Bilstein shock numbers
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From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
You can't. The original shocks for the C43 are branded AMG on them. The only place to get those is the stealer. The HD's are almost identical, and for a lot less money, but in truth, they are not OEM quality so you may have problems with any warranty or replacements.
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Joined: May 2012
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1999 C43 AMG
tks for sharing. the uptick in price for the AMG bilsteins is ridic!!!!
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
Technically they are, I'd imagine. That's why many people on here are running billy sports or HDs, but as you saw from my case, if anything does happen to go wrong with them, technically they are not made for the AMG versions of the W202, so Bilstein has no responsibility for them. If I were you I would just pickup a set of the HDs, just don't plan to take them off again unless you are planning to replace them
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From: A.D., U.A.E
2000 (W202 C200) & 2000 (W202 C55)
Technically they are, but as you saw from my case, if anything does happen to go wrong with them, technically they are not made for the AMG versions of the W202, so Bilstein has no responsibility for them. If I were you I would just pickup a set of the HDs, just don't plan to take them off again unless you are planning to replace them
ZAYED,,
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From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
When I get back home, I'll check the reference # for the front and rear shocks I removed before installing my KW setup.
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Joined: May 2012
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1999 C43 AMG
Technically they are, I'd imagine. That's why many people on here are running billy sports or HDs, but as you saw from my case, if anything does happen to go wrong with them, technically they are not made for the AMG versions of the W202, so Bilstein has no responsibility for them. If I were you I would just pickup a set of the HDs, just don't plan to take them off again unless you are planning to replace them
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
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From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Mine as far as I know they were the originals from 99'. They are not shot and have some life left. I may install them on my c240T 
Last edited by DRBC43AMG; Jun 6, 2012 at 08:01 AM.
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From: Bay Area, CA
98 C43, 15 Alfa 4C LE, 18 Tesla Model 3 DM Perf, 08 Duc S1000, 02 Duc 998, 98 Duc 748, 01 Miata
I would call BS on Bilstein if they decided they weren't going to warranty the shocks because of that. The C43 is only ~132 pounds heavier than a comparably equipped C280.
However, shocks and bushings are a wear item. How long did you have them on your car? I doubt many manufacturers would warranty shocks longer than a year or two.
However, shocks and bushings are a wear item. How long did you have them on your car? I doubt many manufacturers would warranty shocks longer than a year or two.
Member
Joined: May 2012
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1999 C43 AMG
Technically they are, I'd imagine. That's why many people on here are running billy sports or HDs, but as you saw from my case, if anything does happen to go wrong with them, technically they are not made for the AMG versions of the W202, so Bilstein has no responsibility for them. If I were you I would just pickup a set of the HDs, just don't plan to take them off again unless you are planning to replace them
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 940
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From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
I would call BS on Bilstein if they decided they weren't going to warranty the shocks because of that. The C43 is only ~132 pounds heavier than a comparably equipped C280.
However, shocks and bushings are a wear item. How long did you have them on your car? I doubt many manufacturers would warranty shocks longer than a year or two.
However, shocks and bushings are a wear item. How long did you have them on your car? I doubt many manufacturers would warranty shocks longer than a year or two.
9 months, 5000 miles. Pretty disappointing.
It would also be something if the fronts were shot, because that's where the extra weight is, but that fact that 3/4 and maybe 4/4 of them broke? After 5000 miles? Come on...
Couldn't tell you. All I've ever heard is they're an arm and a leg, and I've never had the inclination to check.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Vancouver, B.C., CANADA
2006 E55 AMG/1996 C36 AMG/1999 C43/55 AMG/2021 Toyota Tundra Crew Max TRD Sport Premium
The stock AMG Billy's from the dealer are not recommended for lowered cars anyway, so what are we left with for options? I had the Koni sports/Vogtland setup on my '99 Kompressor and I really liked them, though the back was pretty rough, so I was told. It now has me thinking. Is going the Euro spring way is the best option? Keep the stock AMG Billy's with #1's all around. One has to ask themselves, if an extra .5" drop, is worth all the trouble. 
Last edited by nkctb7; Jun 19, 2012 at 03:38 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
The stock AMG Billy's from the dealer are not recommended for lowered cars anyway, so what are we left with for options? I had the Koni sports/Vogtland setup on my '99 Kompressor and I really liked them, though the back was pretty rough, so I was told. It now has me thinking. Is going the Euro spring way is the best option? Keep the stock AMG Billy's with #1's all around. One has to ask themselves, if an extra .5" drop, is worth all the trouble.
I'd be interested to see if the Euro spec cars with the shorter springs have different shock numbers, which hopefully DRB can tell us when he gets back with the #s.
And also, can anyone who changed from US spec to Euro spec springs chime in if they're any stiffer, or just shorter? I was under the impression that they were only shorter, therefore giving no real performance gains except a lower CoG
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,889
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From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
Hold tight guys, I'm soon home 
I'll get the shock # posted on here on Friday. I'll also check the Euro OE springs (measurements, codings, colors painted on the spirals, etc.). I will also check on the MB EPC programme the part # for Euro shocks and N.American shocks.
I'll get the shock # posted on here on Friday. I'll also check the Euro OE springs (measurements, codings, colors painted on the spirals, etc.). I will also check on the MB EPC programme the part # for Euro shocks and N.American shocks.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Vancouver, B.C., CANADA
2006 E55 AMG/1996 C36 AMG/1999 C43/55 AMG/2021 Toyota Tundra Crew Max TRD Sport Premium
For me it's not just about the drop. 50+% of the reason I upgraded the suspension was for a stiffer set up so the car didn't handle so much like the 14 year old sedan that it is. The vogtlands and billys made the car handle pretty well, as I'm sure you know after running the konis and vogtlands. Of course, if I really wanted a real performance set up I'd get the KWs or the SpeedyBenz set up, but that's at least 2k. If someone doesn't want to mess with the stuff but wants to lower, and doesn't care about performance, just cut the spring. There's barely even a point on spending the money for the euro AMGs if that's all you want to do.
I'd be interested to see if the Euro spec cars with the shorter springs have different shock numbers, which hopefully DRB can tell us when he gets back with the #s.
And also, can anyone who changed from US spec to Euro spec springs chime in if they're any stiffer, or just shorter? I was under the impression that they were only shorter, therefore giving no real performance gains except a lower CoG
I'd be interested to see if the Euro spec cars with the shorter springs have different shock numbers, which hopefully DRB can tell us when he gets back with the #s.
And also, can anyone who changed from US spec to Euro spec springs chime in if they're any stiffer, or just shorter? I was under the impression that they were only shorter, therefore giving no real performance gains except a lower CoG
I find it interesting that Vogtland Germany does not offer springs for C43's. Yet, in North America, the Vogtland #952079 is not suitable for C43's, according to Vogtland Germany. I called them and this was confirmed to me. They did not have an explanation as to why.
All that I am looking to do is achieve a 1.5" drop, improve handling, performance and looks without any rubbing or scraping whatsoever.
I thought about going the H&R route but I do not want to run into sagging issues over time and Eibachs, from what I've read, are far too stiff/rough.
Cheers
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 960
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From: Vancouver, B.C., CANADA
2006 E55 AMG/1996 C36 AMG/1999 C43/55 AMG/2021 Toyota Tundra Crew Max TRD Sport Premium
Cheers
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 940
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From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
I completely understand your points as I am also interested in the handling and performance aspects of lowering as well. My rear struts need replacing soon as the driver's rear is now sagging a bit. I loved my Vogtland/Koni setup on my Kompressor before I sold it. However, I did not like the fact that the front had dropped to just shy of 3". I was also running #1 pads all around based on recommendations from other members. Not at all suitable for everyday driving. I am now a firm believer that every car WILL sit differently after lowering.
I find it interesting that Vogtland Germany does not offer springs for C43's. Yet, in North America, the Vogtland #952079 is not suitable for C43's, according to Vogtland Germany. I called them and this was confirmed to me. They did not have an explanation as to why.
All that I am looking to do is achieve a 1.5" drop, improve handling, performance and looks without any rubbing or scraping whatsoever.
I thought about going the H&R route but I do not want to run into sagging issues over time and Eibachs, from what I've read, are far too stiff/rough.
Cheers
I find it interesting that Vogtland Germany does not offer springs for C43's. Yet, in North America, the Vogtland #952079 is not suitable for C43's, according to Vogtland Germany. I called them and this was confirmed to me. They did not have an explanation as to why.
All that I am looking to do is achieve a 1.5" drop, improve handling, performance and looks without any rubbing or scraping whatsoever.
I thought about going the H&R route but I do not want to run into sagging issues over time and Eibachs, from what I've read, are far too stiff/rough.
Cheers
That's really interesting about the Vogtlands. I wonder if Vogtland Germany approves them for the C36. I guess if I run my vogtlands and billy sports on my 43, I will really be sticking it to the man, huh?
I don't get any of it though. That both Vogtland and Bilstien make parts for the C280 that are cross referenced to the AMG versions, but not in other places. There's about a 132lb difference between a 99 C280 and 43, and about 200lb between a 95 C280 and a 36, so if vogtland does approve the #952079 spring for 36s, then I am completely lost...
I had no rubbing with my vogtland billy setup with #3 W201 pads. Do you know what pads your 43 has now?
Also, on a note of my own, talked to Tire Rack again today and I'm sending them my shocks so they can examine later this week.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 940
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From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
More!
So I think I'll be talking to Bilstein again after I'm all sorted at Tirerack.
To continue the weight difference numbers from my previous post, there is a 235lb difference between the saloon (sedan) and estate (wagon) version of the 1999 C280. Bilstein's own online parts catalogue lists the 18548 and 18555 B8 shocks for both the sedan and wagon, but they told me in my warranty claim that they were not made for the C43 because it is heavier and lower. The C280 wagon weighs 103lbs more than the C43 sedan if my numbers are correct, so this now makes no sense on bilsteins part.
And to counter the "lower" attribute of the AMG cars, straight from Bilstein.de's products page for the B8 shock:
"The product benefits at a glance:
Shortened high-performance shock absorbers for
virtually every lowering spring set and series production sport vehicles
Sports settings with high level of comfort
Marked improvement in safety and performance
with additional spring changes (lowering)"
They were made for aftermarket lowering springs!! WTF Bilstein...
To continue the weight difference numbers from my previous post, there is a 235lb difference between the saloon (sedan) and estate (wagon) version of the 1999 C280. Bilstein's own online parts catalogue lists the 18548 and 18555 B8 shocks for both the sedan and wagon, but they told me in my warranty claim that they were not made for the C43 because it is heavier and lower. The C280 wagon weighs 103lbs more than the C43 sedan if my numbers are correct, so this now makes no sense on bilsteins part.
And to counter the "lower" attribute of the AMG cars, straight from Bilstein.de's products page for the B8 shock:
"The product benefits at a glance:
Shortened high-performance shock absorbers for
virtually every lowering spring set and series production sport vehicles
Sports settings with high level of comfort
Marked improvement in safety and performance
with additional spring changes (lowering)"
They were made for aftermarket lowering springs!! WTF Bilstein...
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 960
Likes: 26
From: Vancouver, B.C., CANADA
2006 E55 AMG/1996 C36 AMG/1999 C43/55 AMG/2021 Toyota Tundra Crew Max TRD Sport Premium
So I think I'll be talking to Bilstein again after I'm all sorted at Tirerack.
To continue the weight difference numbers from my previous post, there is a 235lb difference between the saloon (sedan) and estate (wagon) version of the 1999 C280. Bilstein's own online parts catalogue lists the 18548 and 18555 B8 shocks for both the sedan and wagon, but they told me in my warranty claim that they were not made for the C43 because it is heavier and lower. The C280 wagon weighs 103lbs more than the C43 sedan if my numbers are correct, so this now makes no sense on bilsteins part.
And to counter the "lower" attribute of the AMG cars, straight from Bilstein.de's products page for the B8 shock:
"The product benefits at a glance:
Shortened high-performance shock absorbers for
virtually every lowering spring set and series production sport vehicles
Sports settings with high level of comfort
Marked improvement in safety and performance
with additional spring changes (lowering)"
They were made for aftermarket lowering springs!! WTF Bilstein...
To continue the weight difference numbers from my previous post, there is a 235lb difference between the saloon (sedan) and estate (wagon) version of the 1999 C280. Bilstein's own online parts catalogue lists the 18548 and 18555 B8 shocks for both the sedan and wagon, but they told me in my warranty claim that they were not made for the C43 because it is heavier and lower. The C280 wagon weighs 103lbs more than the C43 sedan if my numbers are correct, so this now makes no sense on bilsteins part.
And to counter the "lower" attribute of the AMG cars, straight from Bilstein.de's products page for the B8 shock:
"The product benefits at a glance:
Shortened high-performance shock absorbers for
virtually every lowering spring set and series production sport vehicles
Sports settings with high level of comfort
Marked improvement in safety and performance
with additional spring changes (lowering)"
They were made for aftermarket lowering springs!! WTF Bilstein...
Good Luck
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 960
Likes: 26
From: Vancouver, B.C., CANADA
2006 E55 AMG/1996 C36 AMG/1999 C43/55 AMG/2021 Toyota Tundra Crew Max TRD Sport Premium
My C43 has #2 pads all around and I intend to run #4 all around after lowering.
Vogtland North America replied to my question in regards to the accuracy of their claimed drop of the C43. I nearly **** as I read the email. They stated that all estimated/listed drop figures are given to them by Vogtland Germany. I replied, asking them how they could send info. pertaining to a C43 as they claimed the Vogtland #952079, were not the correct springs for a C43? WTF?
Vogtland North America replied to my question in regards to the accuracy of their claimed drop of the C43. I nearly **** as I read the email. They stated that all estimated/listed drop figures are given to them by Vogtland Germany. I replied, asking them how they could send info. pertaining to a C43 as they claimed the Vogtland #952079, were not the correct springs for a C43? WTF?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
My C43 has #2 pads all around and I intend to run #4 all around after lowering.
Vogtland North America replied to my question in regards to the accuracy of their claimed drop of the C43. I nearly **** as I read the email. They stated that all estimated/listed drop figures are given to them by Vogtland Germany. I replied, asking them how they could send info. pertaining to a C43 as they claimed the Vogtland #952079, were not the correct springs for a C43? WTF?
Vogtland North America replied to my question in regards to the accuracy of their claimed drop of the C43. I nearly **** as I read the email. They stated that all estimated/listed drop figures are given to them by Vogtland Germany. I replied, asking them how they could send info. pertaining to a C43 as they claimed the Vogtland #952079, were not the correct springs for a C43? WTF?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill, NC/Montreal, QC
1995 C36 AMG, 1998 C43 AMG
Also to make it clear for anyone shopping in the future, in Koni's official catalogue from their website, they apparently do make shocks that fit the C36, but do not list the C43.
