3 months running Bilstein B4s on my SRi

**Marky** · 19th February 2013, 13:51

Thought I'd share my views on the Bilstein B4s I had fitted to my car.

Back in July when my car went in for it's MOT it was noted that the rear shocks were leaking a bit. ATS had only replaced them 18 months before but they were no longer under guarantee.

So I decided to get them changed with better quality ones. I really wanted the VX SRi dampers but they are quite expensive, so I went for the Bilstein B4s as a pair of them were cheaper than just one genuine SRi damper.

Then I decided that I would renew the front suspension components as they were all original and the car had done 140k over 7 years.

I had Bilstein B4 dampers put on the front with a new set of VX SRi Springs. Also the drop links and top mounts were replaced with VX parts.

When I got the B4s I was under the impression that they were an upgrade to standard VX dampers and a on a par with the VX SRi dampers. After running the car for 5k miles in 3 months I am a bit disappointed.

The ride quality is certainly better than the VX SRi dampers. Not as harsh and better at riding the bumps in the road.
But handling is not a patch on the SRi's.

At least now I know I am more of a handling man than a comfort man!

So if I were to do it again I would spend more money (quite a bit mind) and get the VX SRi's or maybe the Bilstein B6's.
Maybe when I get to 280k miles...

**Ian-Highlander** · 19th February 2013, 13:58

The B4's are the equivalent to upgraded replacement for standard springs, B6's are the equivalent to upgraded replacement's for SRi springs. B8's are the shortened springs for a full sports set up.

Got B6's on mine with H&R springs and it's an amazing drive, although you do feel the bumps.

**Marky** · 19th February 2013, 14:06

Ahh well. You live and learn.

It does feel like a new car now though so not that unhappy about the changes

**MARTIN FROM LLAN** · 19th February 2013, 14:13

Just been looking on ebay for rear shockers, think mine need to be changed 7 years old 75k miles, seen KYB gas-a-just for £60 a pair or Bilteins for £79, any views on them before I go ahead and fit them to my Signum

**Dan_BlackSRi** · 19th February 2013, 14:48

I have the B4's on the rear of my SRi (about 3 months-ish too) and they are perfectly fine for me, the ride is a tad firmer after fitting them (as the SRi ones were a bit shot) but has made it much smoother aswell.

**keith1983** · 19th February 2013, 15:05

ANyone have any views on what the B$'s would be like with PI 40/45mm springs? I'm definitely getting the springs but I'm in two minds about whether or not to renew the shocks at the same time?

**Dan_BlackSRi** · 19th February 2013, 15:38

Originally Posted by keith1983

ANyone have any views on what the B$'s would be like with PI 40/45mm springs? I'm definitely getting the springs but I'm in two minds about whether or not to renew the shocks at the same time?

I haven't done it yet, but I will lowering mine soon on the B4's.

**merikiito** · 19th February 2013, 16:02

B6's are the way to go for handling along with Eibach springs, runs like its on rails

**keith1983** · 19th February 2013, 16:08

Originally Posted by merikiito

B6's are the way to go for handling along with Eibach springs, runs like its on rails

I have a lot of confidence in PI springs and they can be had for about £120, how much are B6's all round?

**Ian-Highlander** · 19th February 2013, 17:05

Ask @pipamish how well the B6's with H&R springs handle. He needed new trousers after I took him out for a spin in mine when asked what it was like and took a 90 degree bend in a road I know like the back of my hand at 60mph.

Literally goes round corners like it's on rails.