Hey everyone

I recently replaced my rear shocks and now it's time to do the front ones as well. I've decided on Bilstein B4, which I also used in the rear. However, for the front ones, Bilstein has 4 models available, and I'm not completely sure which ones are right. There are 50 and 55 mm diameter ones, and each of those for vehicles with standard and sport suspension. 

I wrote Bilstein an email, I told them my car model, the PR code for front shocks, and even the VIN number... And they told me that the PR code is for strut diameter 50 mm, but that they are unable to tell me which suspension I have and can't tell me which shocks will fit.

I have an Octavia Mk II 1.9 TDI, 77 kW (105 bhp)

The PR code for front shocks is: G02 - Suspension system in front: Front shock absorption (I guess this is the 50 mm strut diameter that they told me)

I also found another PR code - 2UA - Heavy-duty/sports version: Standard design. Does this mean it's a standard suspension?

Will the Bilstein B4 22-131607 fit then? D

 

 

I recently did mine (2005 MK2). 

 

Mine needed indeed the 50mm strut diameter.  I've ordered Monroe shocks. In my case, 1 spring was broken (Which was the reason to replace it). I've decided to replace everyting, since the springs have to come off anyway.

 

So besides springs I've ordered the shocks, bearings and dust covers also, and replaced everything. 

 

If you're going to DIY, please note you need some lesser common tools. 

For example, I needed a M14 spline bit, 18mm sockets, 21mm sockets. Also needed some open sockets, since you have to insert a hex key to hold the center while turning the nut (So a regular socket doesn't work)

To release the ball joint for the steering part I needed a ball joint tool.

 

I won't do it myself, I'll go to a local mechanic. But I'm ordering the parts online, so I just want to make sure they will fit. If they don't, then I'll have to pay the return shipping, and the mechanic twice, since they need about a week to arrive (I'm ordering from AutoDoc).

 

Do you know which exact model was your front Monroe?

I've ordered:

Shock absorbers: G16496

Springs: SE3290
Dust covers: PK163
Suspension strut repair kit : Topran 117 500

 

When ordering, the Billsteins weren't in stock (or the springs, can't remember), so I decided to go with Monroe. Since my car is old and high-milage, I won't spend too much, since it will be scrapped soon probably....

 

I remember the springs having 2 different load ratings which the weights on a 1.9pd fell into neither category. I believe the B4 has a normal and a "sport" version for lowered springs/VRS suspension. (mine runs Eibach springs with the "sport" bilstein shocks) @Damian@DPM might be able to give you a better explanation, and also source them for you

1.9tdi will be 50mm ones, so unless you have sport lowered suspension the normal b4 ones will be fine.

The shocks are on and they fit perfectly. I was pretty sure that they would fit, but was a bit concerned when the bilstein support told me that they aren't sure, eventhough i gave them all of my car specs, including VIN.

So if anyone wonders, the four models which fit to my 1.9 TDI 77 kW, according to bilstein online catalogue are: 

22-131607 (50 mm outer dia, standard chassis),

22-131614 (55 mm, standard chassis)

22-139184 (50 mm, sport suspension)

and 22-139191 (55 mm, sport suspension)

 

I had the PR code for front shocks G02, which means 50 mm outer strut dia, and I guessed i had a standard suspension (ambiente package) - so 22-131607 was the one.

Thanks everyone for your help