I went to install new front Bilstein shocks in the front struts and they didn't fit. They are Bilstein PN 34-000243 which is the only B6 shock that the Bilstein catalog shows to fit a 1969 2800CS (Euro delivery 01/69). So now I am wondering if my struts are stock or from another model or if the Bilstein shock compatibility chart is not accurate. Without OE dimensions or drawings I’m at a loss for how to proceed. Photos and measurements of the offending parts are provided below and I’m hoping the knowledge of the Forum can help determine the answer to this mystery! The most relevant dimensions from below are, 1) Strut tube is 429 mm deep, on the inside (16 ⅞”), 2) Strut base to perch bottom weld is 368 mm, see photo below, 3) Strut tube outer diameter is 52.2 mm (has the M50x1.5 internal threads to engage the gland nut)
I found several good discussions on struts, links below, but I wasn't able to resolve my issue from them...
E24 strut use (The E24 struts appear to be flared out at the top where the gland nut engages, NOT like my struts)
E3's and 3 strut types
CSL strut tubes (definitely not the same as my struts)
Thanks in advance for your help - Dave
Bilstein Catalog, https://workshop.bilstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/BILSTEIN_Program-2020_EN.pdf
1. The Bilstein vs Boge front shocks
2. Strut tube is 429 mm deep (16 ⅞”)
3. Front stub axle is about 5 degrees below perpendicular in the photo below
4. No room to thread on the gland nut below!
5. The old shock has a recess for the gland nut to thread on but new one doesn't
6. Old Boge shock PN 1-0201-32-140-0 (1020 1321 400) and/or 1 112 210 2 (1112 2102)
7. The two old Boge shocks are slightly different models but same size overall
8. Old shock PN’s didn't match, but both fit
9. Strut base to perch bottom weld is 368 mm
10. Strut outer diameter is 52.2 mm
I found several good discussions on struts, links below, but I wasn't able to resolve my issue from them...
E24 strut use (The E24 struts appear to be flared out at the top where the gland nut engages, NOT like my struts)
E3's and 3 strut types
CSL strut tubes (definitely not the same as my struts)
Thanks in advance for your help - Dave
Bilstein Catalog, https://workshop.bilstein.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/BILSTEIN_Program-2020_EN.pdf
1. The Bilstein vs Boge front shocks
2. Strut tube is 429 mm deep (16 ⅞”)
3. Front stub axle is about 5 degrees below perpendicular in the photo below
4. No room to thread on the gland nut below!
5. The old shock has a recess for the gland nut to thread on but new one doesn't
6. Old Boge shock PN 1-0201-32-140-0 (1020 1321 400) and/or 1 112 210 2 (1112 2102)
7. The two old Boge shocks are slightly different models but same size overall
8. Old shock PN’s didn't match, but both fit
9. Strut base to perch bottom weld is 368 mm
10. Strut outer diameter is 52.2 mm
Last edited: