Having shocks installed in your vehicle helps you to drive smoothly. They are designed to ensure your tires touch the road and coil springs handle the harsh impact.
But when they are damaged, the experience is not suitable at all. They cause uneven tire wear, too much instability on roads, long braking distances, and even accidents.
So, to ensure a smooth ride, you must change the bad shocks. That’s where Bilstein shocks come up.
Bilstein is a common name when it comes to shocks. Several products are offered to the market under this brand name. In this Bilstein shocks review, I’m going to share everything you need to know about it to make a better buying decision.
A Bit about the Company
Bilstein started its journey around 150 years ago (1873) in Germany as a window-fitting company by August Bilstein. In 1927, his son Hans entered the automobile industry with chrome-plated bumpers. Soon it started manufacturing jacks too.
It joined the motorsport field with gas pressure shock absorbers installed in a Mercedes-Benz car. After the revolution, it didn’t have to look back.
Now, Bilstein offers high-quality shock absorbers for several models of vehicles, ensuring better performance than OE ones. Also, it is working as OE manufacturer for several companies.
Bilstein Shocks Review: Don’t Miss It
Bilstein is known widely for its innovation and superior quality. Let’s see what the shocks have to offer.
Design
Design is one of the strongest sides of Bilstein. With a strong R&D facility, it comes with unique and efficient shocks that serve more than the purpose.
Its monotube design with well-maintained gas pressure maintains its performance even on rough road surfaces.
These shocks include self-adjusting working pistons and steel disc valves to regulate oil flow precisely. Thus, it controls the flow more strictly for better rebound control.
Also, the rod guide is designed to be self-lubricating, making it work smooth every time.
The design superiority has allowed Bilstein shocks to perform better than most other shocks in the market.
Build Quality
Besides design, the company has focused on build quality too. It uses high-quality material to build its shocks. On top of that, zinc plating saves them from harsh elements.
The sealing is not ordinary when it is Bilstein. A 3-stage high-temp seal ensures maximum seal strength, ensuring zero leaks even in high pressure.
The steel piston rod is induction hardened to ensure strength. Thus, it remains steady without bending in extreme conditions. Thus, each part is made to ensure maximum quality.
Application
Most shocks from this brand are designed to support off-road vehicles and trucks. For off-road and towing applications, they offer you just the performance you need. They are rarely made for sedans.
Also, you can expect Bilstein shocks to be used on lifted trucks. They are specially designed so that you can install them in lifted trucks easily to receive optimum performance.
Performance
When it is about performance, Bilstein is trusted by a lot of users. The shocks are designed to ensure better control over your vehicle. Even in heavy-duty towing or adrenalin-pumping off-road conditions, they can support you to keep the situation under control.
It also focuses on the smoothness of ride. You can expect a satisfactory on-road driving experience from these shocks. The outstanding dumping capabilities of the shocks ensure this. Applause should be given to the performance-focused design for this.
The company uses high-end technology and the highest quality materials to ensure performance, regardless of the environment or weather conditions. That’s why most users love this brand.
Durability
When it comes to durability, you won’t find many to match the durability of Bilstein shocks. Where the standard shocks last around 40,000-50,000 miles hardly, these shocks can easily serve you for 60,000-70,000 miles with minimum maintenance.
If you maintain them carefully, they can last almost 100,000 miles- some off-road enthusiasts have claimed.
I think it depends on the off-roading frequency. If you don’t go to off-roads frequently, you can expect them to last around 100,000 miles or even more.
But if off-roading is your regular task, the standard shocks from Bilstein can serve you around 60,000-70,000 miles if maintained. Still, this is way better than most shocks out there.
Installation
Installing these shocks can be time-consuming and needs expertise because some Bilstein shocks need additional adjustments. So, you can find it a bit complex even if the installation instruction is available in most cases.
If you don’t have enough experience working with shocks or fitting them, getting the help of a mechanic to install them is always recommended. This would cost you some additional bucks. But it is worth it.
Price
Performance comes at a price. So, you have to pay more than the price of standard shocks while getting the ones from Bilstein.
Compared to the standard shocks available in the market, these shocks come with a higher price tag. There are reasons behind that, and I guess you’re already aware.
These shocks can be a good long-term investment for a smooth and satisfactory performance. So, spending the amount is worthy.
Warranty
Two types of warranty policies back these shocks.
If you get a shock that’s not for an off-road purpose, you’ll be covered by a limited lifetime warranty policy.
On the other hand, this policy doesn’t apply to off-road shocks. Instead, they are backed by a 90-day money-back guarantee.
However, you must discuss the warranty with the seller while buying one.
Diffenrent Types of Bilstein Shocks
Bilstein offers three common types of shocks based on application and performance- B4, B6, and B8.
1. B4 Shock: Perfect OE Replacement
If you’re satisfied with the OE performance of your vehicle, B4 shocks from Bilstein are perfect for you. Just pick the one offered for your vehicle model and enjoy a similar performance to the first day. Besides ensuring an optimal driving experience like day one, it offers unmatched durability.
2. B6 Shock: OE Replacement, but better
If you need a better performance than OE shocks, B6 can be your pick. Shocks in this category are designed with a special damping setting to enhance your vehicle’s weight-bearing capabilities. So, try them if you need to carry an additional load regularly.
B6 has a special product line called B6 Camper, suitable for campervans.
3. B8 Shocks: Designed for Race
If you’re into race, you must give it a try. Shocks from this category are shortened to fit the cars lowered for racetracks. Thus, you can enjoy the advantages of lowering the car without compromising anything. Besides, it adds several benefits regarding handling, safety, and performance.
Also, the shocks for lifted vehicles belong to this category. Such ones are designed to improve off-road performance.
One of The Top Bilstein Shock Review
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock Set
This shock package comes with two front and two rear monotube shocks to fit 2005-2016 Ford F250 / F350 4WD. You’ll find it suitable if you want a better set than your OE shocks.
This German-engineered and US-manufactured shock is designed to help you handle your vehicle better on and off-road. Rapid heat dissipation technology is used here to ensure improved performance in pressure.
Also, effective heat dissipation enhances durability. According to Bilstein, users have reported it stays supportive for more than 100,000 miles.
Like most other shocks from this brand, it comes with zinc plating, which protects it from harsh elements. It also ensures durability.
It includes the patented digressive valve technology. Thus, it reacts quickly to the changing surface to ensure a better-controlled and stable ride.
Installation is easy as it comes with OE mounting hardware. So, you don’t have to spend a huge time in the garage.
Overall, this is a great pick for off-road enthusiasts. It seems expensive, but it is worthwhile, I promise.
Downsides of Bilstein Shocks
Just like everything, shocks from this brand also have some issues. Some users have found these shocks a bit stiff compared to others.
However, the stiffness is not durable in most cases. Within a few days, you’ll see that the stiffness is gone.
Again, they are not available for all models and makes of vehicles. You’ll find shocks for the most common vehicle models out there. But that doesn’t guarantee you’ll get one compatible with your vehicle.
Ford F250 Bilstein Shocks Replacement Video
Final Verdict: Is Bilstein a Good Shock?
From the Bilstein shocks review, you can see that these are designed to be your best support, no matter you want an OE performance, better off-roading experience, or improved balance while carrying additional load.
They might be expensive, but you shouldn’t forget the unique build quality, premium materials, and high-end design. Being a combination of everything good, it offers you almost double durability compared to most other shocks available in the market.
So, you can easily conclude that Bilstein offers some good shocks indeed. Most users and enthusiasts are satisfied with it, and so do I. If you want to taste quality, try shocks from this brand. Just be sure that you’re picking the right product.
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