Bilstein Vs Koni shocks
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Bilstein Vs Koni shocks
Does anyone have any experience with Bilstein vs Koni shocks? I'm looking to improve the harsh ride of the factory shocks on my 2006 G55 and looking towards one of the two. Looking for primarily comfort for street use (although normal street use can be considered off-road sometimes in Nigeria lol). Any input appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 583
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From: United Kingdom
AMG GLS63
I have the same query, I spoke to both companies and the Koni Heavy Track is a softer setting on its lowest but is internally adjustable off the vehicle to increase forces to match the B6 from Bilstein, so if you want soft then Koni is the one to go for.
I want softer but more controlled ride so cant decide, Koni is leading the way as it can be adjusted but Im not skilled enough to take these off to fine tune from soft to firmer so would prove costly to have that done each time I wanted to see how it felt
I want softer but more controlled ride so cant decide, Koni is leading the way as it can be adjusted but Im not skilled enough to take these off to fine tune from soft to firmer so would prove costly to have that done each time I wanted to see how it felt
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 849
Likes: 507
From: NJ/NYC
2005 G55K
Bilstein B4 models are G500 equivalent shocks
Bilstein B6 models are their 'heavy duty' version and a little firmer
They do make a B8 (heavy duty for lowered cars) but not for the W463
I don't know enough about the koni's but I believe the Red Koni Raid's are quite stiff an meant for heavy loaded trucks and offroading.
The best adjustable ride control would be Fox 2.0 or King's (I don't consider Ohlins reasonable becuase of the price, but $ notwithstanding, the best option)
I have a 2005. The shocks aren't terrible, but are stiff. I have Bilstein B6's that I'll put on the truck in about a month to soften the ride up a bit.
On the G55, you will need a spring spacer when changing to Fox 2.0's because the spring is too short (and can fall out at full droop). Either a spring spacer, or changing over to G63 springs, to keep the handling dynamics of the AMG close. I plan on going this route if the Bilstein B6's are still too stiff. If you want to change the springs and lift the truck, there are several options that many on the forum have done.
Bilstein B6 models are their 'heavy duty' version and a little firmer
They do make a B8 (heavy duty for lowered cars) but not for the W463
I don't know enough about the koni's but I believe the Red Koni Raid's are quite stiff an meant for heavy loaded trucks and offroading.
The best adjustable ride control would be Fox 2.0 or King's (I don't consider Ohlins reasonable becuase of the price, but $ notwithstanding, the best option)
I have a 2005. The shocks aren't terrible, but are stiff. I have Bilstein B6's that I'll put on the truck in about a month to soften the ride up a bit.
On the G55, you will need a spring spacer when changing to Fox 2.0's because the spring is too short (and can fall out at full droop). Either a spring spacer, or changing over to G63 springs, to keep the handling dynamics of the AMG close. I plan on going this route if the Bilstein B6's are still too stiff. If you want to change the springs and lift the truck, there are several options that many on the forum have done.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 389
Likes: 82
From: North Dakota
2021 G550, BMW X5M, 2020 Toyota Supra LE
I bought my truck about 6 months ago and it had Bilsteins on it. (Unfortunately, I don’t know the model). The ride was terrible harsh.
I have a gravel alley leading to my rear garage, it has some potholes on it. I would have to slow way down (picture a sports car slowing down so it doesn’t scrape when pulling into a parking lot or driveway) just to not get jolted around. It was pretty bad. I previously had an H1 that rode smoother. (But of course the H1 had lots of rubber on the tires to absorb the bumps).
Anyway, I ordered a 2” lift with Koni shocks. I contacted Koni and they recommended having them on the softest setting to start with. Then tightening them up if I needed to down the line. It is a night and day difference. I now don’t have to come to a stop before going over potholes. The ride is so much better. Even though the shocks aren’t cheap, in my case, they were well worth it!
I have a gravel alley leading to my rear garage, it has some potholes on it. I would have to slow way down (picture a sports car slowing down so it doesn’t scrape when pulling into a parking lot or driveway) just to not get jolted around. It was pretty bad. I previously had an H1 that rode smoother. (But of course the H1 had lots of rubber on the tires to absorb the bumps).
Anyway, I ordered a 2” lift with Koni shocks. I contacted Koni and they recommended having them on the softest setting to start with. Then tightening them up if I needed to down the line. It is a night and day difference. I now don’t have to come to a stop before going over potholes. The ride is so much better. Even though the shocks aren’t cheap, in my case, they were well worth it!
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 389
Likes: 82
From: North Dakota
2021 G550, BMW X5M, 2020 Toyota Supra LE
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 60
Likes: 34
From: Brentwood Ca
2016 G63, 2013 c250, & 2021 Model Y
I will be installing the Fox 2.0 performance series on my G63 hopefully next wk. Rear shocks should be coming in next wk along with the 1.5” spring spacers to give a modest lift.
I didn’t pick the Koni cuz I don’t want to go through the hassle of taking of the tires & disassembling the shock every time I need to adjust the setting.
I didn’t pick the Koni cuz I don’t want to go through the hassle of taking of the tires & disassembling the shock every time I need to adjust the setting.
