genuine ones are black or silver. Silver is shown in the catalogue. Both mine are black.

They are both made in Turkey 17 weeks a part according to the box stamps.

317 551:
Has a Sachs hologram sticker.
Has a silk paint finish.
Has a clear chamfered edge at the mounting shoulder of the rod.
Has ZF leaflet with QR code which when used sources a web page with an english mounting intructions doc.

317 552:
No Sachs sticker on shock
Glossier finish
Barely chamfered edge at the mounting shoulder.
Has multi language mounting instructions leaflet in the box.

I am going to talk to the supplier.

This whole episode has led me to the ZF manufacturers site and if I was doing this again I would call one of their listed suppliers.
My supplier is not on that list.

Many thanks for your help and opinions,
Mark

[Special Kay]

It could be as simple as different production batches, using different paint suppliers at the time of manufacture. but then again you could be very right in thinking one or both are suspect. I would contact the manufacturer, provide all your evidence and take it from there. As to the 2mm difference, this may fall within pass tolerences during the production process.
Alternatively, you could return the whole package, get your money back and shop elsewhere. The decision is yours

[enuff_zed]

Do they both have scoring around the piston?

[rlavvy]

Do they both have scoring around the piston?

No. That is oil. If they had been scored they would have gone back immediately.

[raymond.harper]

Saw this video. The production date should be on the side of the unit and coincide with the one on the box and the paint should be matt https://www.facebook.com/reel/585575297095029

[rlavvy]

Saw this video. The production date should be on the side of the unit and the paint should be matt https://www.facebook.com/reel/585575297095029

I watched that video. If you watch it again you will see that there is not a production date on the original.
Cheers, Mark

[Rockhopper]

Where did you buy them from would be my question? ECP etc very little chance of them being snide. Unknown Ebay seller - well you take your chances!

[rlavvy]

Where did you buy them from would be my question? ECP etc very little chance of them being snide. Unknown Ebay seller - well you take your chances!

Agreed. Lesson learned. I sent them back and bought Monroe ones from GSF. They are now fitted and everything is rosy.

[Sajk]

Who was the seller?

[B21]

I bought off eBay a GFB boost diverter valve for an E89 N20…I then looked at GFBs YouTube videos on bogus parts..sure enough mine was a fake..the eBay guy claimed he bought excess stock in good faith..

That’s why I tend to go to Autodoc or even BMW as it’s much more likely to be pukka!

[BMWZ4MC]

I bought JBL noise cancelling earbuds from a very well-known on line shop (allegedly) based in Sydney. Those delivered were obviously fake and lacked most of the features that drew me to the particular model to start with. Fortunately, PayPal refunded me when the vendor ignored my complaint.
I now have the genuine article, so I can compare the fakes directly with the genuine item. What surprises me most of all is the lengths to which they’ve gone to create a close facsimile of the charging dock and earbuds. It must have been an expensive process. I’m certain they didn’t just steal a mould from the OEM manufacture because there are a few subtle differences from the genuine article, such as the number of charging LEDs on the case.
It would have been less complex to simply send an empty box, given that everyone who buys them will seek a refund anyway, either because they can tell that they are fake or because they don’t perform as advertised!