Bilstein shock part number isn't the same as the one from service.citroen.com

[Cutac]

Hello,

I'm going to replace all four shocks on the VTS and I think of going with Bilsteins.
The problem is, front shocks for the VTS are 5202.XY and 5202.XZ (left and right), but Bilsteins are said to be adequate as 5202.CY, 5202.CZ, 5202.EA and 5202.EC parts/replacements.
Same thing for the rear shocks, 4 numbers are the same, but lettering is different.
What do those letters represent?

[white exec]

The four PSA figures indicate the component family (eg shock absorber), and the letters identify the individual component spec/fitting, so can't be taken as simply interchangeable.

[Cutac]

So you'd say they wouldn't fit?
Not that I doubt your knowledge, but I don't think Bilstein would list them as adequate if so...
Weird...

I'll send an email to Bilstein. If they confirm it fits, but in fact it doesn't, I'll have some kind of a proof for RMA.

[white exec]

The letters can indicate totally different sizes, applications, and even vehicles. Thermostats are a good example: the same four figures, dozens of letter combinations, and all different.
You can also check out OE part numbers and aftermarket (including Febi B) on Mister Auto.

[bobins]

They may well fit, but they may not be exactly the same rating.

[Cutac]

Nothing comes up on Mister Auto using the service.citroen numbers.

Bobins, what do you mean by "rating"? Like rebound setup and similar properties or something else?

[Paul-R]

I'm curious what the word "adequate" means in Bilstein-speak.

[bobins]

Nothing comes up on Mister Auto using the service.citroen numbers.

Bobins, what do you mean by "rating"? Like rebound setup and similar properties or something else?

Yep, exactly that. There may only be minute differences though. Citroen may have finely tweaked the settings which meant they gave it a new part number, but you or I may struggle to notice any difference.

[Cutac]

Maybe Bilsteins are more set up more for sport than comfort?
But again, I think even "sportier" shocks would be more comfortable than "comfier" 12 year old shocks.

[white exec]

On Mister Auto it is best to search by exact vehicle and then component.
The options listed usually give OE equivalent numbers for each item.
Search by these OE part numbers might not be successful.

Remember also that component spec for a given vehicle likely to have been changed over time (or even for region or fitted options), hence the need to check service.cit for exact part no. against VIN.

[Cutac]

Mister auto gives me the same shocks as Bilstein's online catalogue.
I'll keep you updated with what Bilstein themselves say.

[Cutac]

Not the Bilstein update, but an update from the Peugeot tech. documentation, those part numbers Bilstein's listed are for the 307 Feline(VTS counterpart).

[GiveMeABreak]

It doesn't help that on Bilstein's own site, they have a bug in the parts section, so it won't even recognise Citroen as a brand. Secondly, they supply standard and performance and off road variants - they do have an OE section for original fitment, but the database is having issues as you can see when you try to type Citroen.... it won't accept it, so it's a waste of time.

Click to Zoom

I've just called Bilstein in the UK and was passed on to a very combative sales chap that deals with this - who tried to tell me that you need to go to the sales catalogue as the only way to fix this!!

I told him basically no - and that if they are providing a website, then it should work and to stop being so defensive as I was only doing them a favour - most people would give up and go elsewhere - then he seemed stop, take a breath and pay attention to what I was saying!

So he is going to pass it on. Honestly, this is what you are up against - some companies cannot take constructive criticism when you are trying to help them out!

[Cutac]

I've used their catalogue.
http://web1.carparts-cat.com/default.as ... 004&12=100