[martinm0]

I think most of us on the forums for the last two years have seen that Bilstein has had a huge delay delivering initially the B12 kits, but later that extended to most of their shock/strut lines. I gave up after waiting 6 months and being told it could be another 6 months, and went with Koni Yellows instead.

Just this week I got an email from one of the vendors I had tried to order the B12 kit from 18 months ago indicating that there will be a HUGE price increase coming very soon.

From the email:

We're emailing as a Bimmer Public Service Announcement to let you know that a very large price increase is scheduled to take place on February 15, 2019. Essentially all pricing for Bilstein shocks and struts (for all Authorized Dealers, not just [vendor redacted]) is going to JUMP up 15-25%, overnight. While this won't affect everyone, if you were contemplating buying a set of Bilstein shocks or coilovers in March or April, we suggest you don't wait and buy them RIGHT NOW to lock in the pre-update pricing.

I swear Bilstein is just trying to get out of the aftermarket business with all the shenanigans they've been doing for the last 18 months.

[6ixSpd]

Originally Posted by martinm0

I swear Bilstein is just trying to get out of the aftermarket business with all the shenanigans they've been doing for the last 18 months.

Honestly, it seems like it.

They landed a huge OE contract about a year ago and their aftermarket product lines have been utter garbage since. It's not just BMW, but across many platforms. Parts and kits have been on backorder for the better part of two years in many instances.

Fuck'em.

[dleccord]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Honestly, it seems like it.

They landed a huge OE contract about a year ago and their aftermarket product lines have been utter garbage since. It's not just BMW, but across many platforms. Parts and kits have been on backorder for the better part of two years in many instances.

Fuck'em.

do you have source?

[hellokitty]

I can attest to the fact that Bilstein has been nearly impossible to source. Fortunately I moved on from their bullshit and went to ST/KW lol

[asquared]

That's all interesting. ECS is currently running "deals" on some Bilstein stuff but certain items still show backordered. Not sure if ECS drop ships these things or is running this deal to liquidate any inventory they may have. If this is all indeed the truth.

[=C=]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Honestly, it seems like it.

They landed a huge OE contract about a year ago and their aftermarket product lines have been utter garbage since. It's not just BMW, but across many platforms. Parts and kits have been on backorder for the better part of two years in many instances.

Fuck'em.

Yea, I too would like to see a link to source of this information. If there is a case where Bilstein's are now garbage for BMW's as I'm in the process of purchasing a set of B8's...

[6ixSpd]

There are countless reports of premature failures on recently purchased Bilsteins.

A friend of mine owns a BMW independent shop. He's seen so many failures on newly installed PSS kits and shocks in the last two years + endless warranty delays that he stopped offering them to customers.

[=C=]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

There are countless reports of premature failures on recently purchased Bilsteins.

Source?

[6ixSpd]

Originally Posted by =C=

Source?

Google Bilstein issues or failures, people have posted about them on various forums and other online places.

[andreu12qw]

I can add to the quality issue:

While torquing down the bottom nut on a brand new rear strut to Bilstein's spec, the bottom threaded end snapped off. Contacted Bilstein through the vendor and they would not cover this. The vendor offered to partially cover this. Last time I buy from Bilstein.

[Rogue-OP]

Oh snap! What's a good alternative brand?

[hellokitty]

Originally Posted by Rogue-OP

Oh snap! What's a good alternative brand?

ST/KW, TC Kline, Ground Control

[Ozzie335i]

What is the point of a price increase if there isn't a product?

[Amitt]

Just bought and installed the new redesigned B14 kit, drives amazing so far

[2qwk4u]

Bilstein is average at best they also have moved a lot of there operation to china lately
Im the RS-R Australia Distributor I can Honestly Say Our Products DESTROY KW/ST and Bilstein in terms of Quality all made in Japan R&D actually conducted on the Cars, our Ride Quality Is Unmatched and performance is Track proven, We Deal with Lexus And BMW Australia who Fit our products as a dealer fitted Option!! WE will look after forum members with as close to trade pricing as we can feel free to contact us for a quote at sales@rs-raustralia.com I run Best*i coilovers in my e92 335 ride is better than factory and handles insane we have had a few M2 customers make the switch due to the difference which is lightyears compared to b14 and kw v3.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by 2qwk4u

Bilstein is average at best they also have moved a lot of there operation to china lately
Im the RS-R Australia Distributor I can Honestly Say Our Products DESTROY KW/ST and Bilstein in terms of Quality all made in Japan R&D actually conducted on the Cars, our Ride Quality Is Unmatched and performance is Track proven, We Deal with Lexus And BMW Australia who Fit our products as a dealer fitted Option!! WE will look after forum members with as close to trade pricing as we can feel free to contact us for a quote at sales@rs-raustralia.com I run Best*i coilovers in my e92 335 ride is better than factory and handles insane we have had a few M2 customers make the switch due to the difference which is lightyears compared to b14 and kw v3.

Couldn't care less about quality if it's 40%-50% more expensive. I see the cheapest ones are 1900$ for 335i . Rather get KW V1 that are 500$ cheaper and all stainless. Like ok if you want a high performing track ride but just to lower your car and get a more sportier suspension for 1900$? Oof.

Unless your prices that you can sell them are cheaper than what their website show

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by andreu12qw

I can add to the quality issue:

While torquing down the bottom nut on a brand new rear strut to Bilstein's spec, the bottom threaded end snapped off. Contacted Bilstein through the vendor and they would not cover this. The vendor offered to partially cover this. Last time I buy from Bilstein.

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Google Bilstein issues or failures, people have posted about them on various forums and other online places.

I suppose these issues also apply for the coilovers kits? I was about to pull trigger on Bilstein B14 PSS (all yellow strut not the old silver ones). The price is about as much as BC racing I figured getting something with a lifetime warranty would be better than BC's one year.

Hmmm

[Phyrexia]

Bilstein moved to a new factory. I spoke with an employee at Bimmerfest last year and he explained to me that was the reason for the huge delay. I get the feeling something happened in the middle of the move and they weren't able to catch back up and it spiralled down from there. He also explained that for some time, all available inventory was kept inside Europe (and thus no new Bilstein product arrived in North America). It was an enlightening conversation but I felt sort of bad for the guy, working the Bilstein booth and telling me there was nothing even en route to purchase.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by 2qwk4u

Bilstein is average at best they also have moved a lot of there operation to china lately

They literally just built new factories in Ohio and in Bowling Green, so you can stop lying to shill your overpriced product.