SSD just picked up a BMW shock absorber and needs information on orientation and on how to set it up. It has BMW markings and a part number as follows 33 53 2 316 332 MD. He would also like and information as to it's brand and any other information.
Regards Martin.

Hey mate

found this after some searching 

https://www.bilstein.com.au/motorsport

For the ultimate motorsport suspension solution, look no further than the Bilstein (Modular Motorsport Damper System) MDS 2-Way Damper. With a wide range of adjustability as well as customisation options to tailor-fit your specific needs, the MDS 2-Way Damper is the perfect fit for your racing machine.

Jamie thanks for the information I'll try and delve into it further.
Regards Martin.

I sent off an email to Bilstein and received a prompt reply they have only just got into motorcycle suspension with front forks for a S1000RR. So back to the drawing board.
Regards Martin.

Why bother the barn door a tug boat anyway

The Barge is pretty quick when the wind is behind him.
Regards Martin.

SSD from behind, chasing Matt, is a sight to behold!!!

SSD and Matt chasing Bruce with a pillion on a K75 is even better.
Regards Martin.

With BMW parts you only need the last seven digits to identify the item. The two sets of numbers in the beginning are just part vehicle location identifiers and the last seven will never be repeated throughout BMW's entire part numbering system. Also, there're never letters after the number, so you're searching simply 2 316 332, which is a discontinued part number - provenance unknown at this stage. I'll check the archives later on.

Thanks TWB we appreciate the help, I've never seen or heard of this shock before? It's a hefty good looking unit.
Regards Martin.

I have not worked in the parts department for two years now, and it looks as though some newbie chucked out all of the dog-eared but essential parts catalogues that'd accumulated over the years since this shop opened (2004) and the former place it stemmed from (late '80s). The boss told him to tidy the shelves up so he tossed a lifetime of useful paper tools.

I'm not gunna have an answer here.

Thanks for trying TWB. Have you ever come across BMW even having an upmarket shock absorber for a K100?
Regards Martin.

Sure, you must remember the Nivomat!

Though I dunno if anyone would call it an upgrade.

Thanks TWB I do remember the Nivomat, but it was in the parts cattledog and the workshop manual. I can't find anything at all about an optional OEM shock for a K100. When I do a search for optional OEM shock for a K100 all I could find was the Nivomat. Even though this is the same length could it possibly be off another BMW model? I'll continue to search.
Regards Martin.

Jamie seems to be on the right track, Martin. That stamp on the end of the shock reads MDS, which is a Bilstein model but the S is wound up in the coil spring graphic so isn't as obvious as it could be. Maybe it was repurposed from some other machine lost in the mists of time,or maybe institutional memory is falling off at Bilstein.

Did you send them a photo?

Unfortunately there was no way to attach photos. This is a copy of his reply. His answer does not explain why if it is a custom one off shock why it has a BMW part number and symbol. I have determined that the S is a snake and staff called the Asclepius’s rod. Somewhere the answer is out there.
Regards Martin.

Jack Moss	Thu, Jul 14, 9:07 AM (1 day ago)
to me

[ltr][size=13]


[size=15]Hi Martin,
 
The part number doesn’t come up on our system. Bilstein don't produce motorcycle shocks with one exception being the most recent foray into making front motorsport forks for the S1000RR.
So unless somone has had one custom made by a Bilstein agent, then its unlikelt to be ours.
 
Cheers,[/ltr][/size][/size]

Could it be a shock absorber for a BMW car? Maybe the seller might know something about it. Bilstein might recognise the logo.

Dave the investigation so far reveals that it is a BMW shock absorber. I don't believe it's off a car but who knows. SSD is away at the moment so maybe when he gets back he might be able to contact the seller for further enlightenment. I'm thinking that it might be an optional shock for a race bike. But I don't believe there would have been enough of a market for supplying a OEM race shock for K bikes. 
Regards Martin.

MartinW wrote:I have determined that the S is a snake and staff called the Asclepius’s rod.

Next time somebody in your group of riders down there has an aching back, the shocks could be waved over it to determine if they relieve pain.

I could use it at the moment, it's proving to be a headache. 
Regards Martin.

A few light taps on you forehead should do it, first chance you get. Wear eye protection.

I remember I saw this kind of shock once IRL, and sometimes online on dedicated forums or ads websites.
As far as I can remember, it was an optional sport suspension made by MDS for BMW on early Ks.
See: http://www.bmw-k75s.de/53078396ca0a6cb01/53078396d00c7c801/index.html
and https://m.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/sportfederbein-bmw-k75-k100-mds-federbein/2104079915-306-6099

:cheers:Thanks for that JBT I knew someone had the information. I had a look at the pictures and it's a match. 
Regards Martin.

JBT I've tried to look up MDS suspension to no avail. Do you know where they were made and what happened to the company?
Regards Martin.

I haven't clicked on those links, but I typed in mds federung. de, and clicked on the first option which was mds performance. de. That looks like it might be the company.

Thanks Dave mystery solved. I sent a text to SSD on the results and he thanks you all for your help.
Regards Martin.

I'm glad if I've helped after all the help I've had, like the XB Falcon Continental mystery way back, that you and others solved for me. I never would have thought I'd find the answer from a motorbike forum.