It is a hectic job to choose a shock absorber kit for your vehicle. Numerous kits are available in the market with a lot of features. Among all those, two of the most popular kits are the Bilstein 5125 & 5100. And it’s very common to get confused between the Bilstein 5125 VS 5100!
But don’t worry! We will help you in every way. From our discussion, you will surely be able to choose the best absorber for you. So let’s find out which is the best between Bilstein 5125 VS 5100!
We will guide you through the most important factors that differentiate the Bilstein 5125 and 5100. After scrolling through our article you will know every detail from price to the technology of the absorbers! Then we will help you to make the decision by providing our view.
So without wasting any time let’s get started! Spare some of your moments and go through our in-depth discussion. Happy reading!
Key Takeaways
If you are a fan of the valve system, the Bilstein 5100 will be your priority. And if you have experience with compressing tuning you would like to go for the Bilstein 5125. Moreover, this shock absorber is self-adjusting. So you don’t have to face any problems while adjusting it.
But if you are a Do-it-yourself guy, you will want to adjust the absorber with your hands. Then the Bilstein 5100 is the choice for you. You can adjust it according to your need.
Short Comparison
A lot of factors vary between Bilstein 5100 and Bilstein 5125 shock absorbers. For that reason choosing between one of them is not an easy task. But to make your choice convenient we have prepared a comparison table. Check it out now!
Features
Bilstein 5100
Bilstein 5125
Monotube Length
46mm
46mm
Adjustability
Available in The Shocks
Self Adjusting
Zinc Plated Or Coated
Zinc Plated
Zinc Coated Exterior
Rod Length
14mm
14mm
Technology
Patented digressive valving instantly reacts to changing surface conditions
You can make a fast decision after observing all the factors. But to know every little detail you must go through our discussion. We have discussed all the things you need to know below.
Bilstein 5125 VS 5100: Detailed Comparison
As you are still scrolling, you must want to learn more. For providing you with the most detailed information we have made the following discussion. So read carefully and then make the best choice!
Principle Technology
The technology on which the shock absorbers work decides the function and efficiency of the absorbers. Bilstein 5100 and Bilstein 5125 work on different principles. Though their function is the same, the doing system varies.
The Bilstein 5100 works with digressive valves. The valves can absorb the shock pretty effectively. The most positive part of the valves is that they can react instantly whenever the surface condition changes. This method will surely get some stars in the Bilstein 5100 review.
On the other hand, the Bilstein 5125 has compressive tunings. The compressing tuning technology allows for keeping the inbound independent. This can be important for many people.
Monotube Length
Both the Bilstein 5100 and 5125 have monotube cylinders. So there is working fluid in only one cylinder that will help in absorbing the shock.
However, you don’t have to give a lot of thought to this sector because the tube length is the same in both. The absorbers come with a 46mm tube for good performance.
Shock absorbers are used for your utmost comfort. So there is always the condition of adjusting according to your comfort level. But many people also want things to go automatically to avoid any hassle.
The Bilstein 5125 is a self-adjusting absorber. You don’t have to adjust the absorber for the best result.
On the contrary, the Bilstein 5100 has to be adjusted. You can adjust this absorber from the shocks. So you have to decide if you want to do the job manually or if you love things automatically.
Zinc Cover Type
Longevity is one of the most important factors that you will like in your shock absorber. And longevity depends a lot on the type of material of the product. To give you the best service, Bilstein has used zinc-based material to make both absorbers.
But there is still a difference here. The method of zinc coating is different in Bilstein 5100 and 5125. The Bilstein 5100 comes with zinc plating whereas the Bilstein 5125 is zinc coated. Zinc plating is stronger than zinc coating.
However, Bilstein 5125 has used other techniques for more strength. The makers of the Bilstein 5125 have used steel and aluminum as the built material. These materials are very high in quality and are used to make excellent products. As they are not present in the Bilstein 5100, the Bilstein 5125 takes the lead here. These shock absorbers will not crack or rust.
So, this is an important factor you have to take into account while choosing an absorber. Because of the overall material, Bilstein 5125 promises a long lifetime.
Length of Rod
The length of the rod decides how much your car body will be lifted. With more length, you will get more height. If the length is too short the vehicle can be damaged due to upper and lower shock mounts.
However, the rod length is the same in the Bilstein 5100 and 5125. Both of these absorbers have a rod of length 14mm. So there is nothing selective here.
The shock absorbers are used to absorb the shocks of rocky and bumpy roads. The vibration-absorbing system plays an essential role here. Let’s see which system Bilstein 5100 and 5125 use to absorb the vibrations.
The Bilstein 5100 uses rubber bushings for this purpose. Rubber bushings are very well known for their great shock absorption. In Bilstein 5100 the rubber bushings used are Vulcanized Neoprene Rubber Bushings. They work very well in absorbing road shocks.
On the contrary, the Bilstein 5125 has high-flow pistons. The ports of high-flow pistons are much larger compared to normal pistons. As a result, the flow is more too.
High-flow pistons have almost 50% more flow than general pistons. This more flow results in a more mechanical grip. The Bilstein 5125 review gets a lot of positive comments for this.
Both these systems are good for vibration absorption. You have to go with your preference to decide on the required system for the shock absorber.
Boot Cap
Boot caps are used with the absorbers to protect the rods. The boot cap will save the rod from external forces like stones and bricks on the road.
But many times the rod is protected by other components of the suspension. As a result, the boot cap becomes unnecessary.
The Bilstein 5100 has a boot cap with it. This boot cap will surely help the absorber to last more. This is a very positive aspect of the Bilstein 5100. The inclusion of a boot cap has made sure that the answer to our Bilstein 5100 shocks good is affirmative.
But the Bilstein 5125 doesn’t have boot caps. Not having a boot cap will not hinder the function of the shock absorber. It will work perfectly. However, if you prefer the boot cap you have to go with Bilstein 5100.
The Specialty of The Shock Absorbers
You can see that both the Bilstein 5100 and 5125 are superb in their work. They have some same and some different features. However, to make your decision more precisely, check their specialties in absorbing shocks.
The Bilstein 5100 increases the suspension travel. Suspension travel means the movement amount the suspension allows. This is the elongation of the spring. From this, the movement of the wheel axle can be measured when the suspension compresses.
Additional suspension travel makes the control of vehicles easier. Bigger drops are absorbed more efficiently and the vehicle is damaged less.
The Bilstein 5125 has superior control on large-diameter tires. Many vehicle owners prefer large diameter tires. Because these tires improve handling and high-speed performance. If your vehicle has big tires Bilstein 5125 will be of very good service.
Gas Relief Valves
This is an innovative valve system that saves the shock absorber from excess pressure. When the absorber has to endure excess pressure it can get damaged pretty easily.
To avoid that the Bilstein 5125 has a gas relief valve. This prevents the build-up of pressure while going through bumpy roads. But the Bilstein 5100 does not have this.
The presence of a gas relief valve will surely improve the function of the Bilstein 5100. Moreover, this will help Bilstein 5100 to be long-lasting.
Price
Last but not least factor that you must notice is the price range. The price difference between the Bilstein 5100 and Bilstein 5125 is very high. So first know about the price and decide according to your budget.
Though the Bilstein 5100 is older than the latter one, the price of the 5100 is still high. For the complete absorber kit, you have to spend about $350 to $400. This is a very popular kit so the price is high too. However, you can always look for sales to get a big discount.
The Bilstein 5125 comes quite cheaper. The price ranges from $85 to $100. This is a very good value for money product. You will get an excellent absorber made of high-quality materials for around 200 dollars.
Now you are aware of all the differences between the Bilstein 5100 and 5125. The work of making a decision will be easier for you now. Consider all the factors properly and then choose the best shock absorber according to your necessity.
Below you will find our verdict on these two products. So read the next section to have the clearest view.
The quality of Bilstein 5125 and 5100 are of great quality. They are very popular in the market for their excellent service. It is a very tough job to choose between them.
The build materials of the Bilstein 5125 are very high end too. This can shift the decision to 5125. Nevertheless, the Bilstein 5100 is made with zinc plating which is very tough too. Bilstein 5100 has boot caps too. This will increase the lifespan of 5100.
Now the most important factor is the budget. The price difference is about 300 dollars between the two absorbers. So you have to make sure you can go the extra mile to buy the Bilstein 5100.
And if you have a low budget the Bilstein 5125 will be very good for you. Because it comes in $200 only. Bilstein 5125 is also the best solution for vehicles without direct Bilstein fitments.
Conclusion
We hope that now you can easily choose between Bilstein 5125 VS 5100. Both these shock absorbers have their benefits. Choose according to your budget. Get the absorber based on the roads you mostly travel and your priorities. Only then you will get the best value for your money.
