Bilstein makes shocks and struts for all three vans most camper builds start from: the Mercedes-Benz (and earlier Dodge and Freightliner) Sprinter, the Ford Transit and the Ram ProMaster. For each van there are up to four Bilstein lines to choose from, and on the Sprinter the drive type changes the part. This guide covers what each line is for and how to find the right part numbers for your van.
The four lines you will see
| Line | What Bilstein says it is for | Vans we carry it for |
|---|---|---|
| B4 OE Replacement | "Maintaining the original ride quality of your vehicle, while meeting or exceeding OE standards" | Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster |
| B6 | An upgrade over stock, tuned for each specific application, on the existing springs | Sprinter, Transit, ProMaster |
| B6 Camper | "Improving the performance of your camper van," tuned for each application "and increased vehicle weight" | Sprinter |
| B6 Camper Advanced (DampMatic) | The B6 Camper with DampMatic, which Bilstein says switches between two damping curves mechanically, with no solenoid valve or wiring | Sprinter |
How to choose between them
- Stock or light build, happy with the factory ride: B4. It puts the van back to how it rode new.
- Want more control than stock: B6, Bilstein's step up from OE.
- Converted Sprinter carrying a full camper build: B6 Camper, which Bilstein tunes for the extra weight. Bilstein's camper site describes the B6 Camper and Camper Advanced as made for converted vans and semi-integrated motorhomes, including the Sprinter 906, 907 and 910.
- Want damping that adapts on its own: B6 Camper Advanced. Bilstein says DampMatic gives a soft setting for cruising and a firm one for evasive maneuvers, and switches between them on its own.
Bilstein also says on its camper site that B6 Camper Advanced at the front with B6 Camper at the rear is a valid combination.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2019-2024: drive type first
On the current Sprinter, Bilstein lists different fronts and rears for rear-wheel drive and 4WD/AWD vans. Check yours before you look at series.
| Sprinter 2019-2024 | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|
| RWD, B4 OE | 22-310194 (1500 and 2500); 22-314345 (3500) | 19-310206 (1500 and 2500) |
| RWD, B6 Camper | 22-310415 | not listed in our store |
| RWD, B6 Camper Advanced | 22-334299 | not listed in our store |
| 4WD / AWD, B6 Camper | 22-314178 | 24-314350 |
| 4WD / AWD, B6 Camper Advanced | 22-329455 (Bilstein lists it for the 2015-2022 4WD and 2023-2024 AWD Sprinter 2500) | 25-329445 |
Bilstein's US store lists the RWD B6 Camper and Camper Advanced fronts for the Sprinter 1500, 2500, 3500 and 3500XD, and the 4WD/AWD B6 Camper front and rears for the 2500, 3500 (to 2022) and 3500XD. Our listing titles name the van we first listed them for; the full list is on each product page.
Older Sprinters
We also carry Bilstein parts for the Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 (2003-2006 and 2007-2009) and the Freightliner Sprinter (2010-2018, including 4WD 2015-2018). These are split by details Bilstein prints in the notes, such as single or dual rear wheels, standard or camper suspension and roof height. For example, B4 19-169279 is listed for the 2007-2009 Dodge Sprinter 2500 with dual rear wheels (and for 2010-2017 Mercedes 2500s with camper suspension), and 19-171579 for single rear wheels (standard suspension on the Mercedes years). On the 2015-2018 Freightliner Sprinter 2500 4WD we carry B6 22-285959, B6 Camper 22-334329 and 24-334341, and B6 Camper Advanced front 22-329455.
A few parts in our list are for the W910 front-wheel-drive Sprinter, which Bilstein lists by chassis code. If your van is a North American RWD or 4WD Sprinter, those are not yours.
Ford Transit 2015-2024
- Front: B4 OE strut 22-249333 or B6 strut 22-249357, both listed by Bilstein for the Transit-150, 250, 350 and 350 HD, 2015-2022.
- Rear, B4: Bilstein splits these by model: 19-255583 for the Transit-150, 19-255576 for the 250 and 350, and 19-280493 for the 350 HD, all 2015-2024.
- Rear, B6: 24-265331 covers the Transit-150 (2015-2022), 250 and 350 (2015-2024) and 350 HD (2015-2022).
We don't carry a B6 Camper for the US Transit, so a built-out Transit here uses the standard B6.
Ram ProMaster 2014-2023
- B4 OE: front strut 22-249227 and rear 19-249230, listed for the ProMaster 1500, 2500 and 3500, 2014-2019.
- B6: rear 24-245500, listed for the ProMaster 1500 (2014-2023), 2500 (2014-2024) and 3500 (2014-2023). The matching B6 front strut is not live in our store yet; ask us for it.
Monotube or twin-tube?
Bilstein is known for yellow monotube shocks, but many of its van struts are twin-tube. Bilstein's spec sheets list the Sprinter B6 Camper fronts (22-310415, 22-314178), the Transit B6 front strut and every 2014-on B4 van part above as twin-tube, while the B6 and B6 Camper rears (24-314350, 25-329445, 24-265331, 24-245500) are monotube. That is a design choice for the strut, not a sign of a lesser part.
Finding the right part for your van
- Note the model, year, drive type (RWD, 4WD or AWD), single or dual rear wheels, and payload rating.
- Read the OE number on your current shocks. Bilstein's own part pages list the Mercedes or Ford OE numbers each Bilstein part replaces, and Bilstein's camper site recommends identifying shocks by OE number.
- Pick the line: B4 for factory ride, B6 for firmer control, B6 Camper or Camper Advanced for a built-out Sprinter.
- Check the part in the Bilstein Shock Fitment Finder, or browse Sprinter, Transit and ProMaster parts.
For the bigger picture on Bilstein's lines, see Bilstein B4 vs B6 vs B8; for Class C cutaways, see Bilstein shocks for motorhomes. All parts are in our Bilstein collection. Found it cheaper? We'll beat it.
FAQ
Do I need new springs with B6 Camper shocks?
No. Bilstein says the B6 Camper Advanced needs no additional spring replacement, and the B6 Camper line is tuned for the van's added weight on its springs.
Can I mix B6 Camper Advanced front and B6 Camper rear?
Yes. Bilstein's camper site says that combination is possible.
Does DampMatic need wiring or a controller?
No. Bilstein describes it as a mechanical system with a second chamber inside the damper, no solenoid valve, cables or control unit.
Is there a Bilstein B6 Camper for the Transit or ProMaster?
Not in our catalog; for those vans we carry B4 and B6. Bilstein's European camper site does list Transit and Fiat Ducato camper applications, so ask us if you need one.