Bilstein Suspension
A whole series of technical innovations followed and the revenues earned through these patents provided a solid basis for the later success of this young company. In order to meet the quality demands in manufacturing the fittings, the company set up its own strip iron rolling mill in 1919. With the motto "A rolling stone gathers no moss," Hans Bilstein, the son of the company's founder, brought new concepts for nickel- and chrome-plating processes.
It was in 1927 that Hans Bilstein made the first move towards the automotive accessories industry, through his co-operation with the Berlin-based lifting gear company Levator-Hebezeug-Fabrik. He did not have to wait long to see his activities bear fruit.
In 1928, four years before the opening of the first motorway between Cologne and Bonn, Bilstein supplied the first chrome-plated bumper for mass-produced cars. Just one year later the company began producing car jacks. In typical Bilstein style, it entered this market with a resounding technical innovation, introducing the first usable side jack to a world that was only slowly getting used to the car. But the true world sensation was still to come.
In 1954, Bilstein was the first to realise the potential offered by an idea of Prof. Bourcier de Carbon, a French researcher in the field of vibrations. The aim was to eliminate the physical disadvantages of the conventional telescopic shock absorbers, whilst at the same time making the dampers lighter and able to be fitted in any position.
Enormous effort went into development and substantial investment was made in the necessary production facilities in order to achieve this ambitious target. And it paid off. The introduction of the first mono-tube gas pressure shock absorber in a standard production Mercedes-Benz vehicle in 1957 by what was at that time the 'Fittings and car jack manufacturer BILSTEIN' (Beschlag- und Wagenheber-Hersteller BILSTEIN) is still today considered a major contribution to active driving safety. Whether you need Bilstein shocks, coilovers, or any other parts, we have you covered.
