What Bilstein does

BILSTEIN (thyssenkrupp Bilstein GmbH) is a German manufacturer of premium shock absorbers, suspension systems, and air spring modules, founded in 1873 and headquartered in Ennepetal. The company operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of thyssenkrupp AG and runs ten facilities across six countries — Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Romania, China, and Mexico — employing more than 4,000 people and producing approximately 13 million shock absorbers per year. BILSTEIN's core technology is the monotube gas pressure shock absorber, which it developed in 1954 and first supplied to Mercedes-Benz in 1957; the company has since extended into twin-tube dampers, air spring modules, and electronic damping systems (DampTronic, DampMatic, CDC/MRC) developed in collaboration with OEMs such as Porsche.

The company monetizes its technology through four main revenue streams: Tier 1 OE supply to luxury and premium vehicle manufacturers (Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Aston Martin, BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover, Maserati, Bugatti), OE-quality aftermarket replacement parts, performance aftermarket coilovers and suspension kits (B12/B14/B16, EVO S/SE), and motorsport products supplied to GT3, rally, and off-road racing teams. Distribution combines direct OEM relationships, certified BILSTEIN Suspension Experts and Service Centers, authorized dealer networks, the official eBay partner shop, and North American sales and distribution hubs. End pricing is not publicly disclosed; warranty terms range from 90 days to a limited lifetime warranty on most North American aftermarket products.

BILSTEIN invests in continuous product validation through motorsport programs at the Nürburgring 24h, the Dakar Rally, and various off-road championships, with documented victories including overall victory at the 2026 ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring (Mercedes-AMG GT3) and a class win at the 2026 Dakar Rally with Defender Rally. Quality and process certifications include IATF 16949 across production plants and GDPR-compliant data handling. The company is led by an Executive Board chaired by Dr. Volkmar Dinstuhl on the Supervisory Board, with Simon Frick, Eva Kosfeld, and Hanno Luczak serving as Executive Board members.

Name

Bilstein

Legal name

thyssenkrupp Bilstein GmbH

Website

https://bilstein.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1873

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

BILSTEIN (thyssenkrupp Bilstein GmbH) is a 150+ year-old German manufacturer of premium shock absorbers and suspension systems, producing roughly 13 million units per year across 10 facilities in six countries and supplying major luxury OEMs including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW, and Aston Martin alongside a global aftermarket and motorsport business.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Suspension Systems

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing (336330)

SIC

Wholesale-Motor Vehicle Supplies & New Parts (5013)

akta.pro primary industry

Suspension Systems & Components (Springs/Shocks/Struts/Air Suspension) (IMACAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Axle & Suspension Linkages (Control Arms/Tie Rods/Bushings/Ball Joints) (IMACAIAL), Brake-Based Active Safety Hardware Manufacturing (ABS/ESC/AEB Actuators & Modulators) (IMACAMAH)

Keywords

• Shock absorber manufacturing
• Automotive suspension systems
• OE parts supply
• Aftermarket replacement parts
• Motorsport suspension

Headquarters

HQ city

Ennepetal

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Original Equipment (OE) Shock Absorbers and Suspension Systems: BILSTEIN supplies shock absorbers, suspension systems, and air spring modules to vehicle manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, and others. This is a high-volume, recurring supply relationship with long product lifecycle support.
2. Aftermarket Replacement Parts: BILSTEIN sells replacement shock absorbers and suspension products to independent workshops, dealers, and end consumers through a global distribution network. Products range from OE-quality replacement to high-performance sports and coilover suspensions. Available through BILSTEIN dealers, eBay partner shop, and workshop specialists.
3. Motorsport Suspension Products: BILSTEIN supplies specialized suspension technology to racing teams and motorsport organizations globally, including GT3 cars, rally vehicles, off-road race vehicles, and track-day applications. Featured at events including Nürburgring 24h and Dakar Rally.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Bilstein designs, manufactures, and distributes automotive shock absorbers, suspension systems, air spring modules, and electronic damping technology. It supplies OE-grade components to global vehicle manufacturers and serves the global aftermarket through a dealer network of certified BILSTEIN Suspension Experts and Service Centers, plus motorsport teams at events such as the 24h Nürburgring and Dakar Rally.

Product overview

BILSTEIN is a premium suspension and shock absorber manufacturer producing approximately 13 million shock absorbers annually with over 4,000 employees across six countries. The company operates as a subsidiary of thyssenkrupp AG and offers a comprehensive product portfolio organized across multiple product lines: B4 OE Replacement (standard and electronic DampMatic/DampTronic variants), B6 and B6 Performance for enhanced handling, B6 Camper for recreational vehicles, B8 Series (5100, 5160, 6100) for lifted and off-road applications including B8 TerraSport and Black Hawk for extreme off-road racing, B12/B14/B16 coilover suspension kits (PSS), and EVO Series for motorsport applications. The portfolio also includes air spring systems, DampTronic electronic damping technology, and M-Series racing shock absorbers. Products serve four main market segments: OE Original Equipment (supplying manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, BMW, Aston Martin, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover), Aftermarket/OE Replacement, Performance Aftermarket (street performance and coilovers), and Motorsport (including GT3, rally, and off-road racing). The company leverages over 60 years of OE experience and 50+ years of motorsport heritage to develop and test all products to OE-quality standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Black Hawk Performance: Off-road suspension technology brand, featuring advanced shock absorbers for demanding off-road conditions including the Black Hawk system deployed in rally vehicles competing in events like the Dakar Rally.

Products and services

• BILSTEIN B-Series Shock Absorbers Complete range of monotube and twin-tube gas pressure shock absorbers serving OE-quality replacement, performance, off-road, and camper applications across passenger vehicles.
• BILSTEIN B4 OE Replacement OE-quality replacement shock absorbers for various vehicle applications, available with DampMatic and DampTronic electronic variants for workshops and dealers.
• BILSTEIN B6 / B6 Performance Performance-oriented shock absorbers for enhanced handling and durability, available in various configurations including 4600 series and the B6 DT variant for Porsche 911 992.
• BILSTEIN B6 Camper Specialized shock absorbers designed for camper vans and recreational vehicles, improving handling and durability under heavy travel loads.
• BILSTEIN Camper Shock Absorbers for VW California T6/T6.1 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter B910 Specialized camper shock absorbers targeting VW California T6/T6.1 and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter B910 platforms with tailored solutions for various vehicle load and suspension variants.
• BILSTEIN B8 Series (5100, 5112, 5160, 5162, 6100, 6112) Performance shock absorbers including 5100, 5112, 5160, 5162, 6100, 6112 series with various configurations for lifted vehicles, leveling kits, and off-road applications.
• BILSTEIN B8 TerraSport Specialized off-road shock absorbers developed for Subaru models and similar vehicles, offering 1-2 inch lift without compromising axle kinematics and combining daily comfort with genuine off-road performance.
• BILSTEIN B8 8100 Series Heavy-duty shock absorbers available with ZoneControl R DSA, bypass technology, and Black Hawk configurations for extreme off-road and racing applications.
• BILSTEIN Black Hawk High-performance off-road shock absorbers designed for extreme conditions including the Dakar Rally and Baja-style racing, featuring advanced damping technology for maximum control.
• BILSTEIN B12 / B14 / B16 (PSS) Coilover Suspension Kits Complete coilover suspension kits offering adjustable ride height, compression, and rebound settings. B14 uses PSS (Performance Suspension System); B16 offers PSS9/PSS10 with electronic DampTronic integration.
• BILSTEIN EVO Series Motorsport-grade suspension systems including EVO S, EVO SE (adjustable ride height), EVO T1/T2 for racing applications, and EVO R for road use.
• BILSTEIN M-Series Motorsport Shock Absorbers Racing shock absorbers including M 7100, M 9100, M 9200 series with various configurations for coilover, bypass, and specialized motorsport applications.
• BILSTEIN AS2 6th Coil Shock Absorber New Dirt Late Model 6th coil shock absorber with low-friction bearing system and dual-support design providing improved stability during off-throttle and braking transitions.
• BILSTEIN Air Spring Modules State-of-the-art air spring modules supplied to premium vehicles including Mercedes S-Class and E-Class, providing adjustable ride height and comfort.
• BILSTEIN Black Hawk Performance Sub-Brand Off-road suspension technology brand featuring advanced shock absorbers for demanding off-road conditions, including the Black Hawk system deployed in rally vehicles competing in events like the Dakar Rally.

Quantifiable outcome

• 300% increase in drop test resistance with new packaging
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Mercedes-AMGcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 March 2026Mercedes-AMG relies on BILSTEIN suspension technology across multiple racing programs. At the 2026 Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS) season, Mercedes-AMG vehicles compete with BILSTEIN shock absorbers. The partnership reached a pinnacle with the #80 RAVENOL Mercedes-AMG GT3 achieving overall victory at the 2026 ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring starting from 25th on the grid, equipped with BILSTEIN EVO RT high-performance shock absorbers.
• Black FalconmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 March 2026Black Falcon racing team is among the numerous motorsport teams competing in the Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS) that rely on BILSTEIN suspension technology in the 2026 season. Black Falcon vehicles compete in GT3, TCR, and production-based classes.
• Max Kruse RacingmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 March 2026Max Kruse Racing competes at the Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS) 2026 season using BILSTEIN suspension technology. The team achieved a second-place finish in the SP 4T class at the 2026 24h Nürburgring in a VW Golf GTI Clubsport 24h.
• Sorg RennsportmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 March 2026Sorg Rennsport is a Nürburgring Langstrecken Serie (NLS) racing team competing with BILSTEIN suspension technology in the 2026 season across GT3, TCR, and production-based vehicle classes.
• Capricorn GroupmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 January 2026Capricorn Group uses BILSTEIN EVO R Motorsport suspension in the Capricorn 01 Zagato hypercar. The hypercar, engineered and handbuilt in Germany with a 900PS 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine and five-speed manual transmission, is produced in a strictly limited run of 19 units priced at €2.95 million each. BILSTEIN suspension is featured as a key engineering component in this ultra-premium hypercar project.
• Defender RallycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 November 2025BILSTEIN has partnered with Defender Rally as the Official Shock Absorber Partner for the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, beginning with the 2026 Dakar Rally. The partnership involves deployment of BILSTEIN's advanced suspension technology including the Black Hawk shock system in vehicles competing in challenging off-road events such as the Dakar Rally. The collaboration aims to showcase BILSTEIN's engineering in extreme conditions and further develop automotive suspension technologies. Defender Rally achieved class victory at the 2026 Dakar Rally using BILSTEIN Black Hawk suspension.
• thyssenkrupp AGcoreOthersthyssenkrupp Bilstein GmbH is a 100% subsidiary of thyssenkrupp AG since 2005. As part of the thyssenkrupp group, BILSTEIN benefits from economies of scale to open up international markets. thyssenkrupp Bilstein GmbH is the operating entity managing all BILSTEIN brands, products, and global operations.
• Louyet GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLouyet Group is a premium automotive retailer serving as the exclusive distributor for the Capricorn 01 Zagato hypercar series. While not a direct BILSTEIN partnership, Louyet Group distributes the vehicle which features BILSTEIN EVO R suspension.
• Supercar Owners Circle (SOC)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSupercar Owners Circle (SOC) partnered with Capricorn Group for the distribution of the Capricorn 01 Zagato hypercar. SOC serves as an exclusive distribution channel for this ultra-premium vehicle featuring BILSTEIN suspension.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Continental AG: Global automotive Tier 1 supplier with chassis, suspension electronics, and active damping systems (including ContiTech and former ContiShock products). Adjacent competitor to BILSTEIN in active/electronic suspension systems and as a broad chassis supplier to European OEMs.
• ZF Friedrichshafen (Sachs / TRW / Lemförder): Global Tier 1 automotive supplier whose Sachs brand is one of the world's largest shock absorber manufacturers. ZF competes broadly with BILSTEIN in OE and aftermarket suspension across passenger and commercial vehicle segments as part of a much larger driveline and chassis portfolio.
• Hitachi Astemo (formerly Showa / Nissin): Global automotive Tier 1 supplier with significant suspension, shock absorber, and damping control operations. Competes with BILSTEIN across multiple OE and aftermarket suspension categories as part of a broader chassis and powertrain portfolio.

Direct peers

• KYB Corporation: Japan's largest shock absorber manufacturer and a global Tier 1 OE supplier of hydraulic shock absorbers and suspension systems to virtually all major OEMs. Directly competes with BILSTEIN in OE shock absorber supply for passenger vehicles globally.
• Fox Factory: US-based manufacturer of high-performance shocks, coilovers, and air suspension systems (FOX, Icon Vehicle Dynamics, BDS Suspension). Directly comparable to BILSTEIN's off-road (Black Hawk, B8 TerraSport) and performance aftermarket segments.
• Tenneco (DRiV / Monroe): Owns the Monroe brand, one of the most globally distributed shock absorber brands in the OE-replacement aftermarket. Direct competitor to BILSTEIN in the replacement shock absorber category, particularly in North American workshops and mass-market vehicle segments.
• Öhlins Racing: Swedish premium suspension specialist focused on motorsport and high-end aftermarket coilovers and dampers. Directly comparable to BILSTEIN's EVO, B14, and B16 product lines in motorsport and premium tuning segments.
• KW Automotive: German-based manufacturer of high-performance coilover suspensions and motorsport dampers (KW, ST Suspensions, Belltech brands). Direct competitor to BILSTEIN in the European performance aftermarket and motorsport segments.
• Showa Corporation: Japanese shock absorber manufacturer affiliated with Honda group, supplying OE dampers globally. Competes with BILSTEIN in OE shock absorber supply, particularly for Asian and Japanese OEMs across passenger and motorcycle segments.

Regional players

• Mando Corporation: South Korean automotive parts manufacturer supplying shock absorbers, suspension modules, and brake systems primarily to Hyundai/Kia and other Asian OEMs. Regional competitor to BILSTEIN in Asian OE shock absorber supply, with growing global ambitions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bilsteinus
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bilstein-global

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bilstein