Bilstein B4, B6 and B8 shock absorbers: which ones are the best?
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As a leading global manufacturer of shock absorbers, the Bilstein product range can seem kind of endless. Its products are designed to enhance the stability, traction and control of vehicles while meeting the specific needs of drivers. Confused about which shocks will be best for your car? This guide looks at the different parts offered by Bilstein and what they do.
Which brands use Bilstein shock absorbers?
The manufacturer has dedicated around 70 years to developing and building top-quality shock absorbers. As one of the world’s top specialists, Bilstein produces original and replacement parts for car brands like Audi, Aston Martin, VW, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and many more. It offers standard and high-performance components for numerous applications, including passenger cars, off-road vehicles, campers, and sports cars.
However, due to the large variety of Bilstein shocks, it can be difficult to know which ones to choose for your vehicle. You should not only select products based on the vehicle make and model, but also on what it is that you are trying to achieve. Below is an overview of the most common product lines and the differences between them.
Bilstein B4
Bilstein B4 shocks are OE replacement parts specifically designed to restore the optimal performance of the vehicle with the same characteristics as the original parts that were first installed. They are widely available for car garages due to their widespread market coverage.
The prices are also generally very reasonable. Unlike the monotube products listed below, B4 components often have a twin tube design, which means they are more susceptible to foaming and trickier to install.
Bilstein B6
The Bilstein B6 shock absorbers are used to upgrade the handling properties of your car rather than just replace the old parts. Thanks to the damper stiffness settings, they’re able to adapt to demanding driving conditions and heavy vehicle loads. This makes them ideally suited for cars towing trailers, caravans, or heavy bike carriers, for example.
Bilstein B8
The B8 shocks are also used for tuning purposes. They’re similar to the B6 models, except notably shorter, enabling them to ensure the optimal preload of lowering springs and sports suspensions. Please note that they are not suitable for suspensions without lowering/sports springs.
Bilstein B8 vs B6
There are a few key differences between the advantages of the Bilstein B8 dampers and those of the B6 models, and the two different types are not interchangeable. While they are similarly priced and both have monotube designs, they do not have the same damping characteristics.
For example, B6 components are used to increase the stiffness of the rear suspension, reducing brake dive and body roll in heavily loaded vehicles and balancing out the weight of the car. However, unlike their counterparts, they do not allow you to lower the vehicle’s ride height as they are non-adjustable.
Online prices for these aftermarket components typically range from around £70 to over £110 per shock. Replacement costs will also vary depending on the suspension type and vehicle model, as well as on whether the parts are installed professionally or at home.
