Bilstein Struts & Shocks Explained - Which Bilstein Model Is Right For You?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- ►Bilstein has been at the forefront of damper technology since it introduced the first monotube gas pressure shock absorber on a Mercedes-Benz series vehicle in 1957. Their revolutionary design spurred everything dampers have become, and their use on some of the world's most high-performance vehicles only speaks to their legitimacy. These days, Bilstein offers several kinds of damper for all sorts of applications.
Bilstein offers the B4, B6, and B8 variations on just about every sporty model. Vehicles designed strictly for comfort likely won't have a B8 option. The three variants offer different damping profiles, each specific to the chassis. The B4 serves as the OE damper, identical to what you'd find in the car out of the factory. The latter two offer increased firmness and an inverted design for better suspension control under hard cornering. They differ slightly from each other because the B8 is meant for shorter, aftermarket springs, while the B6 can be used with the OE units.
Choosing the right strut for your application can be tricky. Do you want the OE valving, or are you better suited with something stiffer for more spirited driving? Should you stick with the standard damper or go for an inverted one? And what's the difference? Well, ask no more, as FCP Euro's BMW Expert Gareth Foley is here to explain Bilstein's product offering to help you determine which is best for you.
00:00 - Intro
01:12 - Bilstein B4 Overview
02:17 - Bilstein B6 Overview
05:18 - Bilstein B8 Overview
08:50 - Wrap-up
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I didn’t even recognize Gareth for a sec. Congrats on the weight loss 🎉
same here, recognized his voice for sure.
He is looking and feeling like a whole new person!
whoa...i had to restart the video after seeing your comment. good work Gareth!!!!!
Fuck me, I thought it his dad
Looking jacked
I lowered my E92 but very little, only about 1 inch. So I installed B6 because all docs say it's still ok for B6 and not enough for B8. Recently one of my B6 died, it not just leaked, but it started rattling and knocking inside really bad. My mechanic suggested that I had to go with B8 from the start, that B8 might work better even for 1-inch lowering. And probably, he was right.
Thanks for these kind of videos Gareth, love how informative they are, straight to point.
Bilstein USA reps has indicated using B6 with lowering springs is ok, where some car application only have B6 to choose from.
Would be cool with a comparison of several brands, like "OE" replacement Bilstein B4, Sachs SuperTouring, KYB watchacallit, Performance upgrade: Bilstein B6, Koni S.trt, KYB ??, etc etc
B4's absolutely blew away the stock Boge's in my Volvo C70
Something we can certainly add to the list!
Thanks, great explanation for ALL views. Greetings from that Old Jarhead in WNC
I’m using B8 mk6 versions with VWR springs on my mk5 Rabbit. It rides so good. Amazing ride.
I actually learned a ton of great information!!! Thanks!!
Gareth, love that you have shaved some pounds and are looking great! Awesome explanation of how Bilstein units go together.❤
almost didnt recognize him but recognized his voice. LOL
Very informative video! Always loved riding on Bilsteins
Some of our favorites!
Always enjoy these definitive videos on the products. Was just watching all the Bilstein videos and then you guys had one popped up today. Very informative as well. Thanks for doing it and keep up the good work. Suggestion the website, the bumpstops and bellews should have a package kit that shows what's what. That is the most confusing part. If you wanted to change your factory OEM springs, you might have that as suggestion with the shock or strut. It helps save time when wanting to upgrade or replace. I have to go to various sites to figure out like had to go to Febi site to look up the part of the bump stops on a VW Touareg. Thanks.
Good suggestions K D , appreciate you sharing it with us - we will share it with the catalog team. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Did you guys tap my brain? I have just been considering which model to use. And now thanks to your information I have a clear set of parameters to use. Thank you.
Awsome explanation
That was informative. I think the B6 will be appropriate for my Mercedes 2003 C32
My E46 M3 came with super low ebay coil overs fitted by the previous owner with next to no KMs on them, the cars' ride and handling were so disappointing, very harsh ride that stayed fairly flat in the corners but the damping was all wrong, any mid corner bump would destroy cornering ability. I had Bilstein on my Supra previously so two weeks in I bought and fitted Bilstein B6 and Eibach springs all round for the M3 and the improvement was incredible, such a nice ride but with far superior road holding - they made the M3 a drivers car again.
I always use the B6 on both of my E46
Any comments on how B8s with lowering springs compare to KW-V1 Coilovers on a BMW E90 335xi?
I really like FCP and buy from you time to time. Here is my question regarding a 1997 BMW 740 with aftermarket sway bars (stiffer). I put on the B6 all around and found in the winter that the back becomes so stiff that it wants to skip over bumps. For that matter the CD changer skips when it hits bumps in the summer. I do not find the front too stiff, just the rear. Normally I would say use B4 or b6 all around but what if any affect would it be to keep the b6 in the front and b4 in the rear. I am hoping this would soften the rear a bit and keep that skipping off bumps to a minimum. I know others in the car club have said that the 740 loses its nice ride with the b6 but I am okay with at least the front being B6 but cannot stand the rears acting the way they do.
I love how u explain so clearly the details of each model. I have a 2015 subaru wrx and I so very badly wanna replace my really old worn struts all around with the bilstein B6 with a new set of factory springs so I can enjoy the curves once again while still being at stock ride height so I can still hit the dirt with my AWD lol. But since dad passed away I became the official caregiver of my badly disabled mama so I commute to work I'm an auto shop manager and I work 12 to 14 hours 5 days a week while taking care of mom and heading the household and all the finances myself but I promised dad on his death bed that I would always care for mom. So with that said money is very tight and I will probably have to get a set of those dirt cheap loaded struts on Amazon cuz my left rear totally blew out and sags so bad the tire hits the fenderwell on every bump. I would give anything for a complete set of the B6s with new springs and mount it'll kill me but at least for now I'll have to give my baby the dirt cheap junk to get by until I save the money for the bilsteins they are so expensive but its worth it for the best in my opinion and when I finally get them I'll be hitting these beautiful southern CA curves with that precision handling shifting thru those gears and hearing that turbo spool up. My dad is why I'm a car guy and work in the industry and when I get stressed out I find solace in the fun of driving its how I relax and think of dad and the good things in life. I'll get my B6s one day and enjoy the handling I crave
BTW does anyone out there have any recommendations for very low price loaded struts to get me by? Please reply if anyone knows a decent brand of really cheap ones thanks 😊
Do the rear b6s have internal bump stops too? I’m looking at one for the e46 m3.
Good video thanks!
Answered my Q: B8 is a shorter B6.
Ordering 4 B6s for my 2010 C6 Vette.
Ive recently bought some b8s for my t5 transporter. They appear to be twin tube Layout, as with the b4s, but cost more than 2x the amount. I have the suspicion that they are probably identical on the inside and im paying the Premium for the yellow paint finish...
Which one would you suggest for offroad / rallye driving ?
Very informative, which has me second guessing myself.
Recently used H&R lowering springs on my '99 SL 500, but went with the B4's. I did it primarily to minimize the wheel well/tire spacing, as opposed to performance. Now wondering if the longer oem length shock is compromised due to constant increased compression?
Your shock will last less and the ride quality is not optimal with this setup, on the b6 shock you can get lowering springs up to 25mm and still be good. B8's can get lower than 25mm without trouble
I Have a 2013 128i and I'm installing H&R sport springs however should I pair them with B6 or B8 from bilstein?
My right rear damper is broken on my car, the car was already lowered with eibach springs but with the original dampers, now I want to install the bilstein b8 but I only bought the rear dampers for now.. Would that be a problem?🤔
Hi, I am having problem with my 2015 explorer shock observers, someone recommended Bilstien B6 full set for front and back, is that going to fit without any modifications? Or is there any other brand could fit without modification? Thanks
This guy looks like his older brother who previously ran this column. But, still great video!
What are the results of running a set of mild lowering springs (H&R Sport) to the B6 struts/shocks. I've got a set of B6 DampTronic struts/shock all the way around on my 440i. They were installed by the dealer when I bought it. I'd prefer not to spend $2,500 on a set of B8's if its not necessary. I noticed the B6's actually sit slightly higher than my BMW OEM struts. My guess is that the H&R's will probably drop my down ever so slightly lower than stock...but how will it all affect ride and handling?
Can you use sport springs on the B6? Why or why not? FCP site Q&A says you can but everywhere else says you can’t. Please help explain. thank you 🙏🏽
Very good video thank you very much. I hane one question : the rears shocks i have to buy new stops? They arent inside of them i think
Hello, usually with any shock or strut, you want to replace the mounts along with them as they are traditionally rubber and degrade over time. The same would apply to bump stops.
Great video as always Garett! My e46 330i has sport suspension and I have read mixed suggestions on wether to replace the struts and shocks with B4 or B6, would you please set me straight on which is the correct replacement for an e46 with sports suspension. Thanks
I wonder This too, I am going b6
Outstanding video! I put new B6's on all corners of my 911 last fall and was stumped when the directions said "do not install a bump stop". Now I know why! The typical bump stops on our shocks/struts are notorious for disintegrating over time. Do you think these internal bump stops will hold up over time? BTW...I do love the ride and performance of the B6!
they should be safe from the outside environment compared to classic style bump stops at least :)
Glad I came across this video....just had B6 damptronics (and new tower mounts) installed on our 997.2 along with Eibach springs....the car now sits higher (26.75-26.875") than oem pasm equipped cars.....(it was originally wearing oem pasm shocks/struts coupled with H&R which was simply too too low for daily driving).....any thoughts on this? Thanks in advance,
@@obieandlaurie this is a know issue due to B6 having higher gas pressure than OEM shocks. With time it should settle a bit.
So on factory sports sline springs of my audi q5 which audi claims are 30mm lower than standard what do you recommend? I don't want to lower the car at all!!! B6 or B8?
My question is what is the proper seat for the b6 HD for the e46 m3 past the knuckle? Or flush
I have a 91 blinking lst mark 7 with the E boc lowering springs which one of these struts will go with that set up
I have a question about B4. I have einbach pro kit springs front rear and b4 set. My car is quite older one and dont have option to go with b6-8.
I did quite some milage with them and there is time coming to replace and not sure whether to go with the same set. I like the handling and stability on the road, but i get feeling on speed bups that its hitting the limit of the strut, dull sound, just weird behaviour not feeling that stability and it doesnt feel normal comparing how other cars behave. Its from begining when I installed them also rest of suspension was changed to "premium" parts.
So the question is - are b4 ok for einbach pro kit lowering springs -30mm ? Second thing is and i couldnt get it from your description here - you mentioned the b4 also have internal bump stops but you also said we install stock covers and bump stops. The magician who installed them didnt put any nor didnt ask whether I want to buy so still dont know whether needed. If yes, is the bilstain set i think called b1 ok for it?
Thanks
i did funny thing to my car last weekend by putting KONI sport yellow at the FRONT and Bilstein B6 at rear ! both purchased from FCPeuro 😂:) Koni was purchased last week !
but hell my car now is riding like Wow❤, pretty nice ie it seems balanced now i don’t know how to explain this accident combo…,:) but hell i love it
Can I putting Bilstein B8 at the FRONT and Bilstein B6 at rear in my 2012, MULTIVAN T5 , and keep the springs that are currently on the car.
I have a 2003 Porsche 996 turbo. The B6 that I have look like the B4 in the video but are shorter than the B4. Is this normal? Also, there was no mention of internal bump stops in the literature, so I installed new bump stops and dust boots.
looking at the B4 to go with my h & r springs for my Mk7, just a daily driver nothing special. is this a good match?
I need info on the b6 damptronic struts for cars with adaptive M chassis
I bought the B6’s for my E85 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i. My car had the standard springs but noticed one was cracked. I replaced the springs with the BMW M sport spring equivalents made by Lesjofors. I was constantly debating if I needed the B8’s or B6’s since the springs were a little shorter than the stock springs my car had. Also fcp euros website stated the B6’s were meant for the M sport springs but Bilstein’s website mentioned using the B8’s. I went B6’s and the car rides great. One thing to note is the front struts will look higher the first 1000 miles. They require time to settle down
I have exactly the same dilemma right now... I thought B8's are in a better travel range (so to say) with the M-Springs. Will be ordering this week so any help is appreciated. BTW did you order any additional extra parts for the switch (strut bearings etc.)?
@@danielk.8409 it was very confusing since Bilstein and fcp were conflicting one another. I talked to someone at fcp and they told me, I think, that both could be used with the M sport springs. I did order all replacement mounts from meyle, I even ordered the reinforcement plates from the e46. I’d be curious to know how your stance is if you put B8’s with the M sport springs. My front end was sticking up higher and I feared it was because the B6’s were longer in length but I noticed people had issues with B4’s making their E46’s front end stick up higher. Luckily it has mostly leveled out after driving and I don’t notice any intense bumping or banging since I went with the B6’s
Very good video. I knew what an upside down shock absorber was. I have B6 in my car, make a great diference in steering precision.
I think this video will be rounded with a description of the monotube tech and diference with twin tube.
How about the “damptronic” versions of the b4 and b6 for cars with adaptive suspension? Would the “comfort” setting on a b6 damptronic be the same as the “comfort” setting of the b4 damptronic or would it be somewhat stiffer? How much “range” would the damptronic shocks have?
if the B6 shocks are inverted is there a different mounting procedure?
Does a staggered tire set up factor into choosing shocks?
I bought b6s for my Audi this is great info
Great to hear!
this is so informative. Now I understand the inverted monotube design, especially when you removed it from the tube assembly. Does this lifetime warranty for as long as you own your car applies to the bilstein products?
Applies to all of our products Anthony! Bilsteins included
I can confirm. One of my B6 died, and I replaced both front struts. Paid only for the delivery. If you live far from the east coast keep in mind struts are heavy and expensive to ship.
Congrats on weight loss. On F15s im assuming lowering springs are okay on b6 bc i don’t even c b8s and its little different design ?!
I am currently considering b4 or b6 on my Golf 7R. Daily driving on shitty bumpy roads full of potholes, not sure which one would be better for comfort and longevity.
can I put B8's in my 1998, E36, M3, and keep the springs that are currently on the car? I'm under the impression those springs are compatible but would like to know for sure.
I already have the Eibach lowering Springs (Pro Kit) but the Factory Struts. If I get the Bilstein B8, which is recommended for the Pro Kit, will the Car go lower than with the Springs alone, if yes, how much lower?
What would be best for a stock C6 base that is a daily driver, no racing?
what about on the Porsche 986 as looks slim tube as B4?
can you explain to me why after putting the b4 Bilstein in my e46 with sport suspension change the height, now is high? really disappointed
Can I use the Bilstein B4 on my E46 with m-sport springs? They are lower than standard springs but not lowering springs
F10 535 xdrive can't find the B4 ,do You guys have them in stock?
I installed B4 on my 2015 Jetta SE and the ride is more than 10% firmer than OEM, do the B4s soften over a period of time ?
I recently purchased Bilstein B4 replacement shocks for my 2013 W204 Mercedes. Now, they cross referenced the part, then checked and checked again to ensure I was getting the right replacement. My car has standard/comfort springs and when the struts arrived something looked wrong, the exposed piston looked too short for the long spring. I contacted Bilstein and they assured me it was the correct fitment and that the piston would extend further when the tension on the spring was released. (Never heard of that with any strut). Well, what an odyssey that was compressing the spring enough to get the top cap on the piston and install the nut.... I'm sure it's not right, but rides ok.
Anybody heard of this, piston pulling out further?
I bought the Bilstein B6 (the first variant of the B6 discussed in this video) and Eibach springs for a 2004 VW GTI VR6. They are not installed yet. Is this a good combination? Also, I'm considering buying the Eibach sway bar. Intended use: street & highway.
B6 are for the OEM springs, not Eibach lowering springs.
B8 are for the lowering springs. But since you already bought them, don't worry.
You will have a slightly softer ride but it will be hard to notice. I have B8 with OEM springs on my 330i and it rides like a dream.
On my Z3, I have B8 with stock springs and it rides like a dream on smooth surfaces but like a baby treats a diaper, on rough surfaces.
My Z3 will eventually be getting B4 with the H&R spring for a 10% more firm ride from the B4 but with a softer lowered stance from the H&R springs.
So in other words, don't trip! 1 recommended or unrecommended component compensates for either more or less performance!
Could I get just the front struts say like the b8 for a 5th gen Camaro 2015
Why buy V4 over OE or OEM?
Are B6s rebuildable? Talking about E30.
Why are there only B8s available for the BMW E39 M5s?
Can I use the B6 with lowering springs?
Is it fair to say that BMW M models need B8s since M suspension is equivalent to sport suspension? For example E39 M5 will take B8s with stock M springs.
Gareth looks so different. Hope its a positive weight loss :)
Bilstein or Ohlins? which is better quality for a F82 M4?
i have some front bilsteins for my Audi S3 , it says 22-131614 vne d161 , they dont fit my car ? why is that ????
Congrats to Gareth on his weight loss journey. Holy crap!
I am planning to get the B6 for my e46. Do I need to get replacement for the shocks/ struts mount? Or is there any items that need to be replace so the Bilstein fits correctly in my car?
Thank you
You always want to replace any mounts and hardware when replacing shocks and struts. We have a couple kits available on site for you to view and choose from! We also have a few DIYs to give you an idea on what to expect.
@@fcpeurohi! Can I use B6 on my e46 which has oem BMW m sport lowering? I run this in the back now since my mechanic bought and installed it! Just so I know if I can now run B6 in front too and not have to re do the rear 😢
hi, so the OE are basically Bilstein but rebadge BMW or there is substantial difference between the 2 ? also do you happen to know if there is substantial price difference between the 2 ? thanks
Hi Hass, there is usually a gap in pricing on OE vs Genuine. To learn a bit more, check out this link! www.fcpeuro.com/page/oe-academy
The length difference is on the shaft, 🤣 that's what she said
put the b6s on my e39 touring thats lowered.... you guys recomended to not go with b8s (not available anyways )
DYI!!! I had a shop install B8s on my E39 530i. They rounded the center slot which is used to counter hold the shaft as you torque the nut for the upper bearing installation.
You will need a special socket that has a cutout/window and an Allen wrench. A standard Allen wrench may a little bit short until the nut has been screwed most of the way down. Allen wrench must be inserted completely!!!
I made my own tool by cutting an Allen Wrench and slid a hex wrench over it.
Having the bit fully seated is the way! Anything less than that will result in stripped hardware, sorry to hear that happened on your E39!
Do Yourself It?
ride control v damptronic, realise theyre for two different types of car do they actually perform differently?
I'm surprised you're not CEO broski. You are FCPEuro!!!
Any thoughts on the when installing the Bilstein struts the ride heights changes ? Seems like everyone is having that issue
I think a lot of it is bushings not being torqued in compressed state.
I asked a question up above specific to your comment....I did not know about others having the same issue (increased ride height after installing B6 units).
What you mean by performance on B6? Is that stiffer than the B4? Thanks.
Yes, stiffer damping rates.
Generally speaking, how big of a difference is the “performance increase” versus “comfort decrease” when going from the B4 to the B6?
I have one Seat ibiza 6l tdi 2005 cupra r 160 hp. Bilstein Website indicates B8, only B8. My question is I can install b8 with my original coilsprings ? .Tanks
Hello, B8's are typically designed for lowing springs, you may want to look at a B6 if you want a more sporty feel with your stock coil springs.
B4 or Sachs?
You’re a god
Which rides the softest and which rides the most stiff?
I just know „B8“ shocks - so what is the difference on these „B8 performance plus“ struts ?
I got b6s for my 2006 Acura TSX I replaced the Rears and I noticed the ride was a bit more bouncy not sure if I owe anyone else has felt this with B6 shocks? 🤔
What about the B4 HD?
Is this Fcp Euro’s interpretation about Bilstein models? Because Bilsteins representative told me, that in such case as here(factory twin tube). The b6 monotube will be much better for comfort on bad roads etc, just because twin tubes are not designed for a lot of abusement on bad roads. But afterall each of us understand the word comfort differently, maybe that should be interpreted in the beginning of the video. Thank you for the material ❤
I have B8’s (same as B6 only shorter) on my car with H&R lowering springs. The B8’s are much more firm than stock dampers. The roads are pretty smooth where live so the firm ride is acceptable for me on a daily basis. I have driven on some not so smooth roads and I would not consider the ride on those roads “comfortable” at all. I would be curious to drive on B6’s with stock springs but I imagine if comfort were my priority, I would probably save the money and drive on B4.
@@ghostwrench2292 Yeah, it's all about picking the right tool for the job. Those twin tubes heat up on rough roads and then their ability to do their thing dissolves.
I have B6 on stock M-Sport 330i springs. Definitely firm but not “crash’y”. Very well composed even on these terrible rough Bay Area roads. Can’t wait to move back and use them on my Florida roads
I have a Mercedes fitted with B8's and Eibach lowered springs. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that this combination is nothing short of brutal on ANY bumpy road, such as a country road. They are fine on a smooth freeway, anything short of that you had best have the phone number of your local dentist and chiropractor on hand!!!
W210 e55 on mostly b-roads. B6?
Garath is looking great! Lost a ton of weight.
What happened to the rounded Garett? Wow congrats on the weight loss🎉🎉🎉.
Does anyone make a shock that is softer than stock on a e46 m3?
I've been running b8's with 034 progressive lowering springs on my mk7 gti for 4 years now. I can tell that the front struts are becoming long in the tooth and have recently been considering my options.
My car is originally equipped with dcc, and I have been using a canceller kit since going to the b8's. I'd like to retain the dcc on my car which makes the b6 damptronics a good option for me.
The b16 coilovers are a fantastic set which would also keep the dcc, but run 3 grand so they arent kind to the bank account.
The cost of the b6's vs the b16 coils is pretty huge. I'd much rather just buy replacement struts than have a coilover serviced.
I don't track my car so I want to have more daily friendly characteristics. A euro sport front camber set paired in new oem strut mounts should really help the mqb platform.
The b8's have been very good over time and are a quality product for sure, but the car doesnt take dips at higher speeds very well anymore.
You can get the b8 rebuilt by bilstein
Hi,
What do you mean by "car doesn't take dips at higher speeds very well anymore"? Does it bottom out and hits the bump stop more often than before?
Why doesn’t Bilstein sell the spring and strut all ready assembled????
One extra benefit of B6 is that the seals responsible for sealing the chock internals are hidden away inside of the cartridge, that is insulated from the outside with additional external seals. In essence B6 will outlast your car.
Why do Bilstein's always ride too rough and over valved for 80% of the springs on the market and raise the front ride?
Even B4 raise the ride height. Unless they're blown.
Anyone have experience putting B8 struts in a MK3 Golf GTI
B6 is not an in-between option. It is identical to B8, the difference is pre-load for standard vs lowered/m-sport springs. B8 is recommended for all m-sport cars.
He says exactly this from 5:30 - 6:15.
I ordered the B6 for my 2008 550 i with M sport package are you saying I have made a mistake?@alexjeffreys2546
If running Eibach springs, would running B6 result in a higher static height, vs the B8, or would both cases be the same?
This is the response I got from Bilstein re B6/B8 shocks on E60 M-sport:
Thank you very much for your answer.
The setting of the two products (B6 vs. B8) is identical.
These shock absorbers only differ in the individual, extended length.
The B8 is already shortened, especially for the combination with shorter lowering springs (both OEM and AM lowering springs).
As experience shows that the springs on BMW vehicles are very short, we recommend our B8 for both factory lowering and AM lowering kits, as this greatly minimises the risk of insufficient preload on the springs.
The price difference between B6 and B8 is minimal.
B4 will keep the car like before