So I purchased a 2004 R53S with 165K.

Decided to put it up and change the oil, get a good look at what's going on, etc. Under the car, near the front centre of the engine bay is a bolt or support that has two gaskets (one on either side). It could be part of the engine mount? Regardless it looks like one or both of those gaskets are wearing or worn.

What is this thing and do I need to fix it?

I know..I am a fool. hahahaha

 

A picture would help as I cannot envision anything like this in the front of the engine but the dogbone motor mount is in the center between the engine and the firewall/body.

Going to move you to the Stock Problems/Issues area.

And, rather have you ask a question that you might think foolish than ask no question at all.

 

I am talking about the mount where the green arrow is pointing to. Hopefully the picture size reduces. (I am going to go back under and have a look to make sure).

 

Yes that is the dogbone. If the thinner rubber parts are torn it should be replaced.

 

Can you give me a hint on how to find the part numbers for those rubber pieces?

 

You do not replace the rubber inserts, depending on your budget and what you plan on doing with the car you can either buy a new lower motor mount or buy some special inserts like Powerflex.

In my signature below there is a link to our vendor page. There are more than a couple that probably have them in stock.

 

https://www.waymotorworks.com/oem-mi...t-r50-r53.html

$52 with shipping

https://www.waymotorworks.com/powerf...ng-insert.html

$36.50

 

So you have a few options depending on what you want out of the replacement.

This will be a factory mount and give the same result as it had from the factory.
​​​​​​https://www.waymotorworks.com/oem-mi...t-r50-r53.html

This is a loaded one with power flex bushing installed in it. This will tighten up the engine some and put more power to the wheels also should never wear out again.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/powerf...-assembly.html

You could also just buy the powerflex bushing and install them your self.

 

I just put BSH lower mount in my car, made a world of difference in conjunction with a Vibratechnics top mount.