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The average age of the German car population is higher than ever. At the beginning of 2022, the Federal Motor Transport Authority gave the figure of 10,1 years. If they are properly maintained, modern cars are usually much more durable than those from decades past. "It is particularly important to regularly check the chassis and especially the shock absorbers," explains Mustafa Yavuz from BILSTEIN Technical Support: "A corresponding check should be carried out in the workshop every 20.000 kilometers at the latest." At this point, wear and tear also comes into play as well as the age of the vehicle Another aspect comes into play: the mileage. Official and company cars, which are often much younger than the private stock and are usually bought new, are also often affected by damper damage. But what about the costs? After all, original spare parts and hourly rates in brand workshops are relatively expensive. Especially damage to active chassis or air suspension is often the famous slap in the office.
OE quality repairs at aftermarket prices
With its extensive aftermarket range, suspension manufacturer BILSTEIN shows how cheaper repairs can be made without sacrificing quality. Private owners and fleet managers can benefit equally here. The BILSTEIN B4 gas pressure shock absorber, for example, corresponds exactly to the original equipment in terms of quality and function. With over 2300 applications, the aftermarket product covers more than 90% of the European vehicle range. Of course, all the original features are also reflected: An example is the Agility Control chassis (BILSTEIN B4 DampMatic®) installed in some Mercedes-Benz models or, in general, electronically controlled shock absorbers (BILSTEIN B4 DampTronic®).
Improved stock replacement
But it is also possible to improve the driving behavior compared to the delivery condition of the vehicle by simply changing the dampers. The BILSTEIN B6 stands for an improved standard replacement. It is completely entry-free and brings significantly more damping power into play with a high level of comfort. If you drive a lot on winding or bad roads for a long time, you will quickly learn to appreciate the added driving safety. The effect of "body stabilization" is particularly large in SUVs, vans, transporters and other vehicles with a high center of gravity. The same applies to journeys with roof loads, trailers, bicycle racks and heavy loads. Particularly practical: BILSTEIN also supplies the right add-on and service parts for its shock absorbers in the form of the B1 range. This applies, for example, to support bearings, protective tubes and bump stops.
BILSTEIN B3: Coil and air springs
Since, in addition to the shock absorbers, the vehicle springs can also break down in the course of a car's life, BILSTEIN has created its B3 program. Here you will find a large selection of coil and air springs.
Air spring modules with a unique selling point
For vehicles with integrated air suspension modules, a look at the B4 range again helps. BILSTEIN is one of the few aftermarket suppliers to offer brand-new spare parts that are cheaper than original replacements and are of a higher quality than remanufactured old parts. In the latter, used shock absorbers of uncertain mileage are installed and it is not uncommon for the electronic control valves to be shut down instead of being replaced. This turns an active system into a passive one. If the compressor of an air suspension is defective, BILSTEIN can also help, and replacements can be found in the B1 range. And if the focus should not be on economy but on driving pleasure, BILSTEIN also offers attractive chassis options. The spectrum ranges from the B12 sports suspensions to the classic coilover suspensions B14, B16 and Clubsport to the new EVO Performance Line.
No fear of loss of warranty
According to figures from the Statista portal, most vehicles in Germany are between five and nine years old. Nevertheless, "more modern vehicles" are of course also in large numbers in circulation, and these are often used by companies. According to Statista, in 2021, 65 percent of new car registrations were accounted for by commercial owners. Especially in the first few years, many of them rely exclusively on original parts and brand workshops for repairs and inspections. This is often done out of fear of losing claims in the event of a warranty or guarantee. According to the EU-wide motor vehicle block exemption regulation, however, this concern is unfounded as long as the manufacturer's instructions are followed.
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