rear shock absorber question

[spinixguy]

I was performing some of the actual "inspection" steps of my inspection service and I noticed that my rear driver side bump stop is missing. I then noticed that my rear passenger side bump stop is in pieces. I plan on replacing them, but am wondering if I should replace the rear shocks while I have it all apart. At $190 a shock I do not want to replace them if I do not have to. When are these normally replaced on a BMW?

[JCL]

Usually when they go soft, and no longer control jounce, not at any certain mileage or time.

[Tymatk]

If i go over a bump and the rear of the X5 swirl around a bit, this mean my rear shock is dead?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Tymatk

If i go over a bump and the rear of the X5 swirl around a bit, this mean my rear shock is dead?

No, but in could mean that either you have worn suspension bushings and/or worn shocks.