Bilstein Parts
About Bilstein at FCP Euro
Although a wholly-owned subsidiary of ThyssenKrupp Technologies AG since 2005, Bilstein has enjoyed a rich history of technological innovation, since its founding in Germany’s Westphalia region by August Bilstein in 1873. Originally a manufacturer of window fittings, Bilstein moved into the automotive accessory space in 1927, and by 1928 was making the first mass-produced chrome-plated bumpers. Bilstein moved into the realm of shock-absorption in the late 1950’s, and today their name is the gold standard for mono-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers.
Why Bilstein Performs
Due to their larger piston area, Bilstein shocks eliminate dead spots, and deliver extremely responsive valving for superior performance and handling, including consistent, fade-free damping and shorter braking distance. Made only from the highest quality materials, Bilstein shocks may be slightly more expensive than their conventional twin-tube counterparts. However, since their reduced valve fatigue means they last much longer, Bilstein shocks provide much greater cost-effectiveness due to their longer service life.
Serious racers in America long ago realized conventional twin tube shocks did not fare as well during the high speeds and G-forces of race conditions as monotube gas pressure shocks. This is why NASCAR, Indy Car, and Formula One pit crews have long discarded the older twin tube design and now all use monotube shocks instead. Although other monotube shocks do exist, none can match Bilstein’s for the technological superiority that delivers longer durability and performance.
Under the ThyssenKrupp umbrella, Bilstein has the financial resources necessary for consistent, long-term technological research and development. But should technological innovation and superior value not be enough on the front end, ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America also provides excellent warranty protection against defects in workmanship and materials for its shock absorbers "for as long as the original purchaser owns his car." Any Bilstein shock or strut determined to be defective is either replaced or repaired, depending upon the term of the warranty specific to the model type.