borisW211

Hello,

I replaced front and rear Shocks with Bilstein B6 (HD) shocks and using my OEM springs with them. The car was having a clicking or crumbling noise at lower speeds when going over uneven surface and small bumps. The upper and lower ball joints, along with lower control arm and lateral arm bushings replaced.

After installing Bilstein B6(HD) part# 24-120234 shocks the left(driver side) is making a metallic noise when turning and sometimes when going over bumps.

Initially the mechanic installed the shocks with just the lower spring seat which comes with the shock (looks like a large washer) which sits on the C clip. After I came back complaining about the noise he removed the whole shock assembly and slipped on the spring seat from the original shock onto the Bilstein shock which now sits over the spring seat that came with the Bilstein shock. The noise is still there...

Anyone has any experience using Bilstein B6(HD) with factory springs. Need to know if the OEM spring seat needs to be used over the one that Bilstein provides. Also, could the upper spring retainer be the cause of the metallic noise?

Roman Kilun

I just installed the same struts and am also questioning if I should use the original spring perches. I don't have any noise but my front end is higher than it used to be. Did you ever get a definitive answer?

Much appreciated.

borisW211

Roman,

If you look at the instruction illustration it does show the original spring seats used with the provided large washers. I also called Bilstein distributor in California and they confirmed that the factory spring seat should be used in conjunction with the ones provided. Hope this answers your question. As far as your ride hight being higher than original, I don't know. Hope this helps. Also, I would recommend calling Bilstein to ask about your specific year and model application.

Roman Kilun

Wow, thanks a lot for the response. I guess my intuition is correct because I installed it with the original perches. These Bilstien struts have a lot more pressure so I am not surprised they sit a little higher. I am guessing they will settle over time. Have a good one.

elf

Roman Kilun , how are you doing? I as well ordered the same shocks and struts for my 2007 Mercedes E350 4Matic. I currently have 160k with original struts and shocks. How are you liking your new Bilstein shocks and struts on your E350? Is the ride much smoother would you say or whats your honest opinion?

Blackmamba89

How you doing boss? did you ever figure out what was the height problem? I'm having the same issue right now, did you use original coil springs?

Blackmamba89

Hello Boss, did you ever find out the problem? You don't have a height problem correct ?

Blackmamba89

Hello Boss, did you ever find out the problem? You don't have a height problem correct ?

Left Coast Geek

Roman hasn't been on this forum since 2 posts in 2016, 5 years ago.

cetialpha5

And for the height problem, that's probably based on what setting the clip is set on. I've used B4 Bilsteins on mine and they come on the highest setting. You have to match them up with the old ones to get the right height. I forget, it was either the 2nd or 3rd ring from the bottom and there were 10 steps so if you left it on the 10th step, it was going to be too high.