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?

[tommyweaves]

Interesting thread, to which I have nothing useful to add!

However, my MY2011 D3 doesn't seem to handle as nicely as it did when new in 2010 and I wondered if it would benefit from fresh shocks at 138k miles. My local volvo independent says there's no misting or leaks on the shocks so leave them be.

Any thoughts?

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by tommyweaves

Interesting thread, to which I have nothing useful to add!

However, my MY2011 D3 doesn't seem to handle as nicely as it did when new in 2010 and I wondered if it would benefit from fresh shocks at 138k miles. My local volvo independent says there's no misting or leaks on the shocks so leave them be.

Any thoughts?

Well, I can chime in from experience there...

My Dad's car has new shocks (front and rear) with new top mounts (2008 V70 P3). The old ones were very tired... they weren't leaking, but the dampening had gone from them. We tested the old shocks when they were out of the car and compared them against the new, the difference was remarkable. It drives like a dream, it literally floats down the road now. In fact, it drives nicer than my car that only has 110,000 on it. My shocks are worn, I know they are. Mine aren't leaking either.

So even though your shocks may not be leaking, they're probably still worn. At 138,000 miles, they've seen their fair share of speed bumps, potholes and just general uneven surfaces. Its likely that the ones in the car now are original, so they're 14 years old.

If its not riding/handling the same as it used to, that's a clue. If you do replace the shocks, replace the top mounts too.

[tommyweaves]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Well, I can chime in from experience there...

My Dad's car has new shocks (front and rear) with new top mounts (2008 V70 P3). The old ones were very tired... they weren't leaking, but the dampening had gone from them. We tested the old shocks when they were out of the car and compared them against the new, the difference was remarkable. It drives like a dream, it literally floats down the road now. In fact, it drives nicer than my car that only has 110,000 on it. My shocks are worn, I know they are. Mine aren't leaking either.

So even though your shocks may not be leaking, they're probably still worn. At 138,000 miles, they've seen their fair share of speed bumps, potholes and just general uneven surfaces. Its likely that the ones in the car now are original, so they're 14 years old.

If its not riding/handling the same as it used to, that's a clue. If you do replace the shocks, replace the top mounts too.

Cheers Kev! That was the kind of input I was looking for!

I bought the car new so I know the shocks are the original ones. What replacement shocks did you put on your dad's car?

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by tommyweaves

Cheers Kev! That was the kind of input I was looking for!

I bought the car new so I know the shocks are the original ones. What replacement shocks did you put on your dad's car?

No problem!

Genuine Volvo shocks with Volvo top mounts (Sachs**). We got the parts from what was formerly known as Mill Volvo in Newcastle (now Stoneacre). They also have an ebay store called volvotradeparts - I didn't order online though, I phoned up. If you go on eBay, find the store and send them a message with your reg and what parts you're looking for, they'll send you the links so (if you prefer to do it over the internet). Very good prices (they sell at trade price). I rang Lookers Volvo and they were much more expensive in comparison.

**Even though we bought "genuine" parts, they had Sachs stamps on them. Volvo don't make shock absorbers.

However, at the time, I didn't know about this site below called partsforvolvo... (even cheaper than Mill Volvo).

There's a great offer on Bilstein B4's at the moment on partsforvolvo website (Bilstein is a very good brand and are OE equivalent). A full set of shocks for the front and rear is £221 (for the S80 07-15 & V70 08-15) with standard suspension. You have to buy the top mounts separately, but even still, that's a cracking deal I think. Note, these are for S80's and V70's with standard rear suspension, not nivomat self levelling. If your car has nivomat in the rear, these aren't for you. Postage is to be applied on top of that price. UK seller.

Bilstein shock absorbers

https://www.partsforvolvosonline.com...d33d9862727ff7

Front strut top mounts (bearing and top mount in one) (You need two of these)
https://www.partsforvolvosonline.com...d33d9862727ff7

Rear mounts - (You need two of these)

https://www.partsforvolvosonline.com...d33d9862727ff7

I don't mind buying aftermarket from decent brands. Volvo don't make these parts anyway. In theory, when you buy "genuine" ones, they're made by someone else in a Volvo box, and much more expensive!

Food for thought. Hope it helps. Remember, these parts are only for vehicles with standard suspension and not electronically controlled/nivomat shocks. I suggest double checking the listings before ordering anything.