Cap, shock absorber — a genuine BMW part, number 51 11 8 162 553. The number stamped on the part is 51118162553; BMW's catalog files it under the short number 8162553. You will find it on our Interior Body shelf, under Other Body equipment parts.
It fits every E46 body style (320i, 323i and 325i, 1999–2006), with the M52, M54 or M56 engines — and the European-market versions.
BMW draws it on 4 diagrams, among them Support, front (51_2255) and Support, front (51_3229). BMW's catalog calls for two of these at each place it is fitted. It weighs about 4 g (under 0.1 lb).
We have not had one on the shelf yet. Request it and we will tell you when one comes off a car.
