FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

Agriculture is one of South Africa’s most importanteconomic sectors and the scale and scope of theNAMPO Show each year emphasizes that. No wonder we’re thrilled to finally have a stand on the

show (a stand at the Southern hemisphere’s largestagricultural show is not easy to come by) and will beexhibiting our famous blue and yellow branding here for the first time. And no, we don’t offer much in the way ofBILSTEIN’s for tractors and harvesters but every farmer

deserves a bakkie that handles impeccably – and we canexpedite that. The show takes place mid-May and more details will

follow in our next newsletter.

Yours sincerely,

The Marketing TeamBILSTEIN South Africa

Bilstein South Africa

Bilstein gas pressure shock absorbers are available from Goldwagen and Imcomex stores country-wide. E-mail info@bilstein.co.za or phone Goldwagen on 012 661 4661 or 012 748 3800 and Imcomex on 012 661 0110.

The Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade(arguably two of the mostdistinctive cars on the market)share their chassis underpinningsand use the identical shockabsorbers. Which, you’ll be pleasedto know, we know have in stock asa B4 and B6. Fit a set of the formerand make your Fiat or Jeep feelbetter than new or upgrade to B6and experience a transformation!In the same vein, the new Nissan

Navara and the imminently arrivingMercedes-Benz X-Class (local launchis the second quarter) share aplatform and we can confirm thedampers are identical. Expectupgrade packages for both soon…

It is getting easier and easier to findBILSTEIN shock absorbers: they’reavailable from Goldwagen storesnationwide and the network isexpected to grow by 11 stores bythe end of the year, bringing thetotal to 108.

Tech updateMake sure you’re searching for thecorrect Bilstein upgrade package:https://www.bilstein.com/en/blog/lowering-highest-level/

Airmatic UpdateThe issue of counterfeit BILSTEIN Airmatic dampers has raised its headagain and we advise all customers and dealers to be on the lookout forthem.It is a well-known fact that the rubber bellows which acts as the suspension

spring is the component which usually needs replacing, especially in a hot, dryclimate like ours where the rubber may perish after four to five years. This cantempt owners of cars such as Mercedes-Benz M-, E- and S-class models to lookfor a ‘quick fix’. However, this invariably means that the electronic dampingfunction is rendered inoperative, as discovered with fake Airmatics for the ML anddiscussed in detail in B&R #1. The stability/control issues that will unquestionably arise from fitting these

sub-standard components will be amplified by fitting one rather than a pair. If youwould like a copy of the newsletter sent to you with tips on how to spot thecounterfeit Airmatics, please mail adrian@roadworx.co.za

Gotta get highTalk to us about a high-rise kit for Ranger, Hilux (both Revo and Vigo) andAmarok. Sourced locally and made to our exacting requirements it comprisesa pair of coil springs and lengthened rear shackles. A 30mm increase isachieved and is designed to work in conjunction with B8 dampers.

Picture: A JMeraki Photography

Do you know your Hilux generations and the year models in SouthAfrica? The current one is the eighth globally but the seventh sold here – the fifth

being skipped for cost reasons– and the fourth enjoying an unusually longlifespan as a result. Here’s a handy guide to the most recent ones, from newestto oldest: • The Revo – to use the name which it goes by in Thailand – is the seventhgeneration sold locally, but the eighth globally and reached South AfricanToyota dealerships early in 2016.

• Generation six – or Vigo - was launched here in 2005, facelifted in 2011 andcontinued for a further four years.

• Generation five (locally) was launched early 1998 and continued to 2005. It wascalled the Tiger in Thailand. It was the first local versions to featureindependent front suspension on 4x4 versions.

• Generation four went on sale globally in 1983 and here the following year. Itwent on to have a remarkable, 13-year run and was on the market until 1997.In Thailand it was known as the Hilux Hero.

Technical update

In ClosingMaking cars hold the road brilliantly and handle securely is a seriousbusiness, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a sense of humour! Watch BILSTEIN’s latest featured video with the Red Bull Drift Brothers – Joe andElias Hountondji – here: https://www.youtube.com/user/BILSTEINde/featured

New product for HiluxWe now have stock of B8 Off Road“heavy duty “dampers for Hilux.These allow for a 50mm maximumlift even with standard front springsthanks to a 4-way adjustable lowerspring seat. These dampers can beserviced – but only by skilled shocktechnicians.

Want to test shocks quickly andaccurately? Our Mobile ShockTester does just that. If you want to use the MST forpromotional purposes at yourstore, contact Shawn Gilbert on+27 (0)12 748 3800

Did you know? Bilstein has an extensive library oftechnical videos, to assist withfitment of our products, whetheryou’re a professional workshop ora DIY guy? Check them out here:https://www.youtube.com/user/BILSTEINde/videos