Bilstein 5100 vs 4600 Shock Absorber: Which One is Best for Your Vehicle?
Are you a Bilstein lover and getting confused about choosing a gas shock set? There are a few different types of items for you. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. The Bilstein B8 5100 and B6 4600 are two of the most popular Shock Absorber in the market now. But don’t know, which one is the best among Bilstein 5100 vs 4600 Shock Absorber?

Well, Bilstein 5100 and 4600 Shock Absorber both offer great performance, reliability with good damping and compression. But the Bilstein B8 5100 provides more higher-performance. The B6 4600 is also a good choice for vehicles but doesn’t provide extra performance like the 5100 series.
In this comparison, I will compare the in-depth features of the two shocks and see which one is better. So, let’s start!
Contents
About The Company
Bilstein Inc. of Bilstein, Wisconsin, is one of the world’s leading producers of shock absorbers and performance parts for automobiles and light trucks. Since its founding in 1952, Bilstein has been a family-owned business that has built its reputation on high-quality suspension and shock absorbers and products.
The company first gained attention in the late 1960s when then-owner Fritz Bilstein engineered two-valve monotube shock absorbers for performance purposes. More than 40 years later, Bilstein remains a leader in two-valve technology with products that go well beyond suspension performance.
In the early 2000s, word began to spread about the massive potential for abuse of a widely used suspension part that had been engineered from a design created back in 1952. More than a decade later, Bilstein has only recently acknowledged that its original shock absorber design was one of the most abused parts on vehicles across the world. This company focuses on technology improvements, including materials science and design, to come up with new products that meet vehicle specifications.
Overview Bilstein B8 5100 Shock Absorber
When I’m talking about the shock absorber Bilstein 5100 review, I would like to share it with you about it in detail. The Bilstein 5100 features a double-adjustable air suspension which making it easy to adjust the ride quality. It is popular to be the best Bilstein shocks for towing. So, let’s know a little delta of this Item.
What Is The Product Like Physically?
The Bilstein 5100 monotube gas shock is fairly heavy, weighing in at just 25 pounds. It may be a little heavier loads than other shock absorbers. But it is still easy to handle and move around. The 5100 requires an air compressor to install and fill.
However, if you are not already knowledgeable about air tools, you should consider purchasing an air compressor like the 5100 series. It will power your 5100 shock absorber when you need to use it. Your shock should last longest without the compressor installed and filling the reservoir or air canister. Once you fill it up with a few psi of pressure, it can last.
The Bilstein 5100 shock absorber is designed to increase the suspension travel of your vehicle. It will help you control the car when going over bumps, turns, and braking. If you can concern about how well your vehicle will handle on the road, then this product can help you get better performance all around. After knowing about its appearance, if you would like to watch it, you can check here.
How Is The Product Used?
Most people who use the 5100 shock absorber will typically use it while stopping in a parking lot. Or while they are driving on the highway. Using your Bilstein 5100 rear shocks will eliminate many of the harsh punches.
The Bilstein 5100 blows because you can feel it when driving over large bumps, potholes, speed bumps, railroad tracks, or when running over rocks. The increased ride quality provided by your 5100 shock absorber will allow you to ride with a more even distribution of weight. It will also allow you to control steering and braking.
Key Features
The Bilstein 5100 Series provides shock absorbers that you can use on the same types of vehicles. These Bilstein long travel shocks have a range of benefits, including improved braking, handling, and ride quality over traditional shocks. What’s new? Scroll down to know more!
- Performance
The Bilstein 5100 series is designed to use a monotube that provides the stiffness and quality needed for performance. It does not have any adjustment and does not come with an air compressor to fill the reservoir or air canister.
The monotube design provides increased shock design stiffness. It also has better linearity to compensate for Bilstein 5100 series shocks with different stroke lengths or spring rates.
- Installation
Bilstein 5100 installation is as easy as installing most other shock absorbers. It would be best if you had a professional mechanic to install it because it will require a Bilstein 5100 lift kit so that they can get it into place.
- Easy To Use
The Bilstein 5100 series is designed to be easy to use. So, you will not have to worry about how well you can handle the shock. You can compare the performance and ease using features of Bilstein 5100 before and after.
- Monotube Gas Pressure Technology
This series is a monotube gas-charged shock. These shocks have a gas-pressure shock absorber that gives you better handling and control.
- Dual Tube Design
The Bilstein 5100 series is a dual tube design shock. It comes with two internal tubes that increase performance through damping. You can adjust these tubes to get the best performance possible for your needs. (Check out other Bilstein 5100 dual tube shock on amazon)
The dual-tube shock absorber also includes an integrated seal made from Teflon, which helps prevent leakage over the lifetime of the shock.
- Internal Protection
This 5100 series has additional features and benefits, including a reservoir or air canister that contains an integrated protective dust cover. It provides added protection and increases durability over time.
Why Do You Like It?
If you are looking for a shock absorbers that offers great quality and performance, then the Bilstein 5100 series might be the right choice.
This Item is ideal for people who want to drive on demanding roads and need the best braking ability possible. It comes with a monotube air-pressure design that helps improve the handling capabilities of your car.
Why Don’t You Like It?
The Bilstein 5100 series does not have an air compressor. So, it will take a bit longer for the reservoir or air canister in the shock to fill up. If you do not prepare with the tools or know-how needed for air tool installation, then the Bilstein 5100 universal may not be right for your needs.
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Overview Bilstein B6 4600 Series Shock Absorber
Bilstein B6 4600 shock absorber engineered to work with trucks, SUVs, and jeeps. Its patented design features high damping capacity, allowing you to perform consistently at all times. It has an aluminum body coated with Teflon, making it extremely resilient. Let’s know the details of the Bilstein 4600 specs.
What Is The Product Like Physically?
The metal body of the Bilstein 4600 Series is made from aluminum alloy. This design provides strength, durability, and a lightweight structure for the shock absorbers.
The shock absorber unit has internal components with coating. The coating comes with Teflon for protection against corrosion, wear and tear, and other environmental factors. The coating helps make the Bilstein 4600 shock absorbers series very resistant to damage from oil, chemicals, or debris.
This Bilstein 4600 Series also has a tube structure, and it can accommodate hydraulic fluid more than regular shocks. It allows it to be more stable under a wider range of conditions. The high-pressure nitrogen gas in the airbags can also protect you from whiplash and road shocks.
How Is The Product Used?
Using the Bilstein 4600 Series on your vehicle will increase an average loading capacity of around 8,000 pounds. The best place for the Bilstein is in front or rear of the vehicle.
You can use shocks on high-load capacity applications, such as big trucks and SUVs. You may have a common question: Will Bilstein shocks lift your truck? You’ll be glad to know that the reply is- Yes, Bilstein shocks will be lifting trucks. In many cases, lift components are set on the lift and a 0″ lift.
It will work with normal vehicle heights, and a 0″ lift will mostly fit stock height trucks. You can also place it in the front or rear of the vehicle area, where you need additional suspension work. If you would like to know about the product details or price, please check Bilstein 4600 amazon.
Key Features
Do you know the key features that make Bilstein 4600 products unique? The 4600 comes with a variety of features and benefits. The main features are:
- More Fluid Capacity
The 4600 can absorb more energy for improved handling, braking, and cornering. Bilstein’s monotube construction offers several advantages over other shock absorber designs.
- Easy To Install
The 4600 has molded-in-place valving and adjustable height options for spring preload, making it very easy to install. Additional features beyond the 4000 series include shock body alignment, a full-floating nitrogen gas system, and great value for your investment.
- Low-Cost Reservoir
The low-cost reservoir gas shock absorbers offer 2X the shock travel as other brands in the same price range as Bilstein 4600. Adjustable height application spring preload allows you to select your desired ride quality without buying an expensive adjuster tool.
- External Reservoir
An external reservoir offers easy access to fluids for added protection against heat expansion. The reservoir also protects your vehicle from pressure build-up, brake fluid contamination, or road salt or moisture damage.
It provides less internal leakage due to exposure to pressure changes because shock absorber fluids will not expand as automotive brake fluids do.
Why Do You Like It?
The Bilstein 4600 rear shocks series is a high-quality shock absorber brand. These include low cost for better quality shocks. It comes with good quality manufacturing. You can purchasing this product here.
I like the 4600 shock absorbers because it provides great performance in high-performance vehicles. The Bilstein 4600 shocks provide great control, handling, and braking on any road condition. They are one of the most popular options for both on-road and extreme off-road vehicles.
Why Don’t You Like It?
The stiffer suspension that these shocks provide could cause minor discomfort on longer rides and may not be perfect for everyone.
The Differences Between Bilstein 4600 Vs 5100 Shock Absorber
If I talk about the differences between Bilstein 4600 vs 5100, the 4600 is classified as a passenger vehicle shock absorber. The 5100 is for use in all vehicles with unibody construction.
The 4600 and 5100 also have different designs and valving characteristics. Depending on your intended purpose, it can provide a significant advantage or disadvantage. There are also differences in price between the two products.
All Bilstein shocks are very similar in how they perform, but the 4600 does have a major difference from the 5100, which is ride height. The 4600 has a more aggressive, lower stance than the 5100. It is good for those who want their ride to look and handle more aggressively.
The Bilstein 5100 is more expensive than the 4600. The Bilstein 4600 series has an undersized spring rate, but it has more damping to control the ride quality. It keeps your car stable during hard braking.
This Bilstein 5100 is a slightly upgraded version of the Bilstein 4600, so you can expect similar benefits such as better handling, better braking, and more comfort. Check here Bilstein 5100 shock absorber more feature & amazon verified people opinion.
The Bilstein 4600 is also a dual tube design that uses an external reservoir instead of an air compressor. It provides easy access to fluids while preventing pressure changes or exposure issues.
When Bilstein 5100 offers great handling properties, it performs well on rough roads. But it does not have an air compressor, making it harder for some people to install.
Bilstein Racing makes the 5100 shocks with a reservoir and they are simply a more advanced version of the 4600. This 5100 shock uses components that have been used in professional racing since 2003.
The Similarity Among Bilstein 5100 vs 4600 Shock Absorber
The Bilstein 5100 series and 4600 series feature a high spring rate and adjustable spring preload. They also have air-pressure technology that can help improve the handling capabilities of your car.
This series provides easy access to fluids while preventing pressure changes or exposure issues. They are ideal for people who want to drive on demanding road obstacles and need the best braking ability possible.
Are Bilstein B6 4600 or B8 5100 Better?
The Bilstein 5100 series comes with a monotube air-pressure system that offers you better handling properties, and the Bilstein 4600 offers you the same capabilities but with an air tool.
If you want adjusting Bilstein shocks to gain your car’s ride quality, then choose the Bilstein 5100 series as it does not require a special installation tool.
If you want a shock that offers great handling, then the Bilstein 5100 series is the right choice for you as it can respond quickly and handle hard braking. Some product of 5100 series also provides a lifetime warranty. The warranty differences are one of the major ones. The 4600 is a basic Shock Absorber, and the 5100 has an upgraded Coilover system.
FAQs
Are Bilstein 4600 Shocks Any Good?
Are Bilstein 5100 Shocks Better Than Stock?
Which Is Better: Bilstein 5100 Or 6112?
Will Bilstein 5100 Lift My Truck?
The Bottom Line
When you compare the Bilstein 4600 vs 5100, the Bilstein 5100 is a great choice for anyone looking for a stronger shock absorbers than the 4600.
It offers improved performance both on the Street and on the Track, making it a great option for high-performance enthusiasts.
On the other hand, the 4600 shock absorber series may be a better choice for those looking for cheaper options or those who need less shock absorbers performance.