Bilstein explains the potential of the DampTronic variants

The things that surround us are becoming more and more intelligent – especially in automotive engineering. Bilstein says the keyword here is: active suspensions.
“Depending on the situation or the driver’s wishes, they oscillate between dynamic and comfortable, sometimes with more or less intermediate levels or damping force spread. This provides the perfect driving experience and safety,” Bilstein Academy Global Training Manager, Dimitris Kouvaras, said.
The other side of the coin is that if shock absorbers for active suspensions are defective or worn out, replacement is significantly more expensive than conventional “materials.”
Owners of older cars in particular are therefore looking for affordable alternatives to original parts. Fair value replacements from the aftermarket are significantly cheaper, but rarely support active control, says Bilstein, which explains this turns an active high-tech suspension into a passive one.
Bilstein says that garages that want to offer their customers a better solution can, however, fall back on the Bilstein B4 and B6 aftermarket shock absorbers with the DampTronic add-on.
It explains these replicate all the features of the OE shock absorbers and are just as easy to install according to the plug-and-play principle. For vehicles with air suspension, Bilstein also offers its B4 air suspension modules.
Bilstein says that unlike many remanufactured products (reconditioned old parts), they continue to support active suspension control.

Bilstein B4 DampTronic and B6 DampTronic in comparison
Bilstein explains that its B4 gas pressure shock absorber is 100 percent the same as the factory-fitted components in terms of quality and functionality – but at a lower price.
This applies to the actively controllable DampTronic variants just as much as to the basic product used for passive suspension systems.
Bilstein says people who have to master particularly tough everyday conditions with their vehicle or simply want to increase its performance can opt for the Bilstein B6 DampTronic, stating that it represents improved OE replacement in combination with active suspension systems.
Going beyond the original, Bilstein says it offers a noticeable plus in safety and performance – without lowering or changing springs.
Its higher performance reserves are particularly effective in the following scenarios: on poor or winding roads, in dynamic driving, in dangerous situations, when towing a trailer, when transporting external loads – such as bicycle racks or roof racks – and generally with heavily loaded vehicles.

Bilstein B4 air suspension modules
Defective air suspension modules are often replaced by relatively inexpensive remanufactured parts. However, Bilstein says the price advantage comes at the price of various disadvantages in terms of performance and functionality.
It asserts that Bilstein B4 air suspension modules, on the other hand, are a real alternative to expensive original parts.
As one of the few aftermarket options, they are completely brand-new, while remanufactured old parts include used shock absorbers with uncertain wear status.
In addition, Bilstein warns that manufacturers of remanufactured components often disable the electromagnetic control valve instead of replacing it, which turns a high-end system with active control into a passive one.
With Bilstein B4 air suspension modules or Bilstein B4 DampTronic and B6 DampTronic shock absorbers, on the other hand, Bilstein says cars drive like they did on day one.
Garages with little experience of active or air suspension systems can not only get the right spare parts from Bilstein, but also a wealth of
know-how, receiving support from the YouTube channel “BILSTEIN Technical” at www.youtube.com/user/bilsteinde and valuable installation, diagnosis, and repair tips at workshop.bilstein.com or www.repxpert.co.uk as well as interesting training opportunities.
These are available free of charge as face-to-face training, live events in the digital classroom or – brand new – in the form of e-training that can be carried out independently.
More information can be found at workshop.bilstein.com/en/trainings-and-courses and questions can be sent by e-mail to training@bilstein.de. In addition, you can contact the Technical Support at technik@bilstein.de

For more from Bilstein, visit workshop.bilstein.com

Photo: Copyright Bilstein 2022.