Bilstein B4's

[jifflemon]

So, posting this as an info post...

Just tried to order a Bilstein B4 set of shocks, and despite saying "10 in stock", received a message saying

"Unfortunately ourselves and Bilstein are currently out of stock of the rear shock absorbers from this set. New stock is due to arrive in June."

My concern now is that if Bilstein are out of stock, they may not produce any more new stock.....

Shall be keeping you all updated...

[jamescarruthers]

They were out of stock of fronts when I ordered mine and made a new batch. Hope that gives you some confidence.

I can recommend Spring Loaded: www.spring-loaded.co.uk 01409-211663

[mathrock]

I just ordered B4s front and rear (shipped to the USA) from Demon Tweeks at the end of March. They arrived on my doorstep in 4 days!

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/us/bilstei ... 19-019871/

[100]

On Demon Tweeks, why is it that the description of all these dampers are "Rear", or maybe I'm being dense.

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/search/ ... 1ce6af48b/

Also Jeff, could you elaborate on springs, I understand you went for Lesjofors, may I ask why? What lengths did you go for - presumably some sort of "sport spring"?

[jifflemon]

Easiest way to start is with the online catalog:

http://web.tecdoc.net/lesjofors

Drop your registration in and it'll give you the answers.

Sports springs are the way forward!

[mathrock]

On Demon Tweeks, why is it that the description of all these dampers are "Rear", or maybe I'm being dense.

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/search/ ... 1ce6af48b/

Also Jeff, could you elaborate on springs, I understand you went for Lesjofors, may I ask why? What lengths did you go for - presumably some sort of "sport spring"?

Ah, I do concur that the description of the front bilstein b4 talk about the rear. However, the part number does match the part number for the front. FWIW I ordered a pair of both front and rears from them and did get all the correct parts.

[edie_fox]

If one were to be a Basic Brenda, are the B4s and the Monroe springs what I would be looking for to replace originals or are they only recommended for people who want to take part in fancy modification behaviours to their 480?
I don't want cheap, I do want decent. I just wasn't sure if these suggestions were part of losing millimetres or simply the best quality available.

Thanks.

[jifflemon]

For standard replacements, I'd probably look at KYB's
Fronts: 633124
Rears: 343243

or if you wanted all Monroe
Fronts: 11153
Rears: 42044

At this stage of the game, its more about availability!

[edie_fox]

Thank you so much I need everyone on speed dial! I have questions about so many things that I can never quite seem to find definitive answers to!

[dekkb]

Why can't there just be a nice simple kit available, from one bloomin' supplier a like there is for almost every other car in the world
I'm still trying to sort a full set of springs and shocks for ours but some of that issue is genetics

[jifflemon]

well, if you pop back to 1996, there probably was.

Sadly, with such a small slice of market, its a wonder there's any parts still available!

KYB's seem readily available as a standard shock (i struggled to find the uprated ones).

I'd definitely recommend everyone check the lower spring mountings as these as NLA

[Alan 480]

KYB's seem readily available as a standard shock (i struggled to find the uprated ones).

I'd definitely recommend everyone check the lower spring mountings as these as NLA

so pushed into going for 'aftermarket' adjustable 'coil-overs'

which is an effective option but not the cheapest . . . .

[jifflemon]

Just a word of warning....

Beware of the eBay seller "autoperformanceonline".

Here's the ad:



and here's what you get....



I didn't realise that "lesjofors" was spelt with "Kilen".

Thankfully I discovered it before my returns window had closed, so they'll be going back tomorrow.... VERY tempted to add some bricks into the box to hike up the postage charge (that THEY pay - there's some good things about eBay/Paypal)

[jifflemon]

And so, a follow up.....

Googling revealed that the kilen website looks shockingly similar to the lesjofors website. They’re the same damn company.

To allay my fears, I spoke to the customer service department of lesjofors this morning, who said they’re the exact same spring in a different box.

[100]

So are you keeping them?

[jifflemon]

Yup!

[Alan 480]

And so, a follow up.....

Googling revealed that the kilen website looks shockingly similar to the lesjofors website. They’re the same damn company.

To allay my fears, I spoke to the customer service department of lesjofors this morning, who said they’re the exact same spring in a different box.

for what it's worth that looks like the same boxes that the last springs I bought came in!!!

previously I think hey were the KYB, but as I just use my local motor factors they still seem able to get stuff, I don't ask where, just happy that they can source it!! especially the last pair of drive shaft boots and for what it's worth the clip departed a few weeks ago but half hour fix with a new SS clip, I'd bought a pack of ten . . . . . (SS1 rear also CV type so not overly excessive)