Bilstein B4's

Does your 480 have tracking-problems? Does your car pull to one side? Or is your steering wheel vibrating? Read the posts in this category to find out what's going on.

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jifflemon
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Bilstein B4's

Post by jifflemon » Wed Apr 17, 2019 1:03 pm

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...

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jamescarruthers
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by jamescarruthers » Wed Apr 17, 2019 3:31 pm

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
1987 Volvo 480 ES, 507274, 217 - Red (Ness)
2006 Citroen C6 Exclusive 3.0 petrol/LPG
2008 Mini Cooper convertible (Mau)

Previous 480's:
J123 CFU -- ES
J449 MNL -- ES auto
D864 CPV -- ES
L691 JFC -- Turbo
F70 MNR -- ES
H858 FGV -- Turbo auto
E981 KHM -- ES (509849)

mathrock
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by mathrock » Wed Apr 17, 2019 9:50 pm

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
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by 100 » Thu May 16, 2019 8:29 am

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
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by jifflemon » Thu May 16, 2019 8:47 am

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
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by mathrock » Thu May 16, 2019 3:03 pm

100 wrote:
Thu May 16, 2019 8:29 am
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.

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edie_fox
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by edie_fox » Thu May 16, 2019 6:04 pm

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
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by jifflemon » Thu May 16, 2019 6:44 pm

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!

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edie_fox
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by edie_fox » Thu May 16, 2019 8:10 pm

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! :lol:

dekkb
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by dekkb » Fri May 17, 2019 6:38 am

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 :rofl: :rofl:
I'm still trying to sort a full set of springs and shocks for ours :wall: but some of that issue is genetics :wink:
Previous: 440 turbo ( broken with an impressive loud bang) 2008
Current: 1993 480 ES
2009 Subaru Legacy sportsback (blown engine)
2004 Audi A6 avant 2.4 V6

jifflemon
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by jifflemon » Fri May 17, 2019 7:39 am

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 :cry:

Alan 480
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by Alan 480 » Fri May 17, 2019 12:00 pm

jifflemon wrote:
Fri May 17, 2019 7:39 am

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 :cry:
so pushed into going for 'aftermarket' adjustable 'coil-overs' :?

which is an effective option but not the cheapest . . . . :shock:
Alan

480 ES 2litre 'Celebration' ? , C30 1.8ES, SS1

jifflemon
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by jifflemon » Sun May 19, 2019 7:06 pm

Just a word of warning....

Beware of the eBay seller "autoperformanceonline".

Here's the ad:

Image

and here's what you get....

Image

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
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by jifflemon » Mon May 20, 2019 11:16 am

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
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by 100 » Mon May 20, 2019 4:26 pm

So are you keeping them?

jifflemon
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by jifflemon » Mon May 20, 2019 7:24 pm

Yup!

Alan 480
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Re: Bilstein B4's

Post by Alan 480 » Mon May 20, 2019 8:27 pm

jifflemon wrote:
Mon May 20, 2019 11:16 am
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)
Alan

480 ES 2litre 'Celebration' ? , C30 1.8ES, SS1

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