Bilstein
Bilstein High Quality Shock Absorbers, Struts, Coilovers and Cartridges for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Jeeps, RVs and Sandrails
It was in 1927 that Hans Bilstein made the first move towards the automotive accessories industry, through his co-operation with the Berlin-based lifting gear company Levator-Hebezeug-Fabrik. He did not have to wait long to see his activities bear fruit. In 1928, four years before the opening of the first motorway between Cologne and Bonn, BILSTEIN supplied the first chrome-plated bumper for mass-produced cars. Just one year later the company began producing car jacks. In typical BILSTEIN style, it entered this market with a resounding technical innovation, introducing the first usable side jack to a world that was only slowly getting used to the car. But the true world sensation was still to come. In 1954, BILSTEIN revolutionized the damping technology and has always be recognized for its top quality and high performance as innovative systems partner for the automobile industry. Enormous effort went into development, accompanied by substantial investment in the necessary production facilities, to achieve this ambitious target. And it paid off. The introduction of the first mono-tube gas pressure shock absorber in a standard production Mercedes-Benz vehicle in 1957 by what was at the time the 'Fittings and car jack manufacturer BILSTEIN' (Beschlag- und Wagenheber-Hersteller BILSTEIN) is still today considered a major contribution to active driving safety.
For more than 50 years, BILSTEIN has been developing successful dampers used in motorsport racing. From off-road and rally world championships to titles at most of the important 24-hour races to championships in Formula 1, BILSTEIN continues to lead the field. Gas pressure technology is now used in all types of telescope shock absorbers developed for use on powerful, high-class cars. The latest highlight is the development of the air spring module that BILSTEIN supplies 'just in sequence' to the Mercedes S-Class production line. To this day, the demands of its customers in the automotive and tuning industries, combined with its commitment to motor sports, are what drive development and innovation at BILSTEIN. All AMG Mercedes in the DTM and over half of the teams in the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring approach the starting line with BILSTEIN accessories.
The world‘s leading automobile brands trust BILSTEIN for a reason – Bilstein technologies and quality set the highest standards. Each development is a new milestone and represents the pioneering spirit of BILSTEIN, an essence which manifests itself in every product. Bilstein’s current product offering of shocks, struts and coilovers includes STREET PERFORMANCE: Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit, Bilstein B12 Sportline, Bilstein B14, Bilstein B16, Bilstein B6, Bilstein B8, Bilstein ClubSport, Bilstein Evo R, Bilstein Evo S, Bilstein Evo SE and Bilstein Evo T1; OFF-ROAD PERFORMANCE: Bilstein B6 4600, Bilstein B8 5100 Ride Height Adjustable, Bilstein B8 5100, Bilstein B8 5125, Bilstein B8 5160, Bilstein B8 5165, Bilstein B8 6112, Bilstein B8 8100, Bilstein B8 8100 Bypass, Bilstein B8 8112 ZoneControl CR and Bilstein B8 8125; and OE REPLACEMENT: Bilstein B1, Bilstein B2, Bilstein B3 Air Springs, Bilstein B3, Bilstein B4 Air Suspension Module, and Bilstein B4. Accesspeed is proud to offer Bilstein products to our customers. With our lowest price match guarantee, you will always find the best combination of price and selection at Accesspeed.
Suspension & Chassis » Air Bags & Air Suspension Products
Air Suspension, Air Bags and Compressors
What is air suspension?
Air suspension is a style of vehicle suspension that incorporates an electric compressor that pumps air into flexible bellows (air bags) to a pressure that allows your vehicle to behave like it has springs. There are two basic types of air suspension. The first, which is most popular, is an air bag kit that does not include shocks, struts or integrated coil-overs. The second is an coil-over system with air bags integrated onto the top of the struts/shocks.
How does air suspension work?
Air suspension relies on air bags that essentially work like balloons that create a suspended barrier between your frame and suspension components. The adjustability makes this type of suspension popular.
Is air suspension good for daily driving?
Yes. In fact, many late model vehicles incorporate air suspension systems from the factory, as it can greatly improve the ride of the vehicle and driver comfort.
How long do air suspension bags last?
While each manufacturer has different specs and claims based on usage, Accesspeed customers have run their air bags up to 12 years. Most of the replacements we have seen have occurred from 85,000-130,000 miles. Keep in mind, some people only use their bags when hauling or towing, while others use theirs 24/7 in daily drivers.
Should I put air bags on my vehicle to increase payload and towing capacity?
NO! Adding air bags will NOT increase your payload or towing capacity. No aftermarket air suspension system on the market allows higher payloads or towing capacities. Your vehicle is rated at the factory, and specifications for payload, tow capacity and GCWR are set at a specific manufacturer-rated capacity.
Do airbags make it ride smoother?
This answer depends on your settings. Using airbags will allow you some degree of customization. For example, lower air pressure will be a softer, smoother ride. Increasing air pressure will give you better road feel and steering input, but with a stiffer ride.