MK5 Golf GTI
All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: GLIDN on December 17, 2012, 11:20:55 am
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So mk5 people,
I thought I would share the "reliability and safety" Bilstein have portrait on us over all these years.
Suspension has travelled less then 30000km's I'm sure of it. As all labels etc are all still intact and un damaged.
So it could be less than that distance even.
Over here in NZ, the official Bilstein agents basically don't want to know anything or help.
I did not buy these brand new, just incase you are wondering.
The distributors "apparently" cannot provide replacement parts. Not so much as a good will gesture either.
Instead they are giving me the run around, So I can go get custom springs made.
Thankfully we were traveling less than 25km's when this happened.
Been using Bilstein suspension for almost 12 years now exclusively, now I feel I should look at a different brand all together.
If anyone know or has any contacts with Bilstein and would be willing to help that would be great.
Otherwise, what other brand suspension would people recommend for an MK5 GTI DSG?
Now for the photo's.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fv694%2Frxi_rola%2FIMG_2275_zps32ad82c0.jpg&hash=627eb75e532a4b077a96b06ddd5890ce9fbbf214)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fv694%2Frxi_rola%2FIMG_2274_zps5ef345cb.jpg&hash=2b9c2e6ff3075bbbae1dc8cd4fb78892facb0d49)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fv694%2Frxi_rola%2FIMG_2265_zps38699e25.jpg&hash=07855c0fa16f8613c79c01dbd541675ccfcf49c5)
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:mad: :scared:
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Holy cow! How did that happen :surprised: I'm glad your okay and it happened at low speed! :chicken: Hope you get something sorted with blistein! :mad:
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Thanks guys,
I'm getting the run around from Bilstein here in NZ,
I have to resort at this stage to get "custom" springs made.
You can clearly see this is a manufacturing fault, COILS don't just randomly snap in 2.
I will wait to hear what they say, I have also posted this on Bilstein's Facebook wall. Hopefully I will receive some help in this.
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1st time I've heard of a problem with bilsteins tbh very rare. As has been said lucky it happened at low speed. Hope you get it sorted out. I've always run KWs with no probs
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Would you like me to speak to Bilstein over here and see if we can get you some springs sent over? Postage shouldn't be too much on 2 springs.
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Would you like me to speak to Bilstein over here and see if we can get you some springs sent over? Postage shouldn't be too much on 2 springs.
If you are able to assist, that would be great. PM with shock body part numbers on their way.
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I had a spring snap on the front of my kw v3 it happens so just replace with new
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I had a spring snap on the front of my kw v3 it happens so just replace with new
yeah understandeably so, This issue I have however is the NZ channel are too lazy to find replacement parts, instead want me to get custom made units,
I would have gone for PSS10 or KWClubsport if I wanted a Custom version.
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I had a spring snap on the Bilstein kit on my fabia - failed its MOT because of it - never even knew until then!
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To be fair springs do snap mate, and you have bought them second hand so who knows how hard the car has been driven with these on previously. It's no good though them not helping you out with replacement springs but if i was you and if they did replace them i would expect to pay. personally I'd still be using bilstein even if this happened to me, I still think they make the best suspension set ups.
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I had a spring snap on the front of my kw v3 it happens so just replace with new
It shouldnt happen.... at all.... never mind on expensive KW V3
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Managed to get springs part numbers
E4-FD1-Y704A0
Well to update, bilstein in the USA where really helpful and trying to resolve the problem.
The minute I told them the came with the car I bought a while ago, they have literally fell off the face off the earth.
I'm not expecting Bilstein to replace it for free, but the issue I really have is the NZ distributors.
Even being able to provide them part numbers, they are not even interested.
Gobbleplease - if I keep getting useless local support, I simply will not go with a specific brand. Unless its international support only etc. that would still apply.
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Managed to get springs part numbers
E4-FD1-Y704A0
Well to update, bilstein in the USA where really helpful and trying to resolve the problem.
The minute I told them the came with the car I bought a while ago, they have literally fell off the face off the earth.
I'm not expecting Bilstein to replace it for free, but the issue I really have is the NZ distributors.
Even being able to provide them part numbers, they are not even interested.
Gobbleplease - if I keep getting useless local support, I simply will not go with a specific brand. Unless its international support only etc. that would still apply.
Sorry I missed your PM mate I have just fired an email off to our Bilstein supplier to see how much 2 new front springs would be. As soon as I know I will drop you a PM.
Hope you get this sorted either way ASAP.
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Managed to get springs part numbers
E4-FD1-Y704A0
Well to update, bilstein in the USA where really helpful and trying to resolve the problem.
The minute I told them the came with the car I bought a while ago, they have literally fell off the face off the earth.
I'm not expecting Bilstein to replace it for free, but the issue I really have is the NZ distributors.
Even being able to provide them part numbers, they are not even interested.
Gobbleplease - if I keep getting useless local support, I simply will not go with a specific brand. Unless its international support only etc. that would still apply.
Sorry I missed your PM mate I have just fired an email off to our Bilstein supplier to see how much 2 new front springs would be. As soon as I know I will drop you a PM.
Hope you get this sorted either way ASAP.
Thanks for that.
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Managed to get springs part numbers
E4-FD1-Y704A0
Well to update, bilstein in the USA where really helpful and trying to resolve the problem.
The minute I told them the came with the car I bought a while ago, they have literally fell off the face off the earth.
I'm not expecting Bilstein to replace it for free, but the issue I really have is the NZ distributors.
Even being able to provide them part numbers, they are not even interested.
Gobbleplease - if I keep getting useless local support, I simply will not go with a specific brand. Unless its international support only etc. that would still apply.
Yea sounds like bilstein nz are not interested in supporting there product which is shocking - shocking get it :grin:
I'd be contacting the mother ship if I was you and complaint about the lack of support you are getting from the distributors,
I'd imagine bilstein de wouldn't take to kindly to this, as it is blackening there name.
I mean the distributors could of resolved this or put it to bed no bother ! But instead your on here making the broken springs public knowledge looking for answers to this problem, and quite rightly so.
Name and shame to bilstein - who knows you might get set for free due to the lousy service you've had
In all seriousness I
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^^^^
As the 'gobbler' says, go above the heads of Bilstein's representatives in NZ and complain about how poorly they are representing the Bilstein brand and reputation - You should get some action. Bilstein, like KW, are proud of their products and care about customer service.
Whether it shouldn't have broken or not is besides the point - It has done, and doubtless not helped by NZ's apparently very bad roads. The only way is to look forwards and to see how the problem can be best resolved.
Keep us all posted :happy2:
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I have just PM'd the OP with a price which I think is quite reasonable given the cost of the coilies in the 1st place so hopefully we can get this resolved for him ASAP!
It does sound like Bilstein in NZ are a bit useless :sad1:
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It does sound like Bilstein in NZ are a bit useless :sad1:
....For the sake of other Bilstein users in NZ, Bilstein's German head office should be informed about this case and their NZ representative's behaviour. If no-one informs them, how can matters be improved?
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as GNJ_Motorsports has mentioned, they have assisted me almost immediately. So Supreme props to them :drinking:
I have now had another email from Bilstein directly, stating they are not able to supply directly to customers it has to go thru distrubitors channels.
Passed me out local agent, now this is where it becomes extremely funny. I have to find humour somewhere in this saga. As well as it's christmas and time for fun basically.
They contact information provided, was for one company. But the actual contact number was the company I had dealings with. lol :rolleye:
None the less GNJ_Motorsports have sorted me for the time being :notworthy:
So Hopefully all the different parts are hear in NZ by the time I'm back so I can put the car back together.
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^^^^
The most important thing is that you are resolving the problem (with help from GNJ). So that's good to hear :happy2:
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Well done GNJ for helping :congrats:
That's great service right there, I've used them before for a twintercooler, and ill be using them again for my new suspension set up!
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as GNJ_Motorsports has mentioned, they have assisted me almost immediately. So Supreme props to them :drinking:
I have now had another email from Bilstein directly, stating they are not able to supply directly to customers it has to go thru distrubitors channels.
Passed me out local agent, now this is where it becomes extremely funny. I have to find humour somewhere in this saga. As well as it's christmas and time for fun basically.
They contact information provided, was for one company. But the actual contact number was the company I had dealings with. lol :rolleye:
None the less GNJ_Motorsports have sorted me for the time being :notworthy:
So Hopefully all the different parts are hear in NZ by the time I'm back so I can put the car back together.
Not a problem mate happy to help.
Pure laziness on the part of Bilstein in NZ, a call to Germany or an email and they would have had this sorted for you and on the next shipment in no time. It isn't hard to get the part number and price for 2 springs :signLOL:
The holiday season will delay things as usual but we will have these with you as soon as possible.
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Well I thought I would update this thread for the better.
:evilgrin:
Turns out Bilstein as a company appears to be dropping the ball big time.
Thankfully I had GNJ motorsports on the case, my springs finally arrive at their shop on Thursday 24 Jan 2013.
Ordered and paid for last year. :sad1: :sad1:
Now for the good news, the sprins arrived around 2:30pm local in NZ. I started around 9:30 to pull the shocks apart, had a little of an issue with my goose neck spanner not fitting, thankfully my brothers indeed did work.
None the less, I ended up finishing the car around 2AM. Cleaned up then had to go clean myself up as well. Lol
So will take the car for its first drive tomorrow, cannot wait. :evilgrin:
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Well I thought I would update this thread for the better.
:evilgrin:
Turns out Bilstein as a company appears to be dropping the ball big time.
Thankfully I had GNJ motorsports on the case, my springs finally arrive at their shop on Thursday 24 Jan 2013.
Ordered and paid for last year. :sad1: :sad1:
Now for the good news, the sprins arrived around 2:30pm local in NZ. I started around 9:30 to pull the shocks apart, had a little of an issue with my goose neck spanner not fitting, thankfully my brothers indeed did work.
None the less, I ended up finishing the car around 2AM. Cleaned up then had to go clean myself up as well. Lol
So will take the car for its first drive tomorrow, cannot wait. :evilgrin:
Excellent news :)
Very frustrating that they took so long to get to you, we had numerous problems earlier this month with getting things from Germany, they seem slow to get going again after xmas :signLOL:
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That's not good I always thought of them to be one of the best coilovers.
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Bilstein, like KW, are proud of their products and care about customer service.
I can assure you that after my recent experience with KW customer service and equally as important the support they give their dealers is pretty piss poor. :fighting: :fighting:
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Bilstein, like KW, are proud of their products and care about customer service.
I can assure you that after my recent experience with KW customer service and equally as important the support they give their dealers is pretty piss poor. :fighting: :fighting:
Yeah I understand that Hedge,
my findings are as follows. They where to a degree willing to help from the US. Till they found out I was not the original owner of the kit.
Then local dealers could not order parts despite providing them the actual part numbers.
I dealt with GNJ motorsports (Which has been amazing to deal with tbh), had all my info required ordered and paid for within 3 hours of first email contact.
They then proceeded to wait 4-6 weeks for Bilstein to pull finger and send them the ordered parts. Once sent from GNJ I received in in less than 7 days.
So I'm going to have to say at this stage, Despite Bilsteins amazing suspension, there lack of support for the public or even there suppliers will cause them to dig their own graves.
I for one, will be passing on Bilstein, no idea what suspension I will move towards. But this was the last Bilstein product I buy new, second hand. Which really does not bode well for Bilstein.