KYB or Bilstein? There are so many shock brands out there fighting for your business when upgrading your suspension (or replacing your worn shocks) that it’s easy to get confused.
This comparison will help clarify the details, showing you which of these leading shock absorbers best suits your driving style and budget. Read on to get the inside track before you make a purchase to avoid any regrets!
Overview of KYB and Bilstein
About KYB
KYB Corporation is based in Tokyo and was first established in 1919. Their initial focus was on ride control components, their main business, however, they have diversified over the years to include hydraulic and electronic products across a plethora of applications and industries.
KYB has established eight (8) different business units within its company by having 32 locations in 21 different countries. KYB is the largest supplier of both OEM and aftermarket shocks and struts in the world.
When it comes to shock absorbers, KYB is very specialized in designing and manufacturing hydraulic components. They also have various shocks that the automotive market demands, such as MK Austin’s Monomax and Gas-A-Just.
About Bilstein
Bilstein has been one of the leaders in producing quality shock absorbers and suspension systems for more than 140 years. Bilstein is a German company that produces shocks used in high-end cars from several leading car manufacturers, as well as many different types of motorsport and tuning applications.
The Bilstein brand is well-known for its monotube design shocks, which provide better handling and longer life than twin-tube shocks. The Bilstein monotube features a well-known list of shock models, such as the 4600 and 5100 series, intended for daily driving, dirt tracks, and off-road conditions.
KYB Shocks
Pros
- Lower Price than Bilstein
- Great for Daily Driver Use
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Shorter Lifespan than Bilstein
- No Really Solid Off-Road Shocks
- Difficult to Use Warranty
Example KYB Shocks
- KYB MonoMax Gas Shock
- KYB Gas-a-Just Shock
- KYB Excel-G Gas Shock
Bilstein Shocks
Pros
- Comprehensive Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Highly Durable Shocks that can Last Over 100,000 Miles
- Great Off-Road Shock
Cons
- More Expensive
- Example Bilstein Shocks
- Bilstein 5100 Monotube Shocks
- Bilstein 4600 Shocks
Overall Grades
Whether you choose the high-end Bilstein shocks or the slightly more affordable KYB shocks, you are getting a high-quality set of shocks.
This is why both brands receive awesome overall grades, although Bilstein gets the slight edge.
KYB: A-
KYB shocks are a great choice. They have a great price and do exactly what they say they will do. They greatly add to the comfort of your ride, and they have a very good selection of off-road shocks, that is if it is your thing.
The only knock on KYB shocks is that they only have a life expectancy of 7-9 years. This is the average amount of time that shocks last, but higher-end brands last longer.
Bilstein: A+
Excellent performance, a limited lifetime warranty, great selection, and durability are the reasons Bilstein shocks receive the highest possible score we give. If you are in the market for shocks, you don’t need to look any further than Bilstein.
Performance
You purchase shocks for the comfort of your ride, right? Whether you’re off-road and in the woods, or simply on the freeway with a smoother ride, you’re interested in comfort.
KYB: B+
KYB shocks are great for providing a smooth ride – they do not offer the same high-ball level suspension options for off-roading as some other high-end off-road shocks.
So if you’re searching for shocks for a vehicle that is never going to leave the pavement, then KYB shocks are more than adequate. But if you are searching for off-road shocks, you probably want to search for some other options.
Bilstein: A+
Whatever you’re looking for, Bilstein has a set of shocks for you. Bilstein has it’s 8125 for all the off-road junkies.
Meanwhile, if you are interested in daily shock options for your daily vehicle, they have tons of different options to choose from. Depending on what you drive will determine which series you need to order.
Durability
When you’re looking to replace something on your vehicle, you have to consider how long it is going to last. If one product is a little bit more money because it will last twice as long, that may be worth the extra money in the initial upfront cost.
KYB: B
KYB shocks won’t last, it’s not that KYB shocks will never last; there just isn’t any longer of a lifespan than the average set of shocks. Long-lasting shocks depend largely on multiple variables, but a range of approximately 50,000 – 100,000 miles is common. KYB shocks fall in line with this typical, and many shocks will reach extreme longevity.
Bilstein: A+
Bilstein shocks are a legitimate tier higher compared to other shock manufacturers. The minimum life expectancy for all of Bilstein’s shocks is 100,000 miles. In fact, even in extreme applications, you will need to replace your struts long before the shocks are worn out.
The truth with Bilstein shocks is that it is not uncommon for your vehicle to wear out and become obsolete long before your shocks do.
Price
The old saying of “you get what you pay for” has never rung truer for the aftermarket shock category. At the end of the day, price must be a consideration – whether you like it or not.
In each category, both Bilstein and KYB shocks will cost slightly increased amounts, which are beyond the stock average price per shock. In our opinion, the increased performance and durability are well worth the increased price.
KYB: A+
KYB shocks are premium shocks that don’t require a premium price. There are cheaper shocks, but usually these shocks are inferior in build quality and are priced accordingly. KYB shocks supply and deliver great value.
Bilstein: B+
Bilstein shocks are great shocks, possibly the best you can buy. The only issue is that you need some money so that you can actually buy them. This is one of the main factors why Bilstein shocks are a market failure; certain consumers cannot justify the purchase because they lack the financial means to justify the purchase.
While these shocks are considered an excellent investment in the long term, you could view Bilstein shocks as an investment in purchase, but if you cannot ignore the prices, it is irrelevant.
Warranty
Warranties can provide peace of mind, even though I would never actually use a warranty. Two warranties – KYB and Bilstein- provide limitations; this is true with any warranty, but Bilstein is the clear winner.
KYB: A-
KYB shocks have a lifetime limited warranty against defects in workmanship, provided you can show proof of purchase from an original retail location. These warranties do not cover wear and tear, which can make it difficult to make warranty claims.
To see a breakdown of the limitations of what the KYB warranty does and does not cover, you can review their complete warranty specifications here.
Bilstein: A+
When it comes to shock manufacturer warranties, it’s going to be hard to beat the warranties Bilstein provides on their shocks.
If you have a standard shock that is not being used for off-road and you can show proof of payment, your shock comes with a limited lifetime warranty. As long as you were the original purchaser, you are entitled to bilateral performance, including warranty.
Whereas most limited warranties are worthless and designed for manufacturers’ protection against neglect, Bilstein is better. Bilstein will replace your shocks free of charge if your shocks start leaking or have a reduced life span from Renner.
Unlike their standard shocks, Bilstein off-road shocks are not issued a limited lifetime warranty but instead are issued a 90-day money-back warranty.