What does this part do?

[20ducks]

Changed out my Summer tires as temperatures fall toward the 40's F. It isn't connected to anything, nor is there any part close to it that would help identify its purpose. I'm baffled as to its function:

Apologies for the dirt under there. These pics were taken before I cleaned the area.

 

[Incompatible]

If your talking about the black rubber cylinder with the retaining bolt attached to the rear of the muffler. This piece acts as a vibration damper, at least according to the BMW parts list.

 

[20ducks]

That huge appendage acts as a vibration damper? Wow, I still can't believe with all the mechanical and other engineering expertise the Germans have, they lost the war anyway. :|

Vibration damper.....huh.

 

[Aebous]

There is dirt in that picture?

Don't look at mine then, you'd faint

 

[timscuba]

Ducks likes things that vibrate :evil:

 

[20ducks]

Ducks likes things that vibrate :evil:

You bet I do but I can't get at this "damper" that easily when the wheel is mounted.

 

[WaZZZZman]

20ducks I just looked at my 2004 2.5i. The bracket is not red like yours and the tube part divides into two parts. One part runs along the side of the muffler and the other part runs along the back of the muffler. I believe it is a damper for the muffler. I could see no other reason for it. :?

I have a question for you. What brand of rotors are those you have and it looks like a wheel guide bolt you have on the hub. Is it for that purpose and if so did you make it or buy it somewhere? I have never seen one, but damn that is a good idea. I really hate trying to hold the tire in place while putting the tires back on.

 

[20ducks]

I bought the rotors from an AZ outfit that is no longer in business. They are zinc coated frozen rotors. I paid a little less than $200 for all four. a good deal.

2 products that have saved my back and a lot of time:
Wheel Mates are priceless.
and LeatherZ Wheel Pin another priceless tool.


Cheers,
Greg

 

[Incompatible]

Ducks likes things that vibrate :evil:

If the damper was removed, the vibrations might reach a system harmonic which could result in the diver being momentarily vibrated and stunned simultaneously.

 

[Incompatible]

2 products that have saved my back and a lot of time:
Wheel Mates are priceless....

Cheers,
Greg

So Ducks, the wheels mates really work? Reading their advertising, it sounds almost to good to be true. Have you had any high speed vibration problems with them on or having to retorque the wheel nuts repeatedly? thanks

 

[20ducks]

They are made from phenolic material...very thin, very light and work like a charm. Highly recommended if you change your own rims. I've never had to retorque my lug bolts (I check them anyway) because I found them loose.

I figured out that I take my summer rims off 3 times per year, change my runflats 2X, snow tires 2X. I have a floor jack that using the rear jack point I pull up one side of the car at the same time and a compressor to power up my impact wrench. I needed all the back saver tools/products I could find.

 

[zednik]

Be careful, that thing is a telemetry transponder so Munich knows your credit rating and average g-force under cornering, braking, and acceleration. All the data is sent to your insurance company and the BMW warranty program. :evil: