Hi Lyle,
Bilstein shocks are lifetime warranteed shocks (both the sport and heavy duty versions). As long as they are aftermarket bilstein shocks (not bilstein's that came in the car from the factory) you can send them back for a free set. Now obviously, none of the 2002's came with bilstein's from the factory (some later cars like the E30's with factory sport suspension did, and those do NOT carry the Bilstein lifetime warranty, because they were OEM bmw, covered solely by BMW) so it is safe to assume the ones coming out of your car are the lifetime warranteed "aftermarket" variety.

How to get your replacement set:

If you purchased them from a company like Bavarian Autosport or BMP they should be able to warranty them through Bilstein. All you would have to do is ship the bad shocks to them, and upone receipt of the bad shocks, they can send you back a new set (you pay shipping).

If you have no CLUE where the shocks originally were purchased, you can still get them warranteed. BavAuto can warranty you a set, even with no receipt and even if they weren't purchased through them, at a charge of $15 a shock, I believe. You have to pay the shipping to send them the bad shocks. If I recall what they normally do is SELL you the brand new bilstein shocks, you send back your bad/old bilstein shocks and when they get them and verify they are indeed bilstein's with the aftermarket part #'s (like HE 0336 or something like that) they credit you back the price of the new shocks, minus the $15 per shock fee.

Hope that isn't TOO confusing, but its one route to getting credit for those blown Bilstein's. I'd definately incourage you to get a new set. Typically in New England they go 100,000+ miles. And if they ever go bad in the future you can send them back for new ones (and with any luck this time you'll have a receipt and you'll have a Bilstein dealer like BavAuto, so you won't have to pay the $15 per shock.)

Good luck with your shocks!

~Dan
'73 2002
(w/ bilstein heavy duties, eibach springs, 15" panasports!)

Hello Everyone(again),

I was hoping you could shed some light on what I can do w/ the worn out Bilsteins on my car. I've heard many times you can send them back to Bilstein and they will replace them for the cost of S&H, if you have the bill of sale(receipt)? I don't have the bill of sale(receipt). The ones on my car are flat worn out(they are still clean though). Thanks a Million in advance, Lyle T. 1973 2002