Bilstein Review

[SuckSqueezeBangBlow]

I've had mine for a few years, and they are still excellent.

[aiboart]

The car drives as it did on day one with the Bilstein shocks.

The chassis transients, grip and linearity of grip is amazing in wet or dry conditions and the ride is exceedingly refined whether the car is carrying one passenger or a full load.

It never fails to puts a smile on my face. My wife and family love the ride.

All the B series including the R-Specs ran the vastly inferior dual-tube shock. Changing to the Bilsteins, which are a high end monotube with a great tune, made an amazing difference to all facets of the car's dynamics.

Be aware that the FG's already contain a montube shock (like Bilstein) made by I believe ZF Sachs. I understand that there are different (digressive) damper tunes for the F6, XR6-T and the G6ET series.

You will need to check with the FG people whether changing to Bilstein units will likely produce any worthwhile results for the G6ET.

It may or may not.

Operational History- Bilsteins:

In 80,000 km of use there was exactly one issue with the Bilsteins.

After about three years the shocks developed a slight rattle in the rear, but, only at walking pace. At any other speed they were just perfect.

A very knowledgeable person at Bilstein suggested swapping the the shocks from the from passenger to driver side and visa versa. That killed the issue dead and the shocks never made another sound.

I understand from the Bilstein people that this issue affected only some of the the very early Bilstein production units for the BA series.

Good Luck. Enjoy.

Regards,

aa

Edited 04/03/12 09:46 AM by aiboart

[Bayfella]

Thanks for the update. I will check on the G6ET situation.

[Weaponxr]

Ive got them also and the car feels so much better, very stable and easy to keep under control

[wa g6et]

I have them in my G6ET, great shock,, like said above, ride doesn't seem to change even when the car is loaded up in the rear.

Only downside would be they are a little harsh on very rough surfaces at lowish(50-70) speeds but smooth out as you get faster. Country B roads are a joy. Just make sure you put some decent firmer springs(not necessarly lower) with the Bilsteins, then you will get the full benefit on a FG.

Good thing too they still work just as well with lowered springs, they have plenty of travel.