A colleague just changed to this shock absorber and was quite delighted with the difference it made to the vehicle. It was described as "good", though there wasn't any elaboration in detail.

Does anybody have this shock absorber installed on your vehicle?

Thanks for the feedback. May I ask why "few months"? Have you un-installed the Bilstein B8 or sold the car?

The Bilstein B8 shock absorbers are not exactly cheap though. My colleague paid almost RM3k for 2 pairs(front and back) which includes installation for his Ford Focus. Not sure about the stock/conventional shocks for the BMWs but the yellow-coloured Bilstein B8 looks more "serious" and substantial than the stock shock absorbers of the Ford Focus. The tubular section of the Bilstein is significantly larger in diameter than the thin tube of the stock shocks in the Focus. Presumably the springs in the Bilstein B7 are also larger than the stock springs of the Focus.

Okay thanks. Not too sure if he has changed (or lowered) the springs on his vehicle when he opted for the Bilstein B8 shocks. Will ask him later.

What is your take on the difference between B4, B6 and B8? Some Ford guy recommended the B8 to him so he took his advice. I might go the Bilstein route when the stock shock absorbers on my vehicle wear out.

This post has been edited by SportyHandling: Sep 2 2014, 01:41 PM

Thanks for the information. Do you have one installed on your car? You seem to have quite a bit of knowledge on this Bilstein shocks.

Thanks for the replies. Will survey more on B6, B8 and B12 more when the time comes. Not sure how different will all these Bilstein shocks be when compared to the stock shock absorbers in the Ford Focus. I think the height of the Focus is pretty decent. I'm not a fan of cars which sit low to the ground, although I understand handling will be better. A good balance between handling and comfort is preferred.

By the way, the Bilstein should be quiet suspension right? (I presume shock absorbers = suspension). Hopefully it will be quieter than the stock shocks of the Focus. I can hear all the knocks and thuds from the suspension of the Focus right now.

Not too sure how long the current shock absorbers will last before a change to the Bilstein in warranted. Perhaps in 3 to 4 years time.

So you had test driven the Focus. Yes, the car in its stock form is pretty fun to drive. The suspension is responsive and firm but didn't feel too stiff. It is certainly tuned to some spirited driving but the comfort is still there, at least for the driver, not so much on the passengers sitting at the back(all occupants sitting at the back seat commented that the Nissan Sylphy is more comfortable than the Focus due to the softer and bouncier suspension of the former which soaks up bumps and irregularities on the roads more effectively than the Focus. All knocks and imperfections on the roads are transmitted to the cabin more effectively with the Focus' suspension).

I need to interrogate my colleague more effectively on the "differences" between the Bilstein B8 and the stock shock absorbers of the Focus. All he said was "good", though the stock suspension of the Focus is certainly good enough for me. Just curious why he went ahead with the Bilstein though. I'm certainly not a track junkie but even with some occasional spirited driving sessions the suspension of the Focus does not disappoint. The combination of the steering and control from the suspension are the best that I have experienced so far, at least for vehicles up to RM150k.

Though I reckon I might just stick with the stock shocks of the Focus as I agree they are more than decent.

I'll test drive my colleague's Focus with the Bilstein B8 someday and see how it goes.

Yes, absorbers will become weak with time. Though I think "weak" absorbers with reduced rebound will still be fine for slow drivers or those with comfortable cars, drivers that don't pay too much attention to handling. For those who are more critical to the performance of their vehicles, they would be more inclined to replace the worn absorbers more quickly than those who aren't bothered too much.

Yes, I read the Titan thread some time ago. https://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?showtopi...134881&hl=titan

Seems like the guy has managed to resolve the problem with the Titan shocks. From good to bad, then to good again. Don't know how the Titan guys managed to improve the drivability of the vehicle.

Unfortunately, haven't had the chance to try the Bilstein shocks yet as the mechanic informed the condition of the stock absorbers on my car is still in good condition after testing the car. My car, a Ford Focus 2.0 is already more than 7 years old but low mileage (less than 70,000km). The workshop which stocks this Bilstein shock absorbers is Bengkel Auto Excellent which specialises in Ford vehicles. I'm not sure about other workshop outside which stocks the Bilstein shocks. I presume these workshops may import directly from the Bilstein importer, locally or overseas.