Bilstein 5160 shocks have already cemented its position as the brand’s mascot. People talk about them everywhere, online and offline, so they’re timeless.
However, neither its protracted Bilstein 5100 shocks nor the newer 6112 series receive much attention.
Several alternatives are available when shopping for a setup of shocks for substitute ones on your truck.
In this blog post, we will compare the Bilstein 5100 vs. 6112 shock absorbers to make an informed choice about which pair is best for you.
Learn why they both have various advantages in terms of cost and performance in the sections below!
Which Is Better Bilstein 5100 Or 6112?
When choosing the best between Bilstein 5100 vs. 6112 shockers, pick the 5100 for on & offroading jobs.
And 6112 for better traction depending on your need.
Bilstein 5100 Vs. 6112 – Choosing the best for your needs:
Diving straight, these Bilstein shocks were built for various drivers and cars.
- The 6112’s 2.65″ body & 60mm piston have designs for a heavy-duty truck, the offroad adventurer.
- And also for the weekend warrior who phones in on Monday and perhaps Tuesday because they discovered an outstanding camping location.
- The tried and trusted 5100 series is really for the everyday driver who enjoys weekend trails.
- For almost a decade, it has been the traditional go-to shock for makes and models truck owners.
Ride Distinctions
However, how do these feel in your truck?
- That is the objective response that the driver or pilot can provide.
- Firstly, note that everyone is different and has different perceptions of how a damper should behave.
- Bilstein exclusively creates products like the 6112 to provide the highest performance possible on all terrains.
- Both 6112 and 5100 are suitable for this fundamental need.
- Monotube gas shocks would naturally handle exceptionally well on highways and streets.
The two shocks will split ways Offroad.
The 6112’s larger size enables improved reaction on rough terrain or under increasing loads from the vehicle’s equipment.
- Substantial more shock oil you will need to maintain lower shock temperatures.
- However, the wider active piston provides constant responsiveness under heavy knocks and other offroad obstacles.
- New springs included in the 6112 suspension system additionally aid in vehicle damping with increased equipment load weight.
Bilstein 5100 Vs. 6112 – Feature comparison:
One can use the standard shocks for the rear, and most of the 44 crowds will use a pair of 5100s if money is tight.
- On most cars, Bilstein 5100 shocks are ideal for general offroading.
- They are Bilstein’s preferred shock absorber for just any SUV or light vehicle.
- They’re identical to the 4600 series, but with the raised support you’d expect for larger cars.
While they are less expensive of the two options we are talking about here but let’s be clear:
- They are not inexpensive to produce.
- On top of some robust steel, there’s a digressive piston and zinc coating for further durability.
- White shocks or, perhaps, Monroes don’t even come close.
- And this is obvious if you check the countless excellent ratings they have from folks riding everything from a Ram to a Sierra to a Tacoma.
Bilstein 6112 are on a whole other level, and we’re not sure how much we can compare them to 5160s, leaving the 5100 alone.
- First and foremost, they progress from either a 46mm monotube design to something like a 60mm monster.
- And this implies that they cannot be driven everywhere and require vehicle-specific calibration.
- They’re also somewhat challenging. Seriously!
- One example is their linear springs, specifically built and cold-treated to withstand harsh circumstances.
- That’s Eibach springs of the current generation for you!
- A 6112 series one can design for late-model SUVs and vehicles. To use these, you must get front Coilover damper support.
PS – It is essential to know that the 6112 series has coil-overs.
- They come with the latest era of Eibach springs.
- The damping on these is huge, so keep in mind that you can only put them in the front.
Bilstein 5100 Vs. 6112 – Choosing the one with the most value for money:
Price Point Differences Between Both Series
Another essential factor to consider when comparing the Bilstein 5100 vs. 6112 shock absorber series is the price range of the shock absorbers.
- The price might vary based on the product’s quality and choices.
- To buy the best shock absorber, you must, without a doubt, make a sacrifice in either quality or money.
- You will receive more options and functions if you pay a more significant amount for a shock absorber.
- On the other hand, the low-cost shock absorber will be lacking in quality points and alternatives.
- Furthermore, the cost of a shock absorber will determine whether you receive better or worse quality.
- Nevertheless, a few models have a low price tag, several essential functions, and a high-quality feel.
- However, they are difficult to come by in today’s market.
If you want high functions and durability in a single package, the Bilstein 5100 Gas Suspension Set is the best option.
- It also ensures that your truck has improved performance and support in various terrain and road situations.
- Your Bilstein 5100 series suspension systems are almost always more affordable and have superior features and functionality than competitors.
- On the other hand, they allow you to acquire the best sensation to use on good vehicle models.
- And the Bilstein 5100 series dampers are affordable and offer a wide range of choices and qualities.
- They feature a friendly height system and the option to elevate the wheels to utilize larger wheels.
PS – Go for 6112 if you need more comfort and ride quality but pay more. If you can compromise on comfort, go for 5100 to save more.
Some other questions:
Related questions and other frequently asked questions…
Q1.) How can one rate the Bilstein 6112 on highways vs. 5100?
Answer: A Bilstein 6112 starts to feel like a better product both on the highway and in the woods and can provide a smoother ride than Bilstein 5100.
Q2.) How well can one rate Bilstein 6112 for offroading?
Answer: The Bilstein springs and thicker body make for a predictable & smooth ride at a great price for offroading experiences.
Q3.) How well do the Bilstein 5100 suits for heavy trucking vs. 6112?
Answer: Bilstein says that Bilstein 5100 zinc plated monoshock is better for lifted trucks, vehicles that are heavier than stock, trucks or Jeeps with bigger wheels and tires, and anything else that isn’t factory.
Q4.) Who should go for Bilstein 4600 vs. the 5100?
Answer: We choose the 4600 series for a daily commuter and a car that goes to work and school.
Q5.) How well can rate the Eibach springs on Fox 2.0 and Bilstein 6112?
Answer: Eibach makes shock absorbers for both Bilstein and Fox. A Fox 2.0 Performance coil-overs have been on the market for a long time, giving competitors time to make their move.
Q6.) How well would you rate the Fox 2.0 shockers vs. Bilstein 5100?
Answer: In terms of race and performance, the Fox 2.0 is indeed an entry-level product that does the job. There seem to be better products out there for the price, though.
Q7.) Does the Bilstein 4600 suit for truckers?
Answer: In the industry, Bilstein 4600 series shock absorbers are the best choice for replacing factory shock absorbers in trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps, and they come in different sizes.
Q8.) Should one go for a Bilstein 5100 or 6112 if they prefer off-road more?
Answer: If you’re going offroading, on fire roads, or hauling things, the 5100 is what you need to get the job done.
Q9.) What are some of the best height-adjustable Bilstein Struts?
Answer: There’s no reason not to get a leveling kit for your truck and new shocks if you have struts. The 5100 series adjustable-height struts are the best choice.
Q10.) How well do people rate the Bilstein 5100 vs. 6112?
Answer: People who like to go off-road on weekends and for fun have been pleased with the 5100 series for the last 10 years.
Q11.) Which terms are better from Bilstein 4600 Vs. 5100?
Answer: Most people probably wouldn’t find a change between the 4600 and the 5100 on their way to work if they had the same car and conditions.
Q12.) Does one need to provide any change for Bilstein 6112 big tires?
Answer: It doesn’t make any difference if another vehicle has bigger wheels and tires than when it came out of the factory.
Q13.) How can the Bilstein 5100 manage any extra weight?
Answer: That’s when the 5100’s advantage comes into effect with the right valving to manage the extra weight that comes with the car.
Q14.) How well does Bilstein’s 4600 go well for trucks?
Answer: A 4600 can go well with those trucks having their stock ride heights installed and working well.
Q15.) Can one make any adjustments to Bilstein 6112 vs. 5100?
Answer: Yes, it comes with unique dampeners which can easily do their job as and when required.
Q16.) What is the shelf life for Bilstein 5100 vs. 6112?
Answer: They can last longer up to 75K even if your driving takes mostly on those off roads.
So, they will serve you an average of 60-80 Km.
Final Verdict:
In this case, we will pick the winner, and there will be no tie. Vote for the Bilstein 5100 series, and we’d like you to choose that one.
People who drive every day and go on trail rides once a week are more likely to choose shocks that are good for driving and trail riding.
And that’s what much of the 5100 models one can make for, too. Not to mention how well it was built and how cheap it was.
The Bilstein 6112, on the other hand, isn’t a wrong choice if you’re more of an adventurer who needs all the extra features and not just a one-size-fits-all type of person.
Thanks for reading!!!