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Source for Bilstein coil struts?

Creeble

Member
Apr 28, 2020
43
11
Tiburon
Couldn't find a definitive answer here (although I suspect it's "no") - is there a supplier for just the coil struts on an MS?

All four of mine need replacement, and the SC quoted $1000 per corner. These appear to have Bilstein part number, but also seem unobtainable.

No?
 

No CO2

Member
Jun 25, 2020
44
13
San Diego, CA
Contact Bilstein directly. They are located in Poway, CA, a suburb of San Diego, CA, about 1/2 hour from my house.
I've had good communication with Bilstein in the past.
I bought my Model S two weeks ago, and I noticed it had Bilstein on all four corners. I am new to MS, but I am assuming that these are not the OEM stock shocks/struts?
Also, in the past, Bilstein has a lifetime warranty, if you have the receipt in your name.
To clarify your question, you need four new "strut and coil combo" for all four corners?
I am curious how you make out with contacting Bilstein.
 

Cheburashka

Active Member
Jan 29, 2018
2,056
2,337
Los Gatos, CA
Contact Bilstein directly. They are located in Poway, CA, a suburb of San Diego, CA, about 1/2 hour from my house.
I've had good communication with Bilstein in the past.
I bought my Model S two weeks ago, and I noticed it had Bilstein on all four corners. I am new to MS, but I am assuming that these are not the OEM stock shocks/struts?
Also, in the past, Bilstein has a lifetime warranty, if you have the receipt in your name.
To clarify your question, you need four new "strut and coil combo" for all four corners?
I am curious how you make out with contacting Bilstein.

Bilstein is the OEM supplier of struts to Tesla.
 
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Reactions: SSedan

Creeble

Member
Apr 28, 2020
43
11
Tiburon
Contact Bilstein directly. They are located in Poway, CA, a suburb of San Diego, CA, about 1/2 hour from my house.
I've had good communication with Bilstein in the past.

I'll try that and report back. Just surprised no one else has (as mentioned by @Cheburaska, Bilstein is the OEM). I found part numbers on pictures of used struts on eBay; can't quite make out mine but the ones on eBay seem consistent at least.
 

Creeble

Member
Apr 28, 2020
43
11
Tiburon
For our info, reply with the part numbers

I want to double-check what I found on eBay with my car first, and it seems they change in 2016 fwiw.

But even before that, I wonder how much success I will have in getting the struts changed outside of Tesla service? Are the alignment specs available?

I would really like to pay $2k rather than the $4k or so that the SC quoted, but it's obviously moot if I can't find someone to install them.
 

Uncle Paul

Well-Known Member
Nov 1, 2013
6,106
6,609
Canyon Lake,CA
There are several Tesla dismantelers that could supply you with slightly used shocks off wrecks and buy backs. Would be much less expensive than buying new ones from Tesla.

For the quality Bilsteins that Tesla uses as an OEM, the $1,000 per corner is not a bad price, especially if includes installation and alignment check.

These dismantlers may also be a great source for you as far as other wear items that need refreshing on your high mileage Tesla. Brakes, brake pads, struts, suspension bearings and parts.

these Dismantelers may also be able to put you in contact with reasonable installation places near you.
 

gaswalla

Model S,3,X.. CT with Austin delivery
Sep 23, 2012
3,253
3,523
San Diego
There are reports of folks getting work done in Poway on Teslas. It's just a car for the Bilstein folks. Unfortunately, their website says all service is on hold during these viral times
 

No CO2

Member
Jun 25, 2020
44
13
San Diego, CA
I replaced my struts in an ICE car before. As in any DIY job, first time is a bitch, but after that, it is easy.
If you replace them as a unit, and don't have to mess with the spring, a much easier job.
I have not investigated strut replacement in a MS. Maybe two people are needed for your first try at it.

Here's the alignment specs. I paid $200 at Firestone for "lifetime" alignment. On my previous ICE car, this lifetime alignment deal easily paid for itself.
 

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finout

Member
Jan 5, 2011
87
11
My front right strut on my 2015 MS is rattling after only 55K miles. I have an extended warranty but it excludes struts as "wear and tear" items.

I called Bilstein and they were not helpful at all. Guy wouldn't tell me which struts Tesla puts on new vehicles (that would be proprietary and not a standard part number). And he wouldn't give me a part number because they "dont sell struts for that model vehicle."

Anyone else surprised that a strut only lasted 55K miles?

Tesla seems to have a lock on strut replacement. Or has anyone had luck getting aftermarket struts from somewhere else? $1000 per corner is ridiculous.
 

finout

Member
Jan 5, 2011
87
11
The real issue is that I have an extended warranty (MCU died so that pays for it right there) and they are saying it's not covered because "shock absorbers" are not covered. I pointed out the difference between shock absorbers and struts to my advisor, and I'm waiting to hear back from the service manager.
 

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