Marti

Hi Guys

Does anyone know how to tell the difference between Boge and Bilstein dampers?

I need to order 2 new adjusting nuts for the rear dampers and when I did this for the front Porsche said it should have Boge fitted, where in fact it had Bilstein and I had to return the parts and re-order.

The dampers don't have a name that I can see on them so I am wondering how I can tell the difference?

Thanks

Cosmo Kramer

Bilsteins are yellow in color, Boges are either black or grey.

Marti

Mine have no paint lest in them

Bilal928S4

My understanding is that the Bilsteins have the threads on the body of the shock so the collar threads on them. The Boge and Koni's have a sleeve that goes over the body of the shock and the collar is threaded on this sleeve.
HTH.

Bill Ball

Yes, Bilstein threads are cut into the body. Most often the Bilsteins are unpainted aluminum. Boge are usually black (standard) or red (sport).

Marti

Perfect, thanks. As the threads are cut into the body of the shock and the shock did not appear painted that confirms for me that the rear shocks I have are Bilstein - which match the front.

For some reason these are different from what should have been fitted as standard (Boge) so either the factory fitted various makes of dampers for 89 or my car has had the dampers changed to Bilstein.

Bilal928S4

I think the bolstering can be rebuilt. Try contacting the company and see if they will rebuild them for you. I know if you are the original purchaser they will warrant them for life.

dr bob

FIFY.

Bilal928S4

Thank you Dr. Bob. Auto correct always gets me.

The Forgotten On

Bilsteins can be rebuilt by Bilstein themselves for$75+ per shock. It depends if they need to make parts (ours are out of production for the fronts in gold bodies anyway) or not.

I had mine done, it only cost $450 for all four and they came back like new. It's well worth it instead of buying an entire new set.