Bilstein B4 shocks

[Kev0607]

Hi all,

Has anyone ever used Bilstein B4 shock absorbers before? If so, are they good and do they provide decent ride comfort compared to OE?

Thanks,

Kev

[Georgeandkira]

B4 are said to resemble OE.
The "resemble OE" shocks/struts I put on a P2 were from Sachs (SuperTouring). They worked but were blah.

I put B6 on a Saab and a P2 Volvo.
The feeling was that of added brightness.
There's no way to know what you personally prefer and there's no way to experience B6 performance short of finding someone who's done it near you and driving his example.

Go for the B6 as the weight of these Volvos creates enough inertia to preclude a "harsh ride".

[simboc2004]

I fitted Bilstein B4s front and rear to my 2011 V70 3 years ago and they are still doing well after - just like OE. i have just fitted new shocks to my 2017 V40 and fitted Sachs as they are, supposedly, the manufacturer of Volvo OE ones - and they are fine too.

The B6s are excellent, but loads more money... I still keep an eye on them for the rear of my car.

[Kev0607]

My Dad's V70 P3 has Sachs shocks. No complaints, the ride is smooth. The old ones were really tired, but I guess that was to be expected. At the time, there was over 150k on the car. There's 162k on it now and it drives like a car that has half that mileage.

I was browsing on parts for volvo's website earlier. They had a good deal on a full set of B4 Bilstein's for £221 (that's front and rear shocks). I thought that was reasonable. I know Bilstein is a good brand.

I wonder are the Bilstein's much different to the Sachs ones in terms of comfort? @simboc

B6's sound great, but are too expensive. I won't be buying those.

[simboc2004]

I, personally, can't tell the difference between the Bilstein B4s and the Sachs - both are just like the originals for ride. I have heard about some issues for some people with B4s on leakage, however mine have been fine for the last 3 years/40,000 miles. It passed the MOT yesterday and no advisories on suspension. I went with Sachs on reputation recently - and I managed to find them at a great price. I think that would be the deciding factor for me.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by simboc2004

I, personally, can't tell the difference between the Bilstein B4s and the Sachs - both are just like the originals for ride. I have heard about some issues for some people with B4s on leakage, however mine have been fine for the last 3 years/40,000 miles. It passed the MOT yesterday and no advisories on suspension. I went with Sachs on reputation recently - and I managed to find them at a great price. I think that would be the deciding factor for me.

Where did you buy them from?

[cloughy_2008]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Hi all,

Has anyone ever used Bilstein B4 shock absorbers before? If so, are they good and do they provide decent ride comfort compared to OE?

Thanks,

Kev

Are you replacing the springs as well Kev? I'm tempted by the B4's just wondering what springs to combine them with

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by cloughy_2008

Are you replacing the springs as well Kev? I'm tempted by the B4's just wondering what springs to combine them with

Hi,

No, I'm leaving the springs. They're in good condition.

If you put your model and year in on parts for Volvo's website, they'll likely list the right springs that you need.

[GMcL]

Interesting thread, I'm glad I came across it as the rear shocks on my P3 S60 have corrosion though not leaking. The car is 13 years old now with 100,000 miles so probably overdue for shocks and springs including mounts.

Wrt poly bushes I had a P2 S60 D5,. The standard oil filled bushes combined with Pirelli P6000 tyres had the car tramlining horribly. I replaced the suspension bushes but left the engine mounts alone, I was advised the vibration would be a step too far if I changed those. With the new bushes and Good Year tyres really tightened up the steering and completely removed the tramlining. I ran that car up to 96,000 miles before swapping to the P3 car with no front suspension bush issues.