Maxorber front struts for BMW E36 incorrectly made

[theartguy007]

I purchased a pair of Maxorber front shocks for my BMW E36 and found that the driver's side shock is incorrectly made. In fact when looking at both the left and right shocks they are exactly the same which is incorrect. The left and right differ in how the 'saucer' for the spring is positioned. On the right shock the bit where the end of the spring fits is forward of the center line of the strut (when seen from the side) whereas on the left it must be behind the center line of the strut. The Maxorber shock for the driver side has this part in front of the center line of the shock with the result that this area digs into the tire and gouges the rubber out. I was able to catch this problem before too much damage was done.

So, I would NOT recommend Maxorber for anyone as if they can get it wrong on one car what's to say they haven't done it with other cars?

Yes, they are very inexpensive and look nice but if you really want a pair make sure they match the ones coming off your vehicle.

Here are videos and images of what I am talking about:

http://sagajllo.com/VideosStruts/

[vikingsandpintos]

Send the seller a message, chances are they won't see your post here.

It may be just a simple case of a mis-packaged part. It happens! I'm sure it can be resolved. Have a great day! 

[atikovi]

Cheap parts turn out to be the most expensive when you have to do over again. For struts I've heard of KYB, Koni, Bilstein, Sachs, Monroe, Gabriel. Not Maxorber. Made in China for half the price of the others?

[mr.elmwood]

Guy at the GM parts counter said to me: "I can sell you a cheap part that won't fit".

[nunabr0]

Fitment is just ONE of the problems you'll encounter with cheap shocks and struts. Even the ones that fit are usually made so poorly that they will cause the car to ride worse than it did with the old bad strut; or ride halfway decently for a few weeks and then degrade.

You get what you pay for.

There's a difference between getting a good price on quality parts....or just getting cheap parts. Always shoot for the former.