ABOUT US

BILSTEIN SUSPENSION AUSTRALIA

FOUNDED IN 1873

How it all began

BILSTEIN boasts a history of over 140 years, founded back in 1873. From our humble beginnings in the business of window fittings manufacture, nobody expected BILSTEIN to one day become a household name in the automotive world with a massive influence on road safety and driving comfort. High quality standards were given top priority, granting the company’s founder, August Bilstein, an outstanding reputation not only within local regions but also into neighbouring countries.

By the time the 1920s had rolled around, August’s son Han Bilstein had taken over management of the company. Returning to his home in the Westphalia region from the USA, Hans brought with him some new ideas regarding nickel and chrome-plating processes. By 1927, BILSTEIN had stepped into the automotive industry. Priding ourselves on innovation, Bilstein supplied the first chrome-plated bumper for series automobile production, began with the manufacture of jacks and produced the first functional side-car jack, all in a world that was still getting used to the automobile.

Revolutionizing Shock Absorbers

It wasn’t until 1954 that Bilstein had begun to revolutionise shock absorber technology. Thanks to a discovery made by French researcher, Prof. Bourcier de Carbon, BILSTEIN achieved their goal of eliminating the physical disadvantages of the conventional telescopic shock absorber as well as making the dampers lighter and more versatile. After a lengthy development stage and a considerable investment in the necessary production facilities, BILSTIEN introduced the very first monotube gas-pressure shock absorber in 1957, fitted to a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Ever since its introduction, the BILSTEIN’s monotube gas-pressure technology shock absorbers have found their way into the vehicles of countless car marques. From Bugatti to Porsche, Lamborghini to Land Rover, there’s no mistaking why vehicle manufacturers place their trust in BILSTEIN when it comes to suspension. This is due in no small part to BILSTEIN’s ability to individually adjust suspension requirements and driving dynamic qualities to suit every model, whether it be for OEM replacement purposes or optimizing vehicle handling dynamics. BILSTEIN applies its high quality standards to all of its products and specially customises them to suit a range of applications from everyday driving to the race track and even tackling rough terrain.

50-Year Legacy

It’s no secret that BILSTEIN has made a massive impact on motorsport as we know it today, with the success story beginning around 50 years ago when Mercedes-Benz fitted the monotube gas pressure shock absorbers to their 220 SE rally car. They saw huge success, winning the Monte Carlo Rally first go. Ever since, BILSTEIN technology has been utilised across the world of motorsports, seeing victories in everything from world rally, touring cars, endurance racing and even Formula 1.

BILSTEIN has long been a partner to the automotive industry, sharing years’ worth of expertise with smaller auto businesses, from workshops to training centres to tuning specialists and dealers. For decades, the name BILSTEIN has been synonymous with outstanding driving dynamics, safety and comfort and this reputation will without a doubt stand for decades to come.