Bilstein's sales policy seems unusual

[Red Bicycle]

Dear All

Am I missing something here? Perhaps yes.

In a thread below I asked for advice on upgrading my T5 suspension. In the end I decided to go for Bilstein B14 coil overs. I asked my service guy ( best friend from school) to source and fit them. He rang Bilstein today and there are apparently none in the country so a 10 day wait to ship from Germany and $330 Freight - $330 freight - really??

I sort of thought companies brought stock in on their own accord and proportionally charged freight not that I have to special order a pair of shocks - maybe I do?

RRP $2200 plus freight

Your thoughts?

Michael

[Umai Naa!!]

Might be worth chasing them up yourself.

[Sunny43.5]

As someone who has purchased lowering kits for my sons T4 and then the Bilstein kit for my wife's new T5 UK is the way . Prices are much better and it pays to ask questions on freight as it will vary wildly from company to company .$330 for freight is pretty much on the mark due to the weight of the kit One English site has the B14 for AU $1997.66 + freight.T5 Suspension and Lowering
Volkswagen VW T5 Van Accessories Suspension, VW T5 Facelift Van Accessories 2010 on - Van Styling Accessories

T5 Suspension | Product Categories | Vee Dub Transporters
Or you can mortgage your house for an Aussie supplier who sell the same kit for over $3200.

[Red Bicycle]

ok - it sounds like I'm the problem

I just thought I was being asked to pay for freight as there was none in the country. Wow $2500 plus fitting probably $3K for 4 shockies and springs but quite frankly i don't see any other way of improving the suspension that has no negative reviews than the B14's

[Tig-uan]

Sunny, Red Bicycle, I am just curious what issues you felt you needed to cure with upgraded suspention? Sunny, did installation of the Bilstein kit resolved the problem for you?

I am asking since I feel that the standard suspension on my Multivan is very good, (it can corner hard but is supple enough for long trips. This may also be due to very soft bushes this model apprently comes with). But, perharps my Multivan's suspension is not very good and I just do not understand that?

[77dual]

You're also paying for height adjustable coilovers, not just shocks. If you want a more budget friendly alternative, the B8's are very good, just not height adjustable.

But like Sunny said, freight costs vary a lot depending on which company the supplier uses.

[Sunny43.5]

The main reason I put the Bilsteins in was first to lower the van as we load our two kids in wheelchairs into the back via a folding ramp , lowering the van makes the approach angle much better . Next it has improved the feel on the road as remember ours is a stock T5 not Multi or one of the others so the suspension setup is aimed at carrying a 1 ton load so it can be bit harsh . As we are never going to carry any where near that load we were able to improve ride with the mods done .

[Red Bicycle]

My Transporter has always had a crash/bash feel to it. The previous shocks (prior to front B6's I installed last year) were stuffed and going over speed bumps would see the front end bottom out. The B6's made a huge difference but the back still crashed and i didn't like the remaining body roll. Given my holidays are in the mountains with plenty of switchbacks I decided to have some fun and get the best I could. Also as Sunny said above the lower height makes getting in and out easier. Im 6ft and the seat cops a hiding from sliding in and out to the point were it is now ripped through to the foam. My wife is 5ft 4 so she will love the lower height. I rarely carry anywhere near a tonne in the back.

Now the question is what next for the suspension?

Best