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[Luke@tirerack]

Bilstein suspension products

For over 50 years, Bilstein has been a world leader in gas pressure shock absorber development and manufacturing. They were the first to apply the patented gas pressure principle to controlling ride characteristics on automobiles and introduced the world's first monotube gas pressure shock absorber to provide stability through resistance to lateral forces. Today, Bilstein continues to be the leader in monotube gas pressure shock absorber technology.

The Bilstein name graces not only monotube gas pressure shock absorbers, but also single and twin tube McPherson strut style suspensions. Utilizing the same technological design advantages as their monotube gas pressure shock absorbers, Bilstein's twin tube strut assemblies are designed to withstand maximum loads while providing high durability. Both Bilstein shocks and struts are built to meet the fitment and performance needs of specific vehicles. And their patented design reduces the need for a compromise between ride, handling and control. The rising rate valving of the Bilstein shock absorber provides the necessary damping to react quicker to road conditions without sacrificing ride comfort. This combination of valving and high-pressure nitrogen gas keeps the tires in constant contact with the road helping to enhance safety through improved control.

Rigorous development, testing and attention to detail combine to provide exceptional handling and ride comfort for your vehicle and a product that will out last and out perform Original Equipment shock absorbers. Additionally, with Bilstein's aftermarket lifetime warranty, you can be assured they're built to last.

From racing and testing in Formula 1, NASCAR, SCCA, Rally and Off-Road to Original Equipment placement on BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Bilstein performance ride control products are proven to be among the best.



Bilstein performance shock absorbers and struts have been designed to provide improved handling and ride control without sacrificing comfort. Fade-free performance is achieved by using high gas pressure, monotube design with a large diameter shock body.

The Bilstein Principle

All Bilstein gas pressure struts/inserts and gas pressure shock absorbers operate on the same principle. They are manufactured with the rod pointing down into the strut tube, thereby utilizing the thicker, stouter body portion of the shock absorber to dissipate side loads. Consequently, due to the increased diameter and surface of the pressure tube, the Bilstein gas pressure strut/insert or shock is better suited to take increased side loads when compared with the conventional version.

Additional advantages, based on development strongly influenced by the motorsport industry, include greater stability, better road handling, and accurate steering. This combined with extremely high quality manufacturing and materials, means Bilsteins will last approximately four times as long as Original Equipment.

Battling Heat Build Up

Conventional shocks trap the heat within the shock body and prevent adequate dissipation, making them prone to heat build up, fade and eventual failure.

Bilstein's patented design allows the excessive heat from the oil to transfer to the outer surface of the shock body and dissipate more efficiently. The dividing piston also permits the oil to expand as heat builds, preventing aeration (foaming) and viscosity loss. This allows the shock to maintain full damping characteristics as temperatures rise.

The tube of a Bilstein gas pressure shock or strut is fabricated using a special extrusion method. This process achieves an extremely tight peak-to-valley tolerance and maintains consistent wall thickness. Bilstein's seamless monotube design provides superior tube strength while maximizing heat dissipation and shock life.

Ride Comfort and Performance Without Compromise

The piston head design allows independent tuning of the compression and rebound damping forces to provide optimum ride comfort and performance without compromise. It features fewer parts than most conventional designs. The product's simple, yet exceptionally functional digressive design contributes to the extreme durability and long life of Bilstein Shock Absorbers.

Better Built

Bilstein's shock bodies are precision formed through a unique seamless extrusion process. This provides superior strength along with high finish tolerances. The shock body is then treated with a special paint finish durable enough to withstand grueling 240-hour salt spray tests. The finished body is mated with a solid, induction-hardened steel chrome plated and polished shaft, machined valving components and highest quality seals.

Bilstein products are backed by an aftermarket lifetime warranty.