Bilstein Shocks, Struts, and Coilovers

Bilstein's product lineup splits into two main categories: shocks and struts for cars and European platforms, and shocks and lift kits for trucks and SUVs. Understanding which series fits your vehicle and how you use it makes choosing the right Bilstein product straightforward.

Bilstein Lineup Guide: Which Series Is Right for You?

4600 Series (OEM replacement for trucks and SUVs)
The 4600 is a direct OEM replacement shock designed to restore factory ride quality on trucks and SUVs. It uses Bilstein's monotube gas pressure technology for a more consistent damping response than the twin-tube shocks most trucks come with from the factory. The 4600 is designed for stock ride height and is the right choice for truck owners who want improved ride quality over worn factory shocks without lifting or lowering the vehicle.

• Direct OEM replacement for stock ride height trucks and SUVs
• Monotube gas pressure design
• Made in Germany
• Best for: restoring factory ride quality on Toyota Tacoma, Toyota 4Runner, Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and other trucks at stock height

5100 Series (most popular, adjustable ride height for trucks and SUVs)
The 5100 is Bilstein's most popular truck shock and one of the most searched aftermarket shocks in the truck community. It features an adjustable front perch that lets you set the front ride height between stock and 2.5 inches of lift depending on the application, making it a popular choice for leveling kits and mild lifts. Owner reviews on Tacoma, 4Runner, Tundra, and F-150 platforms consistently describe the 5100 as a significant ride quality improvement over both stock shocks and cheaper aftermarket alternatives, with better damping consistency over washboard and rough off-road terrain.

• Adjustable front ride height, up to 2.5 inches of lift on most applications
• Monotube gas pressure design
• Made in Germany
• Best for: leveling kits, mild lifts, and ride quality upgrades on Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Toyota 4Runner, Ford F-150, and other popular truck platforms

6112 and 8112 Series (coilover conversion for trucks and SUVs)
The 6112 is a front coilover conversion for trucks that replaces the factory strut assembly with a Bilstein monotube coilover and allows 0 to 2.5 inches of lift adjustment. The 8112 is the rear companion shock. Together they are one of the most comprehensive lift and performance upgrade options in the truck market, used by overlanders, off-road enthusiasts, and daily drivers who want a complete suspension overhaul rather than a simple shock swap.

• Front coilover conversion with adjustable ride height
• 0 to 2.5 inches of lift adjustment on most applications
• Paired with 8112 rear shocks for a complete system
• Best for: serious off-road and overland builds on Toyota and Ford truck platforms

B6 Performance (direct replacement for cars, sportier than stock)
The B6 is a direct-fit performance shock and strut replacement for cars. It uses Bilstein's monotube technology and is valved slightly firmer than the factory shock for improved handling response without a noticeable harshness penalty. It works with your factory springs and is popular as a pairing with Eibach Pro-Kit or H&R Sport lowering springs. Bilstein actually sells the B12 bundle which pairs B6 shocks with Eibach Pro-Kit springs as a factory-matched set.

• Direct OEM replacement for cars
• Slightly firmer valving than factory for improved handling
• Works with factory or aftermarket lowering springs
• Best for: drivers who want better handling without changing ride height

B14 PSS (coilover for cars, height adjustable, fixed damping)
The B14 is Bilstein's entry coilover for street cars. Height adjustable via a threaded body with damping fixed at Bilstein's street-tuned setting for each vehicle. The matched monotube dampers and springs are developed together for each application, which is why B14 ride quality is consistently described as more natural and OEM-like than competing coilovers at a similar price. Popular on BMW 3 Series, Audi A3, VW Golf GTI, Porsche Boxster, Subaru BRZ, and Mazda Miata platforms.

• Adjustable ride height, fixed damping
• Matched monotube dampers and application-specific springs
• Made in Germany
• Best for: European platform daily drivers who want Bilstein quality without damping adjustment complexity

B16 PSS9 and PSS10 (coilover for cars, height adjustable, damping adjustable)
The B16 adds 9 or 10 clicks of parallel damping adjustment to everything the B14 offers. Rebound and bump adjust together so you get a consistent character across the range without balancing two separate settings. At mid-range settings owners describe the B16 as riding very close to the B14. The advantage is the ability to soften for daily driving and stiffen for track days without any hardware changes.

• Adjustable ride height plus 9 or 10-way damping adjustment
• Matched monotube dampers and application-specific springs
• Made in Germany
• Best for: drivers who track the car occasionally or want to tune the ride feel between daily and performance use

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Bilstein 4600 and 5100?
The 4600 is a direct OEM replacement shock designed for stock ride height trucks and SUVs. The 5100 adds an adjustable front perch that lets you set the front ride height between stock and 2.5 inches of lift, making it suitable for leveling kits and mild lifts. If your truck is at stock height and you just want better ride quality, the 4600 is the right choice. If you are running a leveling kit or want to add lift, the 5100 is the one to get.

What is the difference between Bilstein 6112 and 5100?
The 5100 is a shock absorber that works with your existing front strut assembly and allows height adjustment via a collar on the shock body. The 6112 is a full coilover conversion that replaces the entire front strut assembly with a Bilstein coilover unit, allowing more precise ride height adjustment and a more complete suspension overhaul. The 6112 is the more capable upgrade but requires more installation work. The 5100 is the simpler bolt-on option for leveling and mild lifts.

Are Bilstein shocks worth it?
Yes. Bilstein is one of the few aftermarket shock brands that also supplies directly to vehicle manufacturers as an OEM upgrade option. Owner reviews across Tacoma, 4Runner, F-150, BMW, and Audi platforms consistently describe Bilstein as a noticeable improvement over both stock and cheaper aftermarket shocks in damping consistency, especially over repeated rough terrain or high-speed impacts. Their German manufacturing and lifetime warranty on many products back up the reputation.

What is the difference between Bilstein B14 and B16 coilovers?
The B14 is height adjustable with fixed damping tuned by Bilstein for street use on each specific vehicle. The B16 adds 9 or 10 clicks of manual damping adjustment, letting you dial between a softer daily setting and a firmer performance feel. For most daily drivers the B14 is the right choice. For drivers who track the car or want to tune the ride feel, the B16 is worth the step up.

Where are Bilstein shocks made?
All Bilstein products are made in Germany. Bilstein is headquartered in Ennepetal, Germany and has been manufacturing shock absorbers since 1954. Their German manufacturing facility produces both their OEM and aftermarket products.

Do Bilstein shocks fit my truck at stock height?
Yes. The 4600 series is designed as a direct OEM replacement for stock ride height trucks and SUVs. The 5100 is also compatible at stock height and can be set to the stock position while still providing improved ride quality over factory shocks. Use the fitment selector to confirm compatibility for your specific year, make, and model.