I know the subject of Bilsteins has been done to death, but I haven't found much about whether anyone has fitted B4s and whether they've found improvement in the control and dynamics.  We've a 2019 272 Sportline Hatch, non-DCC and it's developed a leaky n/s front damper.  Hence we're looking at options to upgrade.  We want to retain the relative comfort, but just get rid of that classic VAG sloppiness.

 

I've seen elsewhere people suggesting that B6 can be a bit harsh, hence wondering whether anyone has tried the B4s and found that it's improved things.  Or are they really a like for like with OEM?

I'll take that as a no then!

 

I just want to be sure that diving straight into going with the B6 isn't going to leave me with earache - this is the wife's car!  She's never been that happy about the wallowiness, but loves the comfort, hence she's keen to try changing things to get it spot on.

Did you try a simple keyword search?

Hi - yep I did!  I can't see any posts where anyone's actually said they've fitted the B4 dampers, only the B6, hence my query.

 

 

I think the consensus is that the B4 is as close to OEM you can get while maybe improving the quality.  I read that as same performance but should last a bit longer.

Like wise the B6 is an all round upgrade.  Much better quality, so longer life.  The design lends to a more consistent performance.  The damping is slower so feels firmer.  The internal gas pressure lends to the spring stiffness so has the impression of increasing the stiffness a little.  That same pressure is part of the design that improves consistency as it reduces cavitation.

The B4 doesn't have the same kind of design so the internal pressure isn't as great (although I believe it's greater than stock).  This means that the consistency isn't like the B6.  Nor is the basic design the same as the B6 so the oil volume isn't as much.  Again this reduces consistency compared to the B6.

 

TLDR: B6 is monotube. B4 is twintube.  Look those designs up and you'll see the difference.  B4 is thought to be slightly better performing than stock.  Likewise for the quality.  Not seen any proof yet.

That's great thanks Marky!  Exactly what I was looking to hear.  My worry with B4 would be that they'd be too much like OEM and we wouldn't dial out any of that softness.  Sounds like B6 is the way to go then.

 

Anyone know, just for comparison purposes, what a replacement damper costs from Skoda?  Non-dcc?

Sorry to drag this old thread up, after googling a few different results.

Just wondering the same if anyone has put B4’s on their Superb

I am leaning more towards these due to them being black so less likely to show when a technician is under the car due to extended warranty on the car.

I have read where the B4 is supposed to be slightly updated but not seen anyone have these on their car as yet, currently have Sachs rear shocks

In my experience, the technician won't bat an eyelid. I put B6's on mine with a month of buying it, and had 2 or 3 rounds of warranty work over the next 12 months with not a word said.

If it's specifically suspension related then they might kick up a fuss, but realistically they'd be loudly proclaiming wear and tear anyway.

Also, putting B4s on because they’re less likely to be noticed by a mechanic is way off the track when it comes to priorities.

If you’re going to spend out on the car to improve, do it because it will improve it effectively, not because it might work but no-one is likely to spot it.

Looking back, go with the B6 and enjoy.

14 hours ago, travs said:

Also, putting B4s on because they’re less likely to be noticed by a mechanic is way off the track when it comes to priorities.

If you’re going to spend out on the car to improve, do it because it will improve it effectively, not because it might work but no-one is likely to spot it.

Looking back, go with the B6 and enjoy.

Yup, just been out with a Skoda Tech and he said yup feels how they feel, he did work at VW and said that the Passat's feel more planted than the Superb

So B6's will be ordered, will get new top mounts also and been thinking about getting the arms too, might as well do everything I can at this point. As speaking about the worn bushing on the front, whereby you could hear it on the test ride. Then was told that is has to completely fail to be warranty also. so might as will replace that at the same time too.

5 minutes ago, tombee said:

Then was told that is has to completely fail to be warranty also. so might as will replace that at the same time too.

Explains why dealers just grease them up if its the one that is suspected - you need to drop the subframe to get to it if its the one on the front ARB. Whereas if you can grease them up, its probably something you can do quick and easy.

I put B4 on rear axle, karoq 4x2, similar to stock oem shocks..

B6 are stiffer, but also more expensive.

2 minutes ago, imart143 said:

I put B4 on rear axle, karoq 4x2, similar to stock oem shocks..

B6 are stiffer, but also more expensive.

Did you notice the difference from the oem shocks?

My oem were little worn out so yes it is slightly difference, but if compare new and new - similar shock. In description says B4 are oem replacements. That was what i need. On front i put Sachs also oem replacement.

Bilstein also classify B6 as OEM replacements.

Maybe for sportline skoda series.

No, generally. Both B4 and B6 are declared as OEM replacement models, with the B6 being "improved"

yes improved, but look the difference in construction.

B6 are at least one level up from B4.

B4 are really same as stock, B6 are not.

look at piston diameter, ready for hard condition, and double price in my country. B8 dont even cant buy here..

Your point? I'm fully aware there's a difference in construction, I have worked with both sets. Those differences would be absolutely in line with "improved", that being what Bilstein themselves state in their literature. It still follows the basic specification of the original - no height or damping adjustment, same working range.