Which Bilstein B4 dampers for W212?

[TeddyRuxpin]

Hi all,

If wanting to replace dampers on W212 with sport suspension, does the B4 act as an OEM replacement for the Sport suspension?

Or is B4 for the avantgarde/SE suspension and the B6 is for the Sport?

I’m pretty sure the B4 is the one to go for…

However, AUTODOC seems to list two possible dampers for front and rear, as pictured. The seem identical but have different part codes - which is the right one for the front and rear?

Thanks!

 

[Snake Charmer]

B4 is supposed to be replacement, B6 uprated and B8 is B6 damping with shorter damper rods to accept lowering springs.

Link

 

[Snake Charmer]

I needed new rear dampers for my S211 last year and settled on Bilstein B4 all round. Due to supply problems I ended up with B6 rear and B8 fronts using the original Avantgarde front springs and rear air springs, not the route I was looking to go.
The ride is superbly controlled and very confidence inspiring at speed but combined with the 245/55 18" tyres can feel a little harsh driving at traffic speeds around town on our awful Surrey roads. B4 on the front may have been a nicer match to the B6 rears in my application, the B6 were also recommended for towing.
Supply might be less of a problem for a W212, the company I spoke to were really helpful with information and did me a good deal on the B6 rears but could not supply B6 or B8 fronts, they came from Autodoc as B8 were all they had in stock.

 

[TeddyRuxpin]

Thanks all, I’d go for B4 but the screenshots show two options of B4 for front and rear.

They seem the same other than price, but they have different part numbers.

Which is the right one for my E350 W212 Sport pre-facelift 59 plate?

 

[Snake Charmer]

Which is the right one for my E350 W212 Sport pre-facelift 59 plate?

Give the company in the link I posted a call, they were really good and will help you select the right setup for your car.

The Bilstein descriptions came across to me more as translations. On those B4 you list on Autodoc, one is listed as "for vehicles with standard chassis" and the other "for vehicles with off-road suspension". As a direct replacement, I think the latter will likely be recommended if you contact them.

 

[rayhennig]

I know that nobody listens to me, but the only way to be sure is to get the MB genuine part number and cross-reference that to the equivalent Bilstein, Sachs, whatever part number. That's what I did with mine and the Sachs dampers were fitted in 2017 at a cost of about 80€ each and are still doing sterling service.

And I even picked up a spare pair of Boge dampers for the front, brand new, for 80€ the pair.

Good hunting.

RayH

 

[horatio]

Yep you can find the MB number on one of the online EPC’s using your VIN and then cross ref it on the Bilstein catalogue.

The B4’s are very good. I find them to be a tiny bit sportier than the original Sachs but still ride very well.