Questions and contact

Do you have any comments about the company, do you need technical support for our products or do you have any questions about a career at BILSTEIN? Then get in touch with us directly. We will be happy to help you!

Get in touch

Do you have any comments about the company, do you need technical support for our products or do you have any questions about a career at BILSTEIN? Then get in touch with us directly. We will be happy to help you!

Basic information on installing BILSTEIN products
  • Before installation, we always recommend reading the installation instructions.
  • Installation may only be carried out by qualified personnel.
  • The material must be checked for completeness.
  • Never use an impact wrench to tighten suspension components, as this will result in excessive torque and damage to the suspension cannot be ruled out.
  • Never make changes outside the tested area.
  • Avoid impermissible combinations (shock absorber, spring and other suspension components).
  • Wheel alignment and axle setting must always be taken from the vehicle manufacturer.
Technical support – Most frequent questions
May I install the air suspension system (air springs/air suspension modules) after the expiry date?

Strictly speaking, the expiry date is the storage life date. This must definitely be observed until the first operation, because the air spring is partly pre-filled with a nitrogen filling of 3-5 bar and the air spring bellows are protected against folding / buckling / deformation during storage.

Is the suspension system connected to the vehicle “plug & play”?

Yes: the BILSTEIN DT is connected to the standard plug connection. The Sport/Auto/Comfort functions can still be used.

How are the axle geometry values to be set for lowered vehicles? Would you please provide us with axle setting data?

The axle geometry values for road vehicles (such as track and camber) are to be set according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications for series suspensions. An individual adjustment of the axle values is to be carried out specific to the vehicle/driver.

Can I have my BILSTEIN shock absorbers modified/ adapted/ overhauled by you (such as shortening, repairing, changing the settings, customising)?

A revision of your high-performance dampers (from BILSTEIN B6 upwards) is possible in our company depending on the type. Please contact our special customer request department: Mail address: ksw@bilstein.de

The diameter of the cartridge on the B6/B8 is smaller than the OE cartridge. Is this a problem?

You can install our cartridge inserts without hesitation. The cartridges are axially tensioned via the cartridge cap nut. The spring strut support tube fixes the cartridge. The tightening torque of the cartridge nut is 130Nm.

What is the tightening torque of the cartridge nut for the BILSTEIN B6, B8, B12 suspension struts?

The tightening torque of the cartridge nut is 130Nm.

Do I need special tools to tighten the cartridge cap nut?

Yes, to tighten the cartridge cap nut you need either BILSTEIN cartridge spanner with article no. for 30 =14-244131 or for 36 = 14-244148 (E-MS 08/6).

How can I tighten the BILSTEIN cartridge inserts?

We offer special keys with the following article numbers: Diameter shock absorber tube for 30 =14-244131( E-MS 08/7) and for 36 = 14-244148 (E-MS 08/6).

What fluid do I fill into the strut standpipe?

Please DO NOT fill fluids such as oil or antifreeze into the standpipe! This can lead to failure of the shock absorber. The BILSTEIN cartridges are inserted “dry”. Otherwise, there is a risk that the cartridge insert will fill up with the fluid and the damping function will no longer be given, as the shock absorber would hit a column of fluid.

Can you send me the shock absorber report by e-mail?

Shock absorbers are not subject to registration if they correspond to the OE functional dimensions. Therefore, you do not need an ABE or a parts certificate. Should you use our shock absorbers in combination with lowering springs, you will need a parts certificate/ABE for the springs, which you can obtain from the respective manufacturer.

Which pressure stop/stop buffer should be used on the spring strut? The OE pressure stop does not fit over the “piston rod”.

The compression stops are factory fitted on this type of strut/cartridge insert. The McPherson spring struts are manufactured as upside-down in the monotube shock absorber. This means that the shock absorber in the spring strut is “upside down”. The piston rod is located inside the shock absorber. The pre-assembled compression stop is also located there. The series pressure stop is omitted.

What adjustment values do you recommend in terms of damping force?

It is recommended to start with level 5 and to refine the adjustment axle by axle as desired. Start with the rear axle. The settings of the front and rear axles can be different. However, the settings on an axle must be the same on the left and right!

Do I need protective tubes with my shock absorbers?

Yes, only a very small proportion of vehicles have shock absorbers without protective tubes installed. Protective tubes ensure that no environmental influences can affect the piston rod and the locking package and influence the service life of the shock absorber. If the shock absorber is delivered without protective tubes, the standard protective tubes (BILSTEIN B1) will fit.

Where can I get the GOCA certificate for Belgium or the Netherlands?

You can request a GOCA certificate from our regional trade partners. These can be viewed via our Retailer- and Expertsearch.

How do I get a certificate?

All certificates are stored in the BILSTEIN online catalogue behind the article number. All certificates are linked to the article number.

Is there installation information for workshops?

Our shock absorbers are installed in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s installation instructions. For air springs and air spring modules, we offer installation information such as installation videos and installation instructions linked to the article number in the online catalogue.

Do I have to pump 2-pipe dampers before installation?

No, that is a misconception. The compensation in the shock absorber takes place during driving.

Is it allowed to lift vehicles with air suspension while the engine is running? Or will the bellows burst?

No, nothing will happen. However, a vehicle should never be lowered onto a depressurised air spring.

What does the suspension need sufficient spring preload for?

The spring preload defines the firm fit of the spring in all driving situations, even when the suspension is fully deflected. The axial play is checked here. This is an important and decisive point, which is also relevant for the technical inspection.

Product support
What options does the BILSTEIN Clubsport suspension offer in terms of dynamics, suitability for racing, and comfort?

The BILSTEIN Clubsport suspension offers 100-fold damping force adjustment. By using special racing tuning and uniball bearings, the suspension is designed for racing use. We recommend a range of use of around 80% racetrack and 20% road. The support bearings are adjustable in many ways and allow individual axle adjustment.

What is the maximum lowering or lifting of the vehicle possible with a coilover suspension?

Please note the information in the expert report. There you will find the adjustment range of the chassis. This adjustment range is vehicle-specific and is determined and tested by us in extensive driving tests.

What is the difference between BILSTEIN B6 and BILSTEIN B8?

The difference between BILSTEIN B6 and BILSTEIN B8 is that the extended length of the B8 shock absorber is shortened by approx. 20mm. This ensures the preload of the lowering spring with the B8. The B6 is used with OE springs.

What is the designation for your OE replacement parts?

  • B1: OE replacement: Protection kit with pressure stop and protective tube, support bearing, compressor.
  • B3: OE replacement spring, coil spring or air spring.
  • B4: OE replacement: shock absorber and air spring modules

Do you have plug-and-play shock absorbers/suspensions in your range that I can install directly in my vehicle, e.g. with ADS, DCC , DDC, Cats, EDC, PASM, and with which the “OE function” is retained?

We offer plug-and-play solutions for a wide range of applications. These are listed at BILSTEIN with the suffix “DT” (DampTronic). Regardless of what the vehicle manufacturer calls its electronic suspension system, the correct assignments can be found in the catalog.

Are there racing suspensions with road approval?

Yes. These are the BILSTEIN Clubsport suspensions.

Where can I find an overview of BILSTEIN products?

You can find all BILSTEIN articles in our online catalogue.

Can I buy spare parts directly from BILSTEIN?

Please contact your dealer as usual.

Which shock absorber do you recommend for my car?

BILSTEIN B4 shock absorbers are manufactured and offered according to OE specifications, so that the OE driving characteristics (ride height and tuning) of the vehicle are retained. The choice of OE replacement shock absorbers must be narrowed down in accordance with vehicle specifications.

The BILSTEIN B6 and B8 shock absorbers have their own tuning, determined in road tests, which follows the BILSTEIN philosophy of “comfort and sport”. Due to their standard functional dimensions, both shock absorbers are height-neutral and registration-free. Due to the shortened extended length, the BILSTEIN B8 shock absorber is equally suitable for both OE springsand lowering springs up to max. 50mm.

Which suspensions do you recommend for my car?

Our BILSTEIN B12 Pro-Kit suspension is a sports suspension kit consisting of 4 shortened BILSTEIN B8 shock absorbers and correspondingly tuned Eibach lowering springs. This suspension is aimed at drivers who want a sporty look and tuning, but without having to accept any major loss of comfort. The shock absorbers are not subject to registration; the springs have a corresponding certificate.

The BILSTEIN B14 PSS is a coil-over suspension that allows individual height adjustment with a tested adjustment range. You therefore have the option of adjusting the height of the vehicle to your individual requirements within the specified adjustment range. The characteristics of the suspension are tuned to be more dynamic, as it is aimed at drivers who want an increase in driving dynamics.

In addition to the height adjustment of the BILSTEIN B14 PSS suspension, the BILSTEIN B16 PSS9/10 coil-over suspension also offers you the option of 9/10x manual rebound and compression adjustment (hardness) when installed. This allows you to adjust not only the height, but also the damper tuning to your individual preferences. Due to the parallel hardness adjustment, the rebound and compression stage are adjusted synchronously to each other, so that the desired tuning is achieved quickly and effectively.

What is the difference between the B12 and the B14?

Our BILSTEIN B12 Pro-Kit/Sportline suspension kits are sports suspension kits consisting of 4 shortened BILSTEIN B8 shock absorbers and correspondingly tuned Eibach lowering springs. These suspension kits are aimed at drivers who want a sporty look and set-up, but without having to accept any major loss of comfort. The shock absorbers are not subject to registration; the springs have a corresponding certificate or ABE.

The BILSTEIN B14 PSS is a coil-over suspension system that allows individual height adjustment with a tested adjustment range. You therefore have the option of adjusting the height of the vehicle to your individual requirements within the specified adjustment range. The identification of the suspension is tuned to be more dynamic, as it is aimed at drivers who want an increase in driving dynamics.

Which BILSTEIN B4 shock absorbers can I install in my vehicle (e.g. standard or sports suspension)?

The BILSTEIN B4 shock absorbers are manufactured and offered according to OE specifications, so that the OE driving characteristics of the vehicle are maintained. The selection of OE replacement shock absorbers must be narrowed down in accordance with the vehicle specifications, as the interaction between the suspension components, e.g. shock absorber, suspension spring, strut bearings, is coordinated.

Which BILSTEIN B3 shock absorbers can I install in my vehicle (e.g. standard or sports suspension)?

BILSTEIN B3 springs are manufactured and offered according to OE specifications, so that the OE driving characteristics of the vehicle are maintained. The selection must be narrowed down in accordance with the vehicle specifications, as the interaction between the suspension components, e.g. shock absorber, suspension spring, strut bearings, is coordinated.

Can I use the BILSTEIN B3 springs in a reinforced version in my vehicle?

The BILSTEIN B3 springs in reinforced version are only to be used for vehicles with the corresponding equipment! Incorrect/different applications can have an unfavourable effect on the ride height and functionality.

What is the difference between the B14 and the B16 PSS9/10 coilover suspension?

The BILSTEIN B14 PSS is a coilover suspension that allows individual height adjustment with a tested adjustment range. You therefore have the option of adjusting the height of the vehicle to your individual wishes within the specified adjustment range. The characteristics of the suspension are tuned to be more dynamic, as it is aimed at drivers who want an increase in driving dynamics.

In addition to the height adjustment of the BILSTEIN B14 PSS suspension, the BILSTEIN B16 PSS9/10 coilover suspension also offers you the option of 9/10 manual rebound and compression damping adjustment (hardness adjustment) when installed. This allows you to adjust not only the height, but also the damper tuning to your individual preferences. Due to the parallel hardness adjustment, rebound and compression stage are adjusted synchronously to each other, so that the desired tuning is achieved quickly and effectively. Please note that the damping force setting must be adjusted identically for each axle.

What type of suspension are the BILSTEIN EVO?

Detailed information on BILSTEIN EVO suspensions can be found at the following link: https://performance.bilstein.com

Shock absorber knowledge
What are passive shock absorbers?

Passive dampers are designed for one characteristic and cannot adapt dynamically/actively to different driving situations.

What are active/semi-active shock absorbers?

Active shock absorbers can realise different characteristics either independently or by means of driving modes that can be selected by the driver (e.g. comfort or sport).

Do I risk losing my H registration plate by installing BILSTEIN B6 shock absorbers in a classic car?

No, because conversion to gas pressure shock absorbers would generally have been possible when the classic car was built.

Can I retrofit an active suspension system to a car that did not have this option ex works?

We offer our BILSTEIN B16 ridecontrol coilovers as an iRC solution for specific vehicles.

How can I improve my handling performance without lowering the car?

As a solution, we offer our BILSTEIN B6 high-performance shock absorbers, which also reproduce their performance and damping characteristics better than the OE shock absorbers for payload and trailer operation. These are tested and tuned in extensive road tests according to the BILSTEIN philosophy.

How do I improve the handling performance of my vehicle when towing or with a heavy load?

As a solution, we offer our BILSTEIN B6 high-performance shock absorbers, which also reproduce their performance and damping characteristics better than the OE shock absorbers for payload and trailer operation. These are tested and tuned in extensive road tests according to the BILSTEIN philosophy.

Why should I buy new BILSTEIN air suspension modules when remanufactured parts are cheaper?

Reconditioned/repaired old parts contain used shock absorbers with uncertain mileage and possible damage. In addition, the solenoid valves are partially decommissioned, turning active modules into passives. BILSTEIN air spring modules, on the other hand, are 100% new parts that correspond to the original parts.

Training, Complaints and Marketing
Does BILSTEIN offer training courses?

Yes. This is the link to the current workshop training courses for which you can register: https://workshop.bilstein.com/en-us/trainings-and-courses/

What do the training courses cost?

We offer the training courses free of charge for our workshop and trade partners.

Who can I contact if I have a complaint?

Unfortunately, we cannot process your complaint directly, as your contractual relationship is usually with a dealer. Please contact your dealer/workshop with the product and the corresponding proof of purchase. He/she will contact us immediately to clarify your complaint.

Where can I get BILSTEIN stickers?

Please contact: marketing.bilstein@thyssenkrupp-automotive.com

Miscellaneous
Does BILSTEIN belong to thyssenkrupp?

Yes, BILSTEIN belongs to thyssenkrupp AG.

Are BILSTEIN motorbike shock absorbers also available?

Yes. You get all information here: http://bilstein-motorrad.de/

How long has BILSTEIN been in existence?

BILSTEIN, now thyssenkrupp Bilstein GmbH, was founded in 1873 by August Bilstein.

How long has BILSTEIN been manufacturing shock absorbers?

BILSTEIN developed the first gas pressure shock absorber in 1954. It has been active in original equipment since 1957.

BILSTEIN Kollegen laufen nebeneinander durch eine große Halle

We will gladly answer your questions

To make sure that we can answer you as quickly and competently as possible, please send us your enquiry via the contact form of bilstein.com. Our responsible experts will contact you as soon as possible.

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