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Bikechunks
Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2023
Posts: 77
Location: Seattle
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 Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 9:53 am Post subject: Bilstein warranty issues |
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| Has anyone had issues with bilstein’s lifetime warranty on shocks? I recently sent one in that had failed and they basically told me they were too old to warranty because they were purchased in 2005. The shock only had about 10,000 miles on it when it failed. Does this sound reasonable or should I try to talk to them more about it? |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4471
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 10:19 am Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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Technically you'd have to see the language of the warranty as it as written in 2005 to se if/how it was defined.
They shoudl be able to provide a copy. (and if not, then it dets to interpretation/expectations to be decided by someone else if you two can't come to an agreement.)
These days the warranties define "lifetime" as some absurdly short timeframe.
curious, do you have their current lifetime definition? if so, post it.
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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Bikechunks
Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2023
Posts: 77
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 10:32 am Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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Thank you, I’ll ask them for a copy from 2005 as well.
Here is their current definition. Most of the BILSTEIN products available in the North American aftermarket are backed by our LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY for as long as you own your BILSTEIN products. Mine did fall under this warranty. |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4471
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 10:44 am Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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so even w.o seeing the 2005 (its unlikely MORE restrictive) you fulfill the current warranty so ask them - in writing - for a replacement and when they refuse, point out the warranty and claim you fulfill it,,,and if they still refuse ask them where they receive legal service. Small claims would be an easy thing and they'd have to pay court costs/filing but your time and efforts don't get reimbursed...then you have to collect, which is another process - hopefully the judge will allow you costs of collection especially if they don't show up, and had it off to a collection agency.........It pisses me off that those that don't do what they said they would do often get to weasel out of the agreement because the affected party decides its not worth pursuing....could also be fun to post a copy of the correspondence between you two on their FB page (might have to do it in comments since original posts are allowed only for them) https://www.facebook.com/BILSTEIN.us/ .. if they block you, send it to me and I'll post again.
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 8342
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 11:40 am Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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| Bikechunks wrote: |
| Has anyone had issues with bilstein’s lifetime warranty on shocks? I recently sent one in that had failed and they basically told me they were too old to warranty because they were purchased in 2005. The shock only had about 10,000 miles on it when it failed. Does this sound reasonable or should I try to talk to them more about it? |
Call, don’t write.
“What can we help you with today?”
“I need to speak with a manager.”
“Can I tell them what this regards?”
“Warranty issue.”
“I can help you with that.”
(As they log in to crap out the predetermined “solution”)
“I need to speak with a manager.”
Etc.
The new America banks on you going away for it not being worth it to try to get a small amount in restitution.
The reason they bank on this is most customers don’t think it worth it to try to get a small amount in restitution.
Let them send new shocks to you, they likely will. I just went through something like this, for probably the fiftieth time. Warranties are warranties.
Linking this thread to them will help. So might showing your current mileage in a document vs. 2005, despite the warranty not being mileage-based. Also prove you’re the same owner that the warranty applied to in 2005.
_________________
1984 Westfailure/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s
AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere." — Colin Chapman
Jonathan Weisheit, Race in Peace:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3dS7xiFn7I&t=500s |
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skills@eurocarsplus
Samba Peckerhead
Joined: January 01, 2007
Posts: 17871
Location: sticksville, ct.
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| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 6:39 pm Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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the catch is the "limited" part of that statement...
we'll warranty anything up to 10 years or the normal lifetime of said product, whichever comes first
I doubt you're going to win this. It's like asking Ford to honor a warranty on a 89 mustang with 84 miles on it.
the house always wins....
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| gprudenciop wrote: |
my reason for switching to subaru is my german car was turning chinese so i said fuck it and went japanese....... |
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| Thanks for the correction. I used to be a nice guy, then I ruined it by exposing myself to the public. |
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 8342
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 7:01 pm Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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Did I miss something?
Not sure where your quote comes from:
https://bilstein.com/en-us/warranty/
An ‘89 Mustang probably had a 5-year warranty. Apples v. Oranges. Regardless, the OP will know in a ten-minute attempt.
With all development and tooling long done, I suspect a new copy of a $150 shock costs Bilstein maybe 30 bucks.
I had a complete failure of both rear Konis within five years. I refused new copies, didn’t want them. They literally sent me a retail-value *check* once I convinced them they were exceptionally faulty. In fact, they apologized and someday I’ll give them more business because of it.
_________________
1984 Westfailure/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s
AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere." — Colin Chapman
Jonathan Weisheit, Race in Peace:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3dS7xiFn7I&t=500s |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4471
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 8:07 pm Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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| Bikechunks wrote: |
Thank you, I’ll ask them for a copy from 2005 as well.
Here is their current definition. Most of the BILSTEIN products available in the North American aftermarket are backed by our LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY for as long as you own your BILSTEIN products. Mine did fall under this warranty. |
So that is NOT their current definition. (let's assume that was an innocent mistake otherwise we'd have to think you were trying to cook the facts)
and we don't know which model you have so may fall under these limited time ones https://bilstein.com/en-us/warranty/
and from that link the detail of the current definition is listed here https://bilstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ISH-00931_1-2.pdf
and includes these exclusions
WARRANTY RESTRICTIONS, EXCLUSIONS AND DEFINITIONS
The limited warranties set forth above are non-transferable from the original Purchaser to any other person or party. Original
proof of purchase is required to process any type of warranty claim.
Defects caused by one or more of the following circumstances are excluded from this limited warranty:
• Normal wear and tear – The gradual loss of performance over the lifetime of the shock, including dust boots and
mounting hardware, such as rubber bushings, ball and hiem joints;
• Improper installation or removal – Improper installation or removal is not following the BILSTEIN and/or OE
instructions, e.g. use of impact tools or improper fastener torque specifications;
• Modified use – Product which has been modified or installed with non-OE components;
• Incorrect application – Products installed on vehicles other than specified by the BILSTEIN application catalog;
• Original Equipment – BILSTEIN Products sold to or distributed by a vehicle manufacturer;
• Ride quality satisfaction, whether at time of purchase and/or after installation;
• Corrosion, surface finish, appearance;
• Products which have been subjected to severe environmental operating conditions, road hazard (sudden impact,
debris), and/or collision;
• Racing, competition driving on or off-road – Products installed on a vehicle with the intent to compete in timed and/or
against other vehicles whether for prize or not;
• Products purchased from a distributor outside of North America (United States, Canada, Mexico & Puerto Rico) -
Purchasers of Products outside of North America should contact the original place of purchase regarding Product
defects;
• Acts of God
The bolded "Normal wear and tear" and "lifetime" of the shock are not defined.
Unless the 2005 warranty indicates something different, seems like you'd have to find a third party to make a decision on those phrases and all that comes with that.
...I hate misrepresented data/offers. This fiasco took over 4 pages for the vendor to admit that it wasn't REALLY free shipping forever and to eventually put the edit in their first post - notice its still not in the topic title :-/. You don't get to see the sausage making since it was "cleaned up" BS (eye roll) so you get to miss the evasive responses by the vendor until the actual terms were acknowledged. I would have been embarrassed to write what they wrote. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=778939&highlight=free+shipping
Such accuracy is also on the person making the complaint to state things actually as they are.
Let us know what you end up doing and how this turns out for you.
| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
the catch is the "limited" part of that statement...
we'll warranty anything up to 10 years or the normal lifetime of said product, whichever comes first
I doubt you're going to win this. It's like asking Ford to honor a warranty on a 89 mustang with 84 miles on it.
the house always wins.... |
A timeframe is not listed (except for the listed models)
the "lifetime" of the product is still undefined
the ford analogy is likely not completely on base since I bet Ford had a year time-out back in 89 and if so, milage is likely irrelevant.
On shock, however, if its not the time-out model, if they are sitting on a shelf or on a car for 10 years and not really used, how could they have used up their life? Not like shocks have a shelf life date time-out. and compressed by strap in the box and installed on a vehicle is possibly not really different.
Would be curious how this settles out..and probably the OP maybe just wanted to complain and may find it not worth pursue a resolution.
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 8342
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 9:09 pm Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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| vanis13 wrote: |
| Bikechunks wrote: |
Thank you, I’ll ask them for a copy from 2005 as well.
Here is their current definition. Most of the BILSTEIN products available in the North American aftermarket are backed by our LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY for as long as you own your BILSTEIN products. Mine did fall under this warranty. |
So that is NOT their current definition. (let's assume that was an innocent mistake otherwise we'd have to think you were trying to cook the facts)
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IT ABSOLUTELY IS Bilstein’s current definition, right there on their site, exactly as stated by Bikechunks, and exactly as on the link I posted.
Who’s the “we” that you think also assumes Bikechunks is “trying to cook the facts?” For what purpose?
_________________
1984 Westfailure/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s
AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere." — Colin Chapman
Jonathan Weisheit, Race in Peace:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3dS7xiFn7I&t=500s |
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zerotofifty
Samba Member
Joined: December 27, 2003
Posts: 3839
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| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 9:09 pm Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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| E1 wrote: |
| Bikechunks wrote: |
| Has anyone had issues with bilstein’s lifetime warranty on shocks? I recently sent one in that had failed and they basically told me they were too old to warranty because they were purchased in 2005. The shock only had about 10,000 miles on it when it failed. Does this sound reasonable or should I try to talk to them more about it? |
Call, don’t write.
“What can we help you with today?”
“I need to speak with a manager.”
“Can I tell them what this regards?”
“Warranty issue.”
“I can help you with that.”
(As they log in to crap out the predetermined “solution”)
“I need to speak with a manager.”
Etc.
The new America banks on you going away for it not being worth it to try to get a small amount in restitution.
The reason they bank on this is most customers don’t think it worth it to try to get a small amount in restitution.
Let them send new shocks to you, they likely will. I just went through something like this, for probably the fiftieth time. Warranties are warranties.
Linking this thread to them will help. So might showing your current mileage in a document vs. 2005, despite the warranty not being mileage-based. Also prove you’re the same owner that the warranty applied to in 2005. |
Dont rag on America. Bilstien aint American by the way. An American Bicycle company, Trek not too long ago gave me a brand new high value bicycle in warrantee for original life time of the frame. I had that bike for forty years. frame cracked. Normally they give you a new frame, you put the original components from the failed bike on the new frame. But they didnt have any compatible frame for a 40 year old bike, so they gave me a whole brand new bike.
That is the New America!!!
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Sorry About That Chief.
Give Peace a Chance.
Words to live by. |
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Xevin 
Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2014
Posts: 8751
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| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 9:11 pm Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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Bikechunks, do you have proof of purchase? And which North American country did you purchase the shocks?
_________________
Keep on Busin'
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!  |
| Clatter wrote: |
| Damn that Xevin... |
| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
I respect Xevin and he's a turd  |
| SGKent wrote: |
My God! Xevin and I 100% agree  |
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E1
Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2013
Posts: 8342
Location: Westfalia, Earth
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| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 9:20 pm Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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| zerotofifty wrote: |
Dont rag on America. Bilstien aint American by the way. An American Bicycle company, Trek not too long ago gave me a brand new high value bicycle in warrantee for original life time of the frame. I had that bike for forty years. frame cracked. Normally they give you a new frame, you put the original components from the failed bike on the new frame. But they didnt have any compatible frame for a 40 year old bike, so they gave me a whole brand new bike.
That is the New America!!! |
I’m fully aware Bilstein is German, but a call to customer service doesn’t go to Germany.
I wasn’t bashing America, but rather pointing out increasingly-common business practices that we all have certainly experienced.
I’ve also had good luck in negotiating fair practice with many companies, as just posted about Koni above (I know they’re built elsewhere).
Glad Trek took care of you. I was raised 15 miles from them and visited many times. They sponsored my Dad in bike racing. Most outdoor gear companies I’ve worked with professionally since about 1990 are the same way in properly backing their wares.
My point was that it’s increasingly difficult to get restitution with many companies.
Next time I speak openly about business, I’ll be sure to get your permission.
_________________
1984 Westfailure/2.1 Digijet/5.43 Ring & Pinion/Peloquin/D-rated BFG KO2s
AI has spoken to further illiteracy, to steal, to cheat, and to replace humans
"Adding power makes you faster on the straights.
Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere." — Colin Chapman
Jonathan Weisheit, Race in Peace:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3dS7xiFn7I&t=500s
Last edited by E1 on Thu Aug 14, 2025 9:34 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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Xevin
Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2014
Posts: 8751
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| Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2025 9:22 pm Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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| zerotofifty wrote: |
Dont rag on America. Bilstien aint American by the way. An American Bicycle company, Trek not too long ago gave me a brand new high value bicycle in warrantee for original life time of the frame. I had that bike for forty years. frame cracked. Normally they give you a new frame, you put the original components from the failed bike on the new frame. But they didnt have any compatible frame for a 40 year old bike, so they gave me a whole brand new bike.
That is the New America!!! |
Trek bicycles are manufactured in multiple locations, including China, Taiwan, and Cambodia, with some final assembly also taking place in the United States, particularly for higher-end models.
Good on Trek for replacing your bike.
_________________
Keep on Busin'
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
| Clatter wrote: |
| Damn that Xevin... |
| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
| I respect Xevin and he's a turd |
| SGKent wrote: |
| My God! Xevin and I 100% agree |
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Bikechunks
Samba Member
Joined: January 23, 2023
Posts: 77
Location: Seattle
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| Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2025 9:00 pm Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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| Xevin wrote: |
| Bikechunks, do you have proof of purchase? And which North American country did you purchase the shocks? |
Yep I do! I purchased in the United States. |
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Xevin
Samba Member
Joined: January 08, 2014
Posts: 8751
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| Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2025 9:09 pm Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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| Bikechunks wrote: |
| Xevin wrote: |
| Bikechunks, do you have proof of purchase? And which North American country did you purchase the shocks? |
Yep I do! I purchased in the United States. |
Should be enough for warranty.
Please let us know how this plays out.
_________________
Keep on Busin'
| 67rustavenger wrote: |
| GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
| Clatter wrote: |
| Damn that Xevin... |
| skills@eurocarsplus wrote: |
| I respect Xevin and he's a turd |
| SGKent wrote: |
| My God! Xevin and I 100% agree |
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4Gears4Tires
Samba Member
Joined: October 08, 2018
Posts: 4322
Location: MD
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| Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 6:13 am Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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Lifetime of the product, not your lifetime. And then as pointed out previously, what lifetime means is dubiously defined. They're all like this. Rarely does lifetime mean effectively forever.
Lifetime of a tire is usually very clearly stated, for example. 60k miles, 90k miles, etc.
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'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition |
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Abscate
Samba Member
Joined: October 05, 2014
Posts: 24077
Location: NYC/Upstate/ROW
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| Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 8:54 am Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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| Quote: |
we'll warranty anything up to 10 years or the normal lifetime of said product, whichever comes first |
Thats a clearly defined limit.
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🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🍊 🍊 🍊 |
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vanis13
Samba Member
Joined: August 15, 2010
Posts: 4471
Location: ABQ NM USA.... Except when not
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| Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 9:55 am Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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| Abscate wrote: |
| Quote: |
we'll warranty anything up to 10 years or the normal lifetime of said product, whichever comes first |
Thats a clearly defined limit. |
That is a made-up quote and time limit it is not in this products warranty
_________________
83.5 Westy with Subaru 2.5, 4 spd manual, center seat, COLD A/C on 134a!, Winter camp heated with an Espar B4 gasoline furnace
www.SuperVanagon.com - some stuff I make |
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tdivan82
Samba Member
Joined: September 17, 2023
Posts: 339
Location: USA
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| Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 10:19 am Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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Like the All You Can Eat sushi restaurant near me - in very small letters at the bottom of their sign "two hour limit". 
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82 Westy TDI (ahu)
See my Classified ad for a super deal on a Burley Motorsport Front Disc Brake Kit! |
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riceye
Samba Member
Joined: March 09, 2006
Posts: 1712
Location: Caledonia, WI
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| Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 11:56 am Post subject: Re: Bilstein warranty issues |
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I've got Bilstein 5100s on my 2000 4Runner five speed winter beast. They're over 15 years old. I had a rear shock top stem mount break on one last year. I pursued warranty, had receipt in hand, but got turned down by Bilstein.
I sucked it up and bought a new pair.
_________________
'87 Westy Weekender - daily driver on salt-free roads
There's gonna be some changes made.
“I find that things usually go well right up until the moment they don't.” - Ahwahnee
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