Bilstein Repair Service

[Badger02]

Hi

A couple of weeks ago my 2008 Elise failed its MOT due to leaking rear Bilstein dampers.

A look on elise parts and they were £330 incl Vat each without the springs, so I decided to look at my options and found out that Bilstein offer a rebuild service.

Dropped them of at their service centre in Leicester last Monday, picked them up yesterday.

£140 incl vat per damper for new seals, pistons, gas and oil plus a degrease so less than half the cost of new ones.

Very good service.

Before and after photos

[CDM2018]

What’s the place in Leicester , you took them too ? 

[Badger02]

[mattb130]

Went up there before Christmas they tested my dampers which confirmed what I was experiencing in the car. Really nice bunch up there, I got there 40 mins before they opened (the times on their website were wrong) was let in by one of the warehouse team who was great to chat with. 

[Guido]

13 hours ago, mattb130 said:

Went up there before Christmas they tested my dampers which confirmed what I was experiencing in the car. Really nice bunch up there, I got there 40 mins before they opened (the times on their website were wrong) was let in by one of the warehouse team who was great to chat with. 

Do they 'test' the dampers on the car?  It would be good to get mine checked over (before they go pop!!) as they have been on the car since 2008

[mattb130]

No you need to take the dampers off first and ideally remove the springs before they go in the dyno. Just makes it quicker for them. 

On 31/01/2024 at 11:44, Guido said:

Do they 'test' the dampers on the car?  It would be good to get mine checked over (before they go pop!!) as they have been on the car since 2008

 

[foxy76]

Thanks for posting this. My 2002 111s had an advisory for misting on one of the rears last year and I'm not really in a position to spend £1k+ to get new. This looks like a great option.

Did you have to call and book in advance?

How long did it take them to do the job?

How hard is it to remove the springs?

[Badger02]

2 hours ago, foxy76 said:

Thanks for posting this. My 2002 111s had an advisory for misting on one of the rears last year and I'm not really in a position to spend £1k+ to get new. This looks like a great option.

Did you have to call and book in advance?

How long did it take them to do the job?

How hard is it to remove the springs?

Yes booked in advance

1 week but that was a special, normally 2 to 3 weeks.

You can leave the springs on, they have all the tools to remove them.

[Badger02]

Fitted them this morning

[Badger02]

My S2 passed its re MOT this morning with no advisories

 

[CDM2018]

Been trying to contact the service centre left a couple of messages but had no response ? Might have to pop over next week and speak to them directly as it’s not too far .

[Coeur]

On 30/01/2024 at 18:18, Badger02 said:

Hi

A couple of weeks ago my 2008 Elise failed its MOT due to leaking rear Bilstein dampers.

A look on elise parts and they were £330 incl Vat each without the springs, so I decided to look at my options and found out that Bilstein offer a rebuild service.

Dropped them of at their service centre in Leicester last Monday, picked them up yesterday.

£140 incl vat per damper for new seals, pistons, gas and oil plus a degrease so less than half the cost of new ones.

Very good service.

Before and after photos

With the refreshed dampers, did you notice any difference to the way your car handled or responded to bumps etc compared to before the refresh? 

[CDM2018]

I have left a couple of voicemails and tried calling but to no avail 

Next will be try and call around when I get some time but to say a little disappointed at their customer service ? 

[Badger02]

41 minutes ago, Coeur said:

With the refreshed dampers, did you notice any difference to the way your car handled or responded to bumps etc compared to before the refresh? 

I actually got the dampers redone to get it through its MOT as it was up for sale and I sold it shortly afterwards, so didn't get the chance to drive it

[foxy76]

I emailed them yesterday and they got straight back to me.

[email protected]

Here's what they said ...

Basic overhaul charge is £92.50 plus vat per damper, this includes new seals, bearing, fresh oil and re-gas. But will exclude any main components, so any additional parts will be charged on top. We will advise of this if necessary before going ahead to confirm you agree if any additional costs apply.

If you want them checked and repaired please send them back to our address, as below marked to the attention of the service department, including a cover letter with description what is required, a contact number and returns address

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