Looking for Alpina 3.0 csi B2 front shocks

federico

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Hello,
I'm desperately searching for front shocks for my 3.0 csi Alpina B2. The struts I have were a factory part on early CSL, and the 2002tii used this design also. These struts accept 40mm inverter monotube inserts. The regular bilstein struts will never fit. The piston end actually threads into that hole at the bottom, upside down. The stainless steel shock body is what slides up and down and is what is visible from outside the car. I would chose to rebuild the setup with custom valved 40mm struts and though It is an expensive affair, it seemed to be the only way to use these strut housings, but the problem is that I only have one! See pictures They need to be 40mm, and don’t seem to be readily available. They have told me that you can get them from Bilstein directly and have them valved to meet my needs, but Bilstein is unresponsive.
Can anyone give me a hand to find them (one or the couple) used or new...
The dimensions are: cylinder width 40mm Length 400 mm, top width 19mm, bottom 11 mm total length 660mm.

Thanks!!
IMG_1034.jpg
IMG_1033.jpg


Regards and thanks!
 

Markos

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Hi @federico,

Looks like you are continuing on with the hunt after our chat. I didn’t get anywhere with bilstein NA. They said something stupid like they can only sell inserts and rebuild for factory shocks, which didn’t make any sense to me. That was the California officeDid you try Classic Hero’s yet? As mentioned, the video is several years old but they make specific reference to having bilstein rebuild their inverted monotube (carb CSL) units.


I couldn’t remember who it was but I did some more digging. Check with user @fredel. He had the exact same “fitment” question as you. I PM’d him a few years ago got details on his struts. He said that he had his rebuilt.

See here:

I have four struts, but two have their threaded ends cut a bit short. I think you should keep on the hunt for new first. I’m confidenf that are available, and frankly a bit annoyed that I bought used ones.

Another option is that talk to some MK1 escort shops in the UK. The escort RS used 300mm by 40mm monotubes. Too short for your application but they may have the contact that you need to order.


Here’s mine. My presumption is that I will ultimately just buy new (after you do all the leg work to find a new source of course!) :D
48AD2028-71D6-456A-A9C6-F7BA518F6D8E.jpeg
 

federico

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Markos, thanks for you help! It's of great value. I'm pulling strings and I have contacted a "High up in the chain" manager at ZF who hopefully will put me in contact with someone with influence at Bilstein. Germans help themselves at corporate level. I hope to get answers soon. I'll keep you posted. Another possibility would be to buy those cut ones you have. Would you interested in selling them? I would get them welded (an extension) and then rethread them...not to complicated if you find a good craftsman. Then send them to be restored to Bilstein, but this would take quite some time.
In any case, and once again, your help has been tremendous. I have fredel for info on how he solved his problem. my son is studying at Layden (The Hague, holland) and he may be able to give me a hand. By the way, the Wallothnesch guys are willing to take back the shocks they sold me...nice of them.
 

IMSA-CSL

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Where are you located Federico?

In Germany itself it is not a problem to let them rebuilt at Bilstein.

Best regards
Andreas
 

federico

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Andreas,
I live Between Paris and Madrid. The problem is that I only have one and would need another one to b rebuilt or 2 new ones.
Regards
 

Markos

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Andreas,
I live Between Paris and Madrid. The problem is that I only have one and would need another one to b rebuilt or 2 new ones.
Regards

@federico,

If you get a hold of bilstein and they can rebuild the body and replace the shaft, I’m happy to sell two of mine. I just think they are available new.
 

federico

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Hi @federico,

Looks like you are continuing on with the hunt after our chat. I didn’t get anywhere with bilstein NA. They said something stupid like they can only sell inserts and rebuild for factory shocks, which didn’t make any sense to me. That was the California officeDid you try Classic Hero’s yet? As mentioned, the video is several years old but they make specific reference to having bilstein rebuild their inverted monotube (carb CSL) units.


I couldn’t remember who it was but I did some more digging. Check with user @fredel. He had the exact same “fitment” question as you. I PM’d him a few years ago got details on his struts. He said that he had his rebuilt.

See here:

I have four struts, but two have their threaded ends cut a bit short. I think you should keep on the hunt for new first. I’m confidenf that are available, and frankly a bit annoyed that I bought used ones.

Another option is that talk to some MK1 escort shops in the UK. The escort RS used 300mm by 40mm monotubes. Too short for your application but they may have the contact that you need to order.


Here’s mine. My presumption is that I will ultimately just buy new (after you do all the leg work to find a new source of course!) :D
View attachment 129087
 

federico

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Hello MArkos, I have obtained a positive response from a Bilstein representative. He has new 40 mm shocks ref. 34-000243 available, though I believe a bit pricy: 225€ unit. I'm ordering 4 for me. Just in case you want a pair.
regards, Fred
 

Markos

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Hello MArkos, I have obtained a positive response from a Bilstein representative. He has new 40 mm shocks ref. 34-000243 available, though I believe a bit pricy: 225€ unit. I'm ordering 4 for me. Just in case you want a pair.
regards, Fred

Thank you sir! Keep the contact info. I still need to fabricate my housings so it’s pretty low on the radar. I’ll reach out to you for a few specs on your strut housings.
 

federico

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hello marcos...the shock after a tremendous Delay don't fit. you wouldn't have the reference nº of the shocks you have? they are SKING ME FOR A CORRECT REFERENCE. Ive Heard that the 2002 tii are the same. Is that correct? regards
 

roundel

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I have some Alpina struts here and the bilstein inserts are exactly the same 40mm units as was used on many BMW race cars over the years. 40mm inserts are the most popular from that era and I recently had several sets made by Bilstein UK for race cars. If you send the `original` damper you have to Bilstein and ask them to rebuild it with the original valving and build one new one that should solve your problem. Do you have the original strut tubes or are you having them converted ? I am 99% sure they are not the same as 2002`s which I think are physically different and 100% the valving will not be the same.....regarding price Bilsteins are the best value dampers you will ever buy....
 

roundel

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By the way it sounds like you don`t have the original housings...so why don`t you just buy the standard Bilstein inserts that will fit straight into your housings ? Save a lot of grief....oh and these were never standard on carb CSL`s...they were a special Alpina part...
 

federico

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hi, the problem that I have I only have one insert. The struts are original alpina...the car is a B2 injection, but I don't know where to Buy one, or a pair even better, of these shocks. The car was converted to Alpina B2s specification in 1974 or 75, and after I bought it, I had the motor re-done, confirming it was an Alpina 250hp. I want to keep it alpina even though I could buy standard struts. I understand that the shocks could be made at Bilstein UK...but I believe that they are pricy.
Is there a reference nº for the monotube inserts? Could you tell me how much did you pay if it's not being to indiscreet? Could you provide me with the contact at the UK? I have 8 standard inserts: 2 of 2822P36 0024H2 and another 6 0215P36 0024H3; all in their boxes!...but I can't continue building the car if it isn't standing...
Thanks and sorry to bother
 

roundel

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Last year I bought new 40mm Bilstein inserts same as you need for £145.00 each, to rebuild you existing damper assuming it is OK would be less than that. So for an investment of £250.00 you can keep your car original ! Seems like a good investment to me ?? Like I said they are the best value things you ever bought.... Bilstein UK are based in Leicester and go under the name of Thyssen Krupp Bilstein these days.......Speak to David Masters....
 

federico

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thanks por the info! and yes, 250 quid is a decent Price. I Will contact them. keep you posted.
 

roundel

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Regarding the price this was a couple of years ago and everything else in the world has increased in price so I suggest you call them first. It seems my comment about this not being a standard part on some production CSL`s was not correct....
 

federico

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I imagine they will be more expensive but the round has gone down...which helps. I have soplen and mailed Thyssen Krupp Bilstein and expect a response soon. Will keep you updated. I spoke with Sam at sales....but I might have to speak with David Masters (he is in service and repair) if I don't set an answer. Thanks!!
 
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