Who Is Bilstein?

Germany is known for creating some of the most technologically advanced and sophisticated vehicles in the market, and it also goes the same with its automotive parts. When it comes to suspension products, there is one company whose name always stands out - Bilstein. 

Bilstein is a company founded by August Bilstein, who laid its foundation way back in 1873. At that time, they never imagined that Bilstein would become one of the leading forces in the suspension market.

 It was in 1954 when Bilstein realized the potential of catering to the automotive industry. They developed a shock absorber that would eliminate the disadvantages of a conventional telescopic shock absorber while also making it light and has the ability to position it anywhere. 

After tons of research and development, they created the first monotube gas pressure shock absorber and was used by Mercedes Benz. Today, their design has become the benchmark and standard followed by all shock absorber manufacturers worldwide.

BILSTEIN B12 (Pro-Kit)

Bilstein B12(Pro-Kit) is a performance suspension kit perfect for those who prefer a quick upgrade to a sports suspension system that improves vehicle handling and allows the user for easy lowering. 

Features and Benefits:

• Improved handling and comfort over factory suspension.
• Easy to install.
• Direct fit. The spring compression and height ratio is similar to the original suspension geometry, which means no rubbing or grinding issue.
• Allows you to lower your vehicle up to 50 mm, giving it a more aggressive stance and lower center of gravity.
• Perfect for both street and track performance applications

BILSTEIN B12 (Sportline)

The Bilstein B12 (Sportline) is the perfect combination of high performance, great looks, and sporty dynamics. This kit increases your car’s handling performance suited to those who like a quick responding and aggressive handling vehicle.

Features and Benefits:

• Superior performance and precise handling.
• Allows quick and easy lowering up to 50 mm.
• Fitted with an EIBACH Sportline sport spring which is perfect for comfort and performance.
• Sporty and comfortable.

BILSTEIN B16 (PSS9/PSS10)

For those who prefer a more race-inspired suspension, then the BILSTEIN B16 (PSS9/PSS10) is the perfect set for you. It allows you to adjust your compression and rebound setting up to 10 stages, and its threaded body enables you to control the spring rate allowing you to get the proper ride height you desire. 

This kit gives you the technology that was previously only available with race car suspensions. Now, you can experience the same handling performance and turn your daily driver into a competitive weekend track machine.

Features and Benefits:

• Provides user suspension adjustability with just a twist of a dial - 9 stages on B16 (PSS9), 10 stages on B16 (PSS10).
• Allows lowering of up to 50mm.
• A special aluminum alloy is used for the spring plates and lock nuts to ensure a proper and secure lock.
• Finished with a Triple-C-Technology®for better and longer-lasting corrosion resistance.

BILSTEIN B8 Performance Plus

The B8 is designed to enhance the look of your vehicle while maintaining the ride comfort you get from your factory suspension. It gives your vehicle a sporty ride and a lowered look, perfect for those who seek a performance lowering shock absorber that is compatible with daily use.

Features and Benefits:

• Designed explicitly for lowering springs and production sport vehicles.
• Monotube gas pressure construction.
• Combines sportiness and comfort.
• Improves handling and vehicle control.

BILSTEIN B16 Ride Control

The B16 Ride Control is a suspension system that enables the driver to adjust its damping mode between comfort and sports performance remotely. Its quick reaction time allows the user to change all four suspension settings within seconds, all at the comfort of the driver’s seat. There is no need to go down and jack up your vehicle, all it takes is just a push of a button, and you are good to go. 

Features and Benefits:

• Allows for an on-the-fly switch between sports mode and comfort mode.
• Threaded body design that allows adjustment of up to 20mm.
• Allows for a quick lowering for up to 50 mm.
• Illuminated control panel for ease of use.
• Triple-C-Technology for better corrosion resistanceRound threads for easy adjustment.

BILSTEIN B8 5100 (Ride Height Adjustable)

These shock absorbers are designed for SUVs and pickups with a coil-over setup. It uses various snap rings that groove in certain positions that position the spring at different levels. It allows for height adjustment of up to 2.75 inches, perfect for fitting those bigger and meatier tires.

Features and Benefits:

• A better and safer alternative to coil spring spacers.
• Superior monotube design using Bilstein’s patented technology.
• Allows the user to use the vehicle’s stock front coil springs.
• Finished in Bilstein’s special zinc coating for optimum protection.
• Independent rebound and compression tuning and self-adjusting deflective disc valving. 

BILSTEIN B6 4600

The BILSTEIN B6 4600 series are specifically designed to improve the performance of most SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans in the market. It allows you to have a better handling vehicle without compromising the factory suspension's ride comfort.

Features and Benefits:

• Limited lifetime warranty.
• Designed using Bilstein’s patented Monotube gas pressure technology.
• Quick and easy installation and fits directly onto the vehicle with no modification required.
• Improves the vehicle handling, stability, and control while maintaining a factory-like ride comfort. 
• Utilizes Bilstein’s unique piston design that provides better sensitivity and optimum vehicle control.

BILSTEIN B8 5160

These are a stock mount, remote reservoir shocks system that perfectly fits any lifted truck, SUV, or Jeep. These are perfect for people who want to turn their vehicle into a proper off-road machine. 

Features and Benefits:

• Direct fit and requires no cutting and welding.
• Uses Bilstein's patented and industry-leading monotube design.
• Finished in Bilstein’s specially formulated zinc coating for longer-lasting protection.
• Increases shock oil capacity, which helps improve heat dissipation and damping sensitivity.
• Special swivel banjo fittings allow for 360° of rotation for a more flexible. 
• It comes with a vehicle-specific mounting kit for ease of installation.

BILSTEIN B8 6112

If you are someone serious about offroading, then the Bilstein B8 6112 is a suitable kit for you. It is the ultimate suspension solution that allows the vehicle to have an optimized driving capability on and off the road.

Feature and Benefits:

• Adjustable spring seat which allows vehicle leveling, and increased ground clearance.
• Kit includes (2) front 60mm shocks, (2) spring seats, and (2) springs.
• increased oil capacity, cooling, and long-term durability thanks to the large 60 mm tubing design.
• Bigger piston for improved ride comfort and control over any rough terrain.
• Reuses OEM top mount and rubber isolator.

BILSTEIN B8 8112 (ZoneControl® CR)

The Bilstein B8 8112 (ZoneControl® CR) suspension kit is a revolutionary suspension system that provides sensitive damping in both compression and rebound. It is one of the most comfortable shock absorbers available in the market, perfect for everyday driving conditions, 

Features and Benefits:

• Fully rebuildable.
• Has a position-sensitive damping with 3 compression zones and 2 rebound zones, controlled by 3 independent pistons.
• Provides superior bottom-out control through a 2-stage, telescoping internal compression stop. No need for an external bump stop.
• A secondary rebound stop will dissipate spring energy helping stabilize the suspension. 
• Triple piston design delivers comfort during everyday driving conditions.
• Adjustable threaded spring seat for ride height adjustment.
• It comes with a threaded body design for height adjustability.
• Aerospace-grade materials guarantee superior quality.

BILSTEIN B8 8100 (Bypass)

BILSTEIN B8 8100 (Bypass) is a shock kit that has a position-sensitive damper design. This kit is specifically designed for use with light trucks and SUVs.It provides the optimum ride in all driving conditions while providing increased performance when the road gets rough. It is like having two sets of suspensions in one.

Features and Benefits:

• Dual tube external bypass design offers a better rebound and compression performance, thanks to its position-sensitive damping capability. 
• Precision damping force adjustment.
• Fully adjustable to any vehicle application.
• 60mm large-bore aluminum piston offers a wider range of damping control and durability.

Purchase Bilstein Shocks At Vivid Racing

If you are in the market for quality shocks, whether for your sedan, pickup truck, or SUV, then choose the best and choose Bilstein. They are considered the premier brand when it comes to shock absorbers and other suspension-related products.

To know more about them, visit Vivid Racing and check out their list of products that fit your specific needs.

Are Bilstein shocks good?

Yes. They are so good that they have been supplied shock absorbers to some of the best aftermarket and OEM markets, such as Mercedes Benz.

Are Bilstein shocks worth the price?

Bilstein may cost more compared to the regular shocks that you can buy elsewhere, but with its features and industry-leading patented technology, every penny is worth it. Plus, its heavy-duty construction guarantees that it would last for long periods. It means less chance of premature wear and tear, which would save you money in the long run.

How long does Bilstein's shock last?

Bilstein shocks are made up of aerospace-grade materials and aluminum alloy, known for their strength and durability. Bilstein also uses a specially blended coating finish that allows it to perform better against corrosion which is also good against fighting off harsh elements. This means that Bilstein can last for a long time. 

Where are Bilstein shocks made?

Bilstein’s main production facility is located at their U.S. Headquarters in Hamilton, OH. It is where they produce their world-renowned monotube shock absorbers for high-performance automobiles, motorsports, and off-road vehicles.

Are Bilstein shocks better than OEM?

Yes. At its core, Bilstein was created to be an improvement over the factory's original shock absorber. What is good about Bilstein is that it maintains the original geometry of the original part while improving the performance and aesthetic aspect.

6. Warranty Claim

6.1 The regulations as stipulated in the German Civil Code, as far as no other agreements have been made. If the contract conditions are meant shall be judged at time of risk transfer. In case of production according to the drawing submitted by the Customer we shall only be liable for the parts to be made in accordance with the drawing and not for their function. A guarantee is only granted if expressed by our legal representative, handed over in writing and identified as such. The warranty period shall be to 24 months after the risk has been transferred.

6.2 The Customer shall inspect the goods in accordance with § 377 HGB (German Commercial Code) and without delay give notification of any defects that are discovered

6.3 We must be given the opportunity to examine the notified defects. If defects are discovered and notified in time, at our discretion, the parts will either be reworked our replaced by us. If we fail to comply with our warranty commitments or fail to meet them in accordance with the contract, the Customer shall be entitled to rescission or to claim a reduction in price. Further claims are excluded, except for the claims set out in Section 9. Customer claims for other necessary expenditures, especially for transport, traveling, labour, and material costs are unacceptable, if the costs increase due to any alterations with regard to the place of destination which are not relevant to contract.

6.4 As long as the parts supplied by us are directly or indirectly delivered from our immediate Customer to his final Customer, instead of sections 6.1 to 6.3, the legal regulations will apply. We shall, however, be liable for damage claims only as set out in section 9.

9. Compensation, Liability

9.1 The Customer shall bear the responsibility for the proper design including observation of any safety regulations, selection of the material and necessary testing procedures, accuracy and completeness, supply regulations and for the documents and drawings that have been handed over and any facilities and parts provided to carry out the work even if changes are suggested by us which meet his approval. The Customer shall also be responsible for ensuring that information that he has provided does not infringe industrial property rights or other third-party rights.

9.2 The Customer shall indemnify us against any claims for compensation asserted against us by a third party which originate within the Customer's spheres of responsibility.

9.3 We shall only be liable to pay compensation for infringement of contractual, non-contractual or other advisory or other ancillary obligations

• in a case of intent,
• in a case of gross negligence on the part of executive bodies and accomplices,
• when and if a guarantee declaration has been explicitly confirmed by an executive body in writing,
• where a claim can be declared, based on the German Product Liability Act.
• in the case of culpable infringement of essential contractual duties, restricted to typical losses which were foreseeable when the contract was signed.
• where lives are harmed, in body or health, in a case of intent or negligence by executive bodies and accomplices.