Bilstein manufacturing change

[jiho]

This pair of fronts arrived from tirerack yesterday. They appear identical save for the color of the threaded ends. Even the metal of the threaded ends appears similar, other than the color.

The black one is stamped 010443 0949 H0.
The other one is stamped 021243 0949 H0.

I have no idea what the change means, but thought I'd toss this curious bit of trivia out there.

 

[oldmansmonte]

I really hope they aren't doing what many quality brands have done over the years. Using their brand name strength and reputation and going with Chinese manufacturing and hoping no one notices.

 

[jiho]

The boxes say "GERMANY" (but don't say "MADE IN") and the shocks say "ASSEMBLED IN USA." Nothing really states where any of the parts are made.

 

[ssbrewskyaz]

This is the kinda of crap that drives me crazy, litterly head bang on the wall crazy. I just had this happen with a lousy set of rear brake caliper pins. The pins looked exactly the same but one was plated silver, the other plated gold. I know what you're thinking but no, there is no left or right. I sent the company a b__ch note and they sent me another pin kit. Maybe it's not gonna bug you but I'd have to tell them: I wanted a matching pair, not two sets of one each. ...

:arrow: :arrow: :arrow:

 

[jiho]

Yeah, but which is better? Which matching pair do you want?

There must be a reason for the change, but is it to improve the product or make it cheaper? And if it's to make it cheaper you may not be able to get two of the old one, so you might be better off with one of them at least.

 

[pontiacgp]

it's probably just a date code. Why not just ask Bilstein instead of guessing

 

[jiho]

I couldn't find a Bilstein e-mail, so I have no way to send the pics, and I hate phone banks anyway.

Looks like I'll bug tirerack.

I assume it's a date code, which would make the black earlier, which is consistent with my impression of things. But even if I rest on my assumptions, that still doesn't explain the difference in the parts.

I hate these nit-picky situations. I feel like I have short hair parted in the middle, a little mustache, and a bow tie.
LOL

 

[gp02a0083]

I think thats what that is guys, looks like it could be a lot / batch / date-code probably for QC

 

[tc1959]

http://www.bilsteinus.com/

ThyssenKrupp Bilstein of America
14102 Stowe Drive
Poway, CA. 92064
1-858-386-5900

 

[jiho]

Yeah, I saw that info. No e-mail.

Have you dialed the number? Sent them a letter?

By the way, no response yet on an e-mail to tirerack (with the pics), from either tirerack or Bilstein. Tirerack replied that they were contacting Bilstein, but no word since.

Maybe after a while longer, I'll ask them which color threads I'll get if I exchange one of the two I got.