Bilstein shock numbers
 

Trying to update Bilstein catalog numbers for C43's Having researched numerous threads the numbers showing up were for B8 Sports F4-b361854-HO and F4-B361855-HO These numbers according to the Bilstein/us catalog have been superceeded. The C43 is no longer listed in Bilstein's catalog. From what I can determine the 2000 CLK 430 and the 2002 CLK 55 AMG are interchangable with the C43. These numbers are for Sports (B8)
24-025997 and 24-018555. Would appreciate any valid comments.

The W208 chassis is based of off the W202 so most suspension parts are interchangeable between the 2. I know Saab used the CLK spec'd shocks and had no complaints.

I have the B8 part #'s you have listed (1854 and 1855) and while they perform well, they ride rough.

Bilstein Shock Numbers
 

Thanks 503, there is so much info out here & you need to do your own reseach and come to your conclusions based on valid info.

Some years ago I installed the B8 and they were terrible in the C43. I phoned with the Bilstein designer for OEM C43 shocks and he told me the B8 is not suitable for C43 (what I knew already). I asked if they will take back my B8 because they were listet in the catalog for C43. Answer was 'no' and short time later they removed them from the catalog.

That's funny because a lot of UK based owners of C43's use the B8's and all seem very happy with this shock and cause no problems...

Bilstein Shock Numbers
 

So Popey, did you replace the B8's with a different shock, and if so, what shock did you change to?

What was terrible about them? I am using them currently and the only thing I have to complain about is the rough ride. They ride rougher than stock when going over low frequency vibrations (aka ruts, divots, pot holes) but they DEFINITELY out perform the stock shocks.

I had B8s on my C36, and soon my 43. I loved them on my 36.

did he say what was exactly suitable then? thanks!

The new B8 were much softer than the old AMG shocks (almost 10 years) already. Traction control was activated even when driving corners rather slow.
I changed to KW.

how do you like the kw? how much of a price diff? are you riding stock springs?

were the b8 softer using stock springs or aftermarket?
thanks!

The KW kit is $$$$

more than stock oem amg springs? im gonna keep my original springs and want to get the appropriate struts

thanks!

C43 doesn't have struts...

The KW kit comes with springs and shocks and is anywhere from $1500-$2500 depending on where you live and where you get it.

I spent just under $1000 for Bilstein shocks and Vogtland springs

No lowering springs = no drop, stock ride height will have you looking like you are ready to plow fields in your C43 :D

nice....ideally id lke to keep my car as stock as possible...the ride height is ok with me.

I was lucky to catch a KW kit for 700 Euros (less than $900). It was second hand but was never used in a car.
Even the springs are stronger than standard and H&R, comfort is better. I suppose reaction of the double pipe shocks is much better. Mounting is also rather easy... you push the shocks into position and they keep position. With standard you need to force them into position and hold, that is not easy when you are alone.
Ride high adjustment is a little tricky... first I was to low, I screwed a little up and next it was to high... 5mm on winding maybe results into 20mm car level.

Hi Popey24,
Nice to read your comments. I have just installed in the 43 all the rear KW suspension (springs and shocks). I agree the shocks are great and SOOO much easier to install than other makes :y

AND THE PLOT
 

Thickens :popcorn:

I took off my B8s (B36 1854 front and B36 1855 rear) from my C36 and discovered that the bushings in the lower eye of the shock had broken in 3 of 4 of the shocks. This made it impossible to reinstall them, as I couldn't push the (now) 2 pieces of rubber back into their spot on the shock so I could fit the shock back in between the mounting ears of the control arm.

After talking with Bilstein, they came to the conclusion that the parts failed because these parts weren't made for our heavier and lower AMG versions. Luckily, unlike with the C43, Tirerack does indeed list these shocks as fitting the 1995 C36, so I'm now trying to talk to them to see if I can get replacement shocks or any sort of reimbursement, because according to Bilsten themselves, the part is incorrectly listed as fitting our cars.

I have been one of the people on here preaching that these parts made and listed for the C280 would be fine for our cars, but here is info right in my own face stating otherwise. They should work fine the first time, but don't expect and sort of warranty or guarantees if you do install these parts on your W202 AMG.

I will hopefully talk to Bilstein again next week and see if they have advice for an alternative part to use (like a CLK part or something)

Bilstein Shock numbers
 

nd4spd,

Very interesting comments; if you refer to my very first thread I am asking if the Bilstein # 24-025997 & 24-018555 which are catalogued for 2000 clk430 & 2002 clk 55 AMG will fit the C43 with lowered springs. If you can speak with Bilstein ask them about these numbers we might be able to make some sense out of all of these numbers.

That's what I did when I lowered my car with sport springs. I went with CLK 430/55 Bilstein shocks upon many recommendations from other members, people from performance shop, and a lot of personal research.

I'm going to try to dig the part # if it can be helpful.

EDIT: got the part #

Billi Sport Front - Manufacturer Part #: 24-025997
Billi Sport Rear - Manufacturer Part #: 24-018555

2007 s550
 

in regards to a s550...
Has anyone tried to stream music through a bluetooth pcmcia card wirelessly? If so, that would be a great... Since the pcmcia slot is integrated into the command system, it would be a work around for not having an aux or ipod connection. You could simply pair the iphone/smartphone/ipod, etc. with the device and stream music through the car's system. Please discuss your thoughts...

Bilstein Shock numbers
 

Sounds good, I think this is the set-up I am going to do. How does that combo ride? My stock set-up has always been very harsh.

I would be happy to. At least the rears are the same P/Ns, but I'm curious to see what they say about the fronts.

It rides pretty well, it's definitely harder and you feel like the car is stiffer. But the car does feel freshened up after the upgrade. It still rides pretty smoothly on highway as long as you don't have big bumps and cracks.

What I really appreciated is the lack of body roll. Feels like you're driving a new car. You can take corners at much higher speeds and the car doesn't lean on the front right/side like it used to do with my stock setup.

man couldnt this whole thing be easy!!?? i just want stock amg shocks for my car ! :smash: