Your vehicle’s suspension does more than just provide a smooth ride—it impacts handling, stability, and overall driving safety. Shock absorbers, also known as dampers, play a key role in absorbing road imperfections, reducing body roll, and keeping your tyres firmly planted on the road. If you're looking to replace or upgrade your shocks, Bilstein offers three excellent options: B4, B6, and B8. But which one is best suited to your driving needs? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bilstein B4 – The Ideal OE Replacement
The Bilstein B4 shock absorbers are perfect for those who want to restore their car’s original ride quality. As direct replacements for factory-fitted (OE) shocks, the B4 dampers deliver smooth handling, comfort, and stability. Designed for daily driving, they provide consistent performance without altering your suspension’s feel—ideal for motorists looking for reliability without a performance upgrade.

Bilstein B6 – A Performance Upgrade Without Lowering
Looking for better handling while keeping your car at factory ride height? The Bilstein B6 series is a great option. These dampers use monotube gas pressure technology to increase damping force, providing enhanced stability, sharper cornering, and reduced body roll. They’re particularly beneficial for drivers who enjoy a more dynamic driving experience but don’t want to modify their suspension with lowering springs. The B6 series is also ideal for heavier vehicles that need extra support.

Bilstein B8 – Maximum Performance for Lowered Vehicles
For those who have fitted aftermarket lowering springs, the Bilstein B8 shock absorbers are designed to complement the setup perfectly. Tuned for sporty handling and maximum control, these high-performance dampers improve responsiveness, reduce squat under acceleration, and enhance overall road grip. If you’re aiming for precision handling and an agile driving experience, the B8 series is the ultimate choice.
Choosing the Right Bilstein Shock Absorbers
Bilstein B4 vs. B6 – Comfort vs. Sporty Handling
If you're looking for a direct OE replacement, the Bilstein B4 is the best choice. It maintains the factory ride feel, offering smooth, controlled handling without altering the suspension characteristics. This makes it ideal for daily drivers who prioritise comfort and stability.
On the other hand, the Bilstein B6 is designed for drivers who want improved performance without lowering their car. It features increased damping force and monotube gas pressure technology, which enhances handling, cornering precision, and overall road grip. While the B6 provides a firmer ride than the B4, it strikes a balance between comfort and sportiness—ideal for those who want sharper responsiveness without modifying their vehicle's ride height.
Bilstein B6 vs. B8 – Performance vs. Lowered Suspension
Both the B6 and B8 are designed for enthusiasts looking for better handling and stability, but their applications differ.
- The Bilstein B6 works best for standard factory ride height or mildly lowered cars. It’s great for sportier driving styles, high-speed stability, and improved cornering, making it a solid choice for those who want better performance without changing their suspension setup.
- The Bilstein B8, however, is specifically engineered for cars with aftermarket lowering springs. Its shortened piston rod ensures optimal shock travel and prevents bottoming out, which is common when using standard shocks with lowered setups. The result? A more composed, responsive ride with superior road feedback and control, perfect for track-day enthusiasts and spirited driving.
Summary of Key Differences:
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B4: Standard OEM replacement, focusing on comfort and stock performance.
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B6: Performance upgrade with better handling and control, ideal for slightly modified or sporty daily drivers.
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B8: Specifically designed for lowered vehicles, providing performance-oriented handling while managing the effects of lower ride height.
When Should You Replace Your Shocks?
Shock absorbers wear out over time due to constant use and exposure to rough road conditions. If your vehicle feels bouncy, leans excessively in corners, or has uneven tyre wear, it may be time for a replacement. To maintain balance and performance, it’s recommended to replace shocks in pairs, even if only one appears faulty.
Here we always recommend Bilstein shock absorbers—a go-to choice for many of our customers. Known for their reliability and precision engineering, they deliver both comfort and control, making them a worthwhile investment.
Upgrade Your Suspension Today
At ML Performance, we offer the full range of Bilstein products at the most competitive prices—helping you get the best suspension upgrade without breaking the bank. Whether you need a reliable OE replacement or a high-performance upgrade, Bilstein has the perfect solution.
Browse our range of Bilstein shocks at ML Performance today and transform your driving experience.
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