Bilstein, how to tell what is what?

[george graves]

I've got two sets of front Bilsteins sports. I'm tring to figure out what set is newer.

QUESTION: Did Bilstein switch over from paper labels recently to "lazer" printing directly on the shock body?

Any other susgestions for finding out what one is newer/better with out installing?

Part numbers for them are:

F4-P30-0133-H1
F4-P30-0334-H0

(and yes, before someone askes I'll have a set for sale soon)

[KenC]

you could always call up Bilstein. I'm sure they're going to be your best reference.

[SchnellerVert]

F4-P30-0334-H0 318i, 323i and 325i sports E30 chassis

No match according to Google for F4-P30-0133-H1 probably an outdated model number.

[george graves]

Called them, both are sports for a e30.

[jlevie]

F4-P30-0334-H0 318i, 323i and 325i sports E30 chassis

Hmm, the Bilstein sports that I have (purchased last fall) for a 325i w/ABS are:

Stamped on the strut Part number
Front 2905P36 0335HO P36-0335
Rear 510B36 2027HO B36-2027

[george graves]

Apperently is a "sport" from europe I was told.

[Faviolosky]

Okay, here's the scoop:

The H1's vs. H0's for these part numbers are identical from a function and performance standpoint (I suspected that, but I have now verified it). The front shocks received a tweak to the part label on the shock which changed it to the H1 level. The rear shocks were changed to H1 when the manufacturing location changed from Germany to our US manufacturing plant near Cincinnati.

Typically, we will change the part number if we make a change that affects the performance. Revision levels to a part usually indicate a change to a component that does not affect performance (labels, change in component supplier, etc).

You can use either H0 or H1 shocks with the confidence that they will perform identically.

A guy from bilstein said