Suspension Fundamentals – powered by BILSTEIN Academy
SUSPENSION FUNDAMENTALS POWERED BY BILSTEIN ACADEMY
Workshop Tips: Straight from the experts
We are not only well versed in original equipment and motorsport. We also speak the language of workshops. Our BILSTEIN experts – all of them experienced master mechanics and proven suspension experts – share their knowledge with you. Whether it’s installation tips, specific solutions to problems or new technologies such as air suspension modules and semi-active suspensions, “Suspension Fundamentals – powered by BILSTEIN Academy” will turn you into real suspension professionals!
Our workshop tips in video format are presented by racing driver Nico Bastian. When the 31-year-old is not sitting in his Mercedes-AMG GT3 from HRT (Haupt Racing Team), the hardcore racer works as an instructor and presenter. And because Nico is also a technology freak, he fits perfectly into our team!
Check back regularly: We are constantly updating our knowledge database for you. We start with our tip on suspension testing and damage diagnosis. As soon as more interesting Workshop Tips are online, you will find them here!
Career:
- 1984 Motorcar mechanic (1985 first training conducted)
- 1990 Motorcar master mechanic
- 1994 Certified mechanical engineer
- 2000 different trainer certificates and a book publication (1 of 3 authors) “Der sichere Weg zur Meisterprüfung im Kfz”, Techniker Handwerk, ISBN 3-8023-1910-9, editions in German, Polish, Russian
- Since 1 January 2001 Training Manager (today: Head of BILSTEIN Academy) at thyssenkrupp Bilstein
Special field:
- Suspension technology, includng series production, tuning, motor sports, special applications, shock absorber construction
- Development, creation and communication of target group-oriented training methods
- Misuse tests
My motto: “We leave no one behind.”
Career:
- 1985-1988 Apprenticeship as a car mechatronics engineer (Ford Besico in Nuremberg)
- 1988-1989 Motorcar mechatronics engineer (FORD Besico in Nuremberg)
- 1989-1990 Military service
- 1990-1993 Motorcar mechatronics engineer and apprenticeship as motorcar technician (Toyota Auto Tokai GmbH in Forth)
- 1993 Automotive technician exam (Toyota Germany GmbH in Cologne)
- 1994- 1996 Engine mechanic (MAN competence center in Nuremberg)
- 1997-2000 Motorcar mechatronics engineer (Mercedes Benz in Athens, Greece)
- 2000-2013 Technical Support & Training Manager (Electra Hella’s S.A. in Athens, Greece)
- Since 2013 Global Training Manager at thyssenkrupp Bilstein
Special field:
- Engine overhaul
- Suspension specialist
- Education/ training specialist for 21 years
My motto: “Only the one who knows his goal will find the path.”
Career:
- 08/2004 – 01/2008 Apprenticeship as a car mechatronics engineer
- 01/2008 – 11/2011 Motorcar mechatronics engineer
- 11/2011 – 06/2014 Motorcar master technician
- 06/2014 – 08/2018 Technical Support at thyssenkrupp Bilstein
- Since 09/2018 Leader Technical Support at thyssenkrupp Bilstein
Special field:
- Suspension technology,
- Fault diagnosis on active and passive systems
- Assistance systems / suspension
- Technical communication,
- Live support
- OE replacement & performance
My motto: “It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible but also for what we do not do.”
Career:
- Apprenticeship as a motorcar mechanic
- Motorcar mechanic at VW & Audi
- Service consultant, workshop planning, warranty at VW & Audi
- Since 2011 Technical Support at thyssenkrupp Bilstein
Special field:
- All-rounder
My motto: “Quitting is not an option.”
Career:
- Commercial training
- Commercial/technical advice and customer support in services and trade
- Technical documentation in trade
- Since 2016: Technical Support at thyssenkrupp Bilstein
Special field:
- Product advice in replacement and performance
- Technical communication
- Support around installation and adjustment
My motto: “The difference between a mountain and a molehill is your perspective.”
Workshop Tips on YouTube
Workshop Tip #1: Suspension test and damage diagnosis
Workshop Tip #2: Avoiding mistakes when installing shock absorbers
Workshop Tip #3: How automotive professionals benefit from BILSTEIN’s Academy
The BILSTEIN Academy:
Your partner when it comes to questions about shock absorbers and suspension in the workshop
The BILSTEIN Academy brings together more than six decades of expertise in shock absorbers and suspension systems. Our experts run free in-house training courses for both workshops and dealers. The content ranges from shock absorber production to suspension installation in the field of series production, tuning and motorsport. All training courses consist of a theoretical and a practical part. In addition to the topics of shock absorber installation, damage analysis and BILSTEIN product innovations, you can also expect exciting factory tours and helpful tips for customer advice.
If you have any questions about shock absorbers and suspension in the workshop or on the market, the BILSTEIN Academy’s Technical Support team will be happy to help at any time!
BILSTEIN Academy