B4 vs B6 Bilstein Shock Absorber

[thomas wright]

Hi all,
I have purchased two rear Bilstein shocks ref no. 24-005-395 with B4 resistance but then on this platform in the Manual page I read that the recommended shocks for my car are Bilstein F4-B46-0539-HO with B6 heavy duty resistance. Have I made a big mistake?.
I also need to order front shocks as well which seem readily available ref 24-005296 with B4 resistance from Bilstein.
I suppose my main question is am I compromising the handling ability of my car if I use Bilstein B4 shocks all round or is the car, 280SL 1969, setup for B6 shocks only. I am  mature in years and can't see myself using it as a full blown sports car, well not all the time anyway, and am more likely to do cruising than throwing it around bends at high speed.

Than you for your time and I appreciate any help you can give.

Tom


280SL 1969, Auto, 050 Paint, Leather Trim, Both Tops, 3rd rear seat, LHD.

[Theo113]

Hello Thomas,

By this time you have probably resolved your issues regarding if Billstein B4's will degrade the ride.  I suppose you may have checked the Billstein website.  They do not go into details regarding the differences but they do indicate that the B6 will present a sporty ride which based on your note is not what you were hoping to accomplish.  I am curious as to what was your final resolution? 

 

[thomas wright]

Hi Theo113,
Thanks for your response,  I appreciate it.
I thought when I decided to replace my shocks it would quit straight forward  but I was wrong. I had already bought a pair of Bilsteins for the rear ref. 24-005395 for the car which are rated B4 but then I read on this forum that B6 where recommended .
I contacted MB direct but they would not confirm if the Bilstein they supply, premium  price,  are B6 rated or not, so in the end and also because of cost constraints I decided to order a pair of Bilsteins shocks for the front, ref 24-005296. Both front and rear conform to MB OE No 113-320 00 31 and 113-320 00 30 respectively.
On the Bilstein website they described the virtues of B4 and B6 and then I decided that I would prefer a slightly softer ride so went with B4.
I may have made a mistake with my choice but  time will tell once they are fitted,  watch  this space.

Many thanks for your interest.

Thomas.


280SL, Auto, 050 white, Leather upholstery, LHD, circa July 1969, with me since 1977, both tops and third rear seat.

[Cees Klumper]

From my own experience with 'heavy duty' Bilstein shocks, my guess is you'll be quite happy with the slightly softer ride of the B4s.

[ja17]

I thought I read, some years back, that the heavier duty shocks were recommended for cars with A/C because of the extra weight.

[mauro12]

I bought from mb.classic de , 4 bilstein shocks . It was not indicated if they were b4 or b6 but I think they are b4. I’ve never seen in any European sources a b6 bilstein for sale , is always written bilstein in general . Putting a b4 is a mistake ?

[Peter h]

https://www.motoo-michl-klassik.de/Fahrwerke_41.php

[Cees Klumper]

Right - so this vendor offers stiffer/different springs and these B6 Bilstein shocks to improve the handling, especially under heavy braking (the 'nose dive phenomenon'). Similar to the progressive springs offered (erstwhile) by John Olson and some others. These Eibach springs will lower your car by more than an inch, and in combination with the firmer shocks should improve the handling. The price seems also a bit stiff (EUR 2,350, or around US$2,800) but that's like most things on our cars, parts cost more (4 new good quality shocks for my Bronco, $150).

[dirkbalter]

Right - so this vendor offers stiffer/different springs and these B6 Bilstein shocks to improve the handling, especially under heavy braking (the 'nose dive phenomenon'). Similar to the progressive springs offered (erstwhile) by John Olson and some others. These Eibach springs will lower your car by more than an inch, and in combination with the firmer shocks should improve the handling. The price seems also a bit stiff (EUR 2,350, or around US$2,800) but that's like most things on our cars, parts cost more (4 new good quality shocks for my Bronco, $150).
[/quote

Cees, apples and oranges?
(4 new good quality shocks for a w113, $120.)
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/mercedes-benz,1966,230sl,2.3l+l6,1342628,suspension,shock+absorber,7556
 

[Peter h]

I would also recommend b4, which are enough in conjunction with the modify springs. B6 are too hard.
Peter

[Cees Klumper]

Excellent Dirk, you got me! Did not know Bilsteins can be that inexpensive for our cars, good find. Well then I wonder even more why the springs+shocks have to cost $2,800 with that German vendor.

[dirkbalter]

Excellent Dirk, you got me! Did not know Bilsteins can be that inexpensive for our cars, good find. Well then I wonder even more why the springs+shocks have to cost $2,800 with that German vendor.

Cees, just messing with you. Lol. The ones I was referring to were KYB‘s. Bilsteins are around $ 75 each.

[Peter h]

Good or new b4s for the W113 and mechatronic springs for around 700 euros bring much better driving behavior. You can install this yourself and do not need a complete package.
Peter

[mauro12]

My car changed complitly with new bilstein . I haven’t replaced the springs but the difference is huge with new shocks .

[thomas wright]

Thanks everyone for your input,

I will go ahead and fit the Bilstein B4 version shocks as I am reassured by other members who have already fitted them and are satisfied with the ride.
With the exception of fitting new road spring which I've had done what other suspension parts should I replaced to improve ride and handling. I have heard mentioned that rubber parts loose there properties with age and wonder if
 replacing the steering damper would be a good idea.

[ja17]

It's a tough job, but check the front motor mounts and the front sub-frame mounts also.