Bilstein 5100 Vs 6112 – Who Wins the Best Shock Providers Title?

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Two of the most-talked-about shock series are Bilstein 5100 and 6112. These are capable of providing excellent support for off-road riders and also the weekend outers. While those who need to drive every day, the series has some amazing options for that as well.

When you come across these two amazingly popular series, it’s pretty normal to get confused easily. And making a wise choice might become quite difficult for you in such circumstances.

That’s why we are here with a complete comparison between Bilstein 5100 Vs 6112. Let’s find out which one is actually worthy of your investment.

Main Difference Between Bilstein 5100 Vs 6112 Shock

BILSTEIN 5100

BILSTEIN 6112

Piston & Rod Size
46 mm piston and 14 mm rod 60 mm piston and 18 mm rod
Height Settings
3 5
Adjustability
It helps good balance and resistance for any road conditions The piston size gives more resistance and control, especially in the rough and bumpy road yet not as powerful as the 5100 series.
Transition Setup
It has quicker suspension travel than the 6112 series Works fast yet feels steady and slower
Body Material
Zinc-plated steel that lasts for a long while Zinc-plated steel
Price Point
Reasonable price with great performance Practically sensible rate

Busy? Our Top 5 Picks From Both Series…

Bilstein 5100 Shock

Bilstein 6112 Shock

Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shocks

This shock set is great for on and off-road capabilities with a fine tire to tire contact.
Bilstein 47-273702 B8 6112 Suspension Leveling Kit

This kit comes with a 60 mm shock absorber that helps your truck with better control.
Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Kit

With an easy bolt-on design, this kit allows your truck to have better motion and control.
Bilstein 47-251922 B8 6112 Suspension Leveling Kit

This kit includes 2 shocks that ensure better ground clearance for inserting big tires.
Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock Set

This set is top demandingthat allows your truck to get a fine damping skill and efficiency.
Bilstein 47-244634 B8 6112 Suspension Leveling Kit

Designed for increase wheel travel, this kit consists of 2 shocks to get fine control.
Bilstein 24-187367 5100 Series Front Shock

This shock is one of the finest for daily drivers to get comfortable and better handling.
Bilstein 47-256958 B8 6112 Suspension Leveling Kit

This kit comes with 2 shocks that help to ride faster and stable on rough road conditions.
Bilstein (24-186940) 5100 Series Shock Absorber

Made out of strong material, this shock absorber is great for an adventurous ride.
Bilstein 47-259768 6112 Suspension Kit

This kit features two 2 shocks that allow your truck wheel gets better space to maneuver.

Let’s Go Deep Comparing Their Features

Bilstein 6112 or 5100 shocks series? To know the winner, here are some comparison points:

Dissimilarity Between Both Series Piston & Rod Size


The piston and rod size of both series are different with unique benefits. Even though the difference is huge, both help in special ways. And so, we find a clear winner who has a better facility than another.

If you are new to the piston and rod size, usually shocks have an average diameter that helps them to transfer the kinetic energy into another form. The piston and rod size offered in a shock your truck will find better balance at low and high RPM.

Not only the piston and rod size affect the riding pose but also makes sure your truck to get better damp and control to get better riding quality. Also, it makes sure better absorption to ride in the bumpy road comfortably.

And, if you want a perfect balanced damper to get the finest ride quality, then this Bilstein 47234413 5100 Shock Absorber is a fine pick. It as well makes sure you are getting better performance with 46 mm piston and 14 mm rod size.

Mostly, the Bilstein 5100 shock absorbers series comes with a 46 mm piston and 14 mm rod size that makes sure better space and good balance at higher and lower rates. Also, they make sure good riding quality and control than the Bilstein 6112 Tundra or other models.

On the flip side, the Bilstein 6112 shock absorbers series comes with a 60 mm piston and 18 mm rod size that ensure good balance at low RPM. But they are bad for higher RPM riding. Also, the Bilstein 6112 series shock absorbers aren’t good for quality riding.

If putting both series side by side, we would like to say the real winner is the Bilstein 5100 shocks for their great smoothness and precise space for a truck when to find better movement.

Best Pick For Riding Smoothness


Gaps Between Both Bilstein 5100 And 6112 Series Height Settings


The shock absorbers have different height settings depending on the truck requirements. You see, the height settings actually indicate the ground clearance level so that you can ride in the most surface with no struggle. It also allows your truck to get better traction to drive well.

On top of that, you will see different models have different types of head adjustments which makes one better than another. If talking about Bilstein 5100 Vs 6112 Tundra, there is a good difference that poles them apart. And, one has better height settings than another.

No wonder of the height settings in shock absorbers since it would help your truck to get a balance position to drive in greater speed with no hitch. The height settings of shock absorbers also ensure better usability and support to find grip in the harsh road condition.

Therefore, if you are interested in choosing good height settings included options, then the Bilstein 47-255074 B8 6112 Suspension Leveling Kit is a good pick. This kit also consists of 2 stocks that have good options and dampening ability.

Usually, the Bilstein 5100 series shock absorbers have 3 different height settings that allow you to get your desire ground clearance easily. However, they might not work fine when it comes to putting larger wheels. And, the Bilstein 5100 series lacks height settings compare to others.

In contrast, the Bilstein 6112 series shock absorbers have 5 different height settings that allow better ground clearance and road support to find grip and traction easily. They on top make sure your truck is running in the finest position with no damages even if riding at faster RPM.

In between both series comparison on height settings, we find the Bilstein 6112 shock absorbers are the frontrunner for their fine height options.

Best Pick For Fast Road Setups


The Adjustability Difference Between Both Bilstein 5100 And 6112 Series


Both series come with different adjustability that makes one better for drivers. The Bilstein 5100 And 6112 series usually offer many benefits for special reasons. However, there is a clear winner that helps with goodness.

For sure, the adjustability of shock absorbers will result in your truck to get better balance, clarity, and looks to run in the rough road easily. No matter which type of road you want, the shock absorber helps to put larger wheels to ride on the toughest ground.

And, the shock absorbers adjustability makes sure your truck is getting better support on the suspension system to ride in the uneven ground easily. It on top makes sure energy to flow in a normal range.

If you want good options that have many benefits, then the Bilstein (24-186728) 5100 Series Shock Absorber is a fine pick. It on top allows your truck to get better optimal efficiency and power to ride at the better control.

Mostly, the Belstein 5100 series shock absorbers come with great balance and control benefits for your truck to ride in quality performance. They on top make sure you are getting velocity sensitivity, ride quality, handling, and ease. And, the Belstein 5100 series helps fine execution.

On the other hand, the Bilstein 6112 series shock absorbers have similar features but lack in riding on the most road condition. They on top make sure your truck is riding in the flat, rough, or wet roads easily, but, the Belstein 6112 shock absorber can’t take rough riding.

And for that reason, we find the Belstein 5100 series shock absorbers the likely winner for their finest performance and support for making your truck to get better balance and stability.

Best Pick For Fast Road Setups


Both Bilstein 5100 And 6112 Transition Setup Difference


The transition setup of both Bilstein 6112s and 5160s seems different with special increased suspension travel. It on top makes sure you are getting better kinetic energy transferring ability so that your truck wheels find the better rotational speed to drive at a fine RPM.

Some models on top have different transition setup that makes sure better speed and riding quality. If talking about the Bilstein 5100 Vs 6112 FJ Cruiser models, the 5100 FJ Cruiser model is good for transferring setup. In the same way, other models have different winners.

The shock absorber on top comes with extra suspension travel to give a better grip feel when riding on the ground. It on top makes sure you are getting fine performance to stay on the ground with better safety and traction.

And, we find the Bilstein 5100 Set of Monotube Gas Shock Absorbers a good option if you want a better transition setup with other options. It also makes sure you are getting fine performance and ground support.

Usually, the Bilstein 5100 series shock absorbers come with quicker transition ability and travel benefits for the resulting finest riding feel. They on top make sure your truck is getting better control and support. And, the Bilstein 5100 series shock absorbers have fast and safe travel.

Quite the opposite, the Bilstein 6112 series shock absorbers come with a quicker transition setup that transfers kinetic energy in a slower motion. They on top make sure your truck kinetic energy to travel but in a steady form.

If weighing both series on one side, then we find the Bilstein 5100 series shock absorbers for their brilliant transition ability to transfer speed to the wheels faster.

Best Pick For Better Traction


The Body Material Difference of Bilstein 5100 And 6112 Series


Just like other facts, the body material is another vital thing that needs to be considered when it comes to comparing Bilstein 5100 And 6112 Series. You see, the body material will indicate the lasting ability of one shock absorber depending on the base which needs to be strong.

Besides the construction of shock absorber need to be made out of strong material such as steel, aluminum, and so on. It on top makes sure you have for a long while to use in the truck.

The material of the shock absorbers will also indicate good resistance and lasting value. It on top makes sure you are getting better durability to get rid of rust or corrosion struggle. The shock absorbers also ensure good construction.

And, we are in love with the Bilstein 5100 Monotube Gas Shock Set for its great durability and construction to last long. It also makes sure your truck is getting better impact absorption and dampens for a good while.

Most of the time, the Bilstein 5100 series shock absorbers are made out of zinc-plated steel that helps a lot against rust or corrosion. The construction of Bilstein 5100 series shock absorbers are great to stand for a longer while than the 6112.

Conversely, the Bilstein 6112 series shock absorbers are built with zinc-plated steel that ensures a good durability. But they usually don’t last for a longer while comparing to other options.  Yet, the Bilstein 6112 series shock absorbers are great for a good while usage.

In the end, if we have to say the winner, it would be the Bilstein 5100 series for their great material quality choice that helps to last for a longer period of time with no struggle.

Best Pick For Perfect Timing


Variation Between Both Series Price Point


The price range of shock absorbers is another vital stuff that needs to be mention when comparing Bilstein 5100 and 6112 shock absorbers series. You see, the price can vary depending on the quality and options one is given in the product.

For sure, you need to compromise on either quality or price to get the perfect shock absorber. The price of shock absorber comes at a higher rate will result in you getting better options and extra features. Conversely, the low-cost shock absorber will lack quality points and options.

And, the price of the shock absorber will ensure you get better or worst quality. However, a few models do have a reasonable price rate with many good features and quality feel. But they are hard to find in the recent market.

For those of you who want fine quality and features in one pack, then the Bilstein 5100 Gas Shock Set is your finest pick. It also makes sure your truck is getting better performance and support to ride in most terrain and road conditions.

Most of the time, the Bilstein 5100 series shock absorbers come at a practically reasonable rate with better features and quality than others. They on top allow you to get the finest feel to use on good truck models at ease.

Alternatively, the Bilstein 5100 series shock absorbers come at a reasonable price rate with good options and quality. They have a good height system and wheel lifting ability to use larger wheels.

After reading out both sides, we find the Bilstein 5100 series the real winner for their price range and great options that allow your truck to get long-term usage durability.

Best Pick For Perfect Timing


Overall Thoughts

After discussing for this long, it should be clear that we are opting for a winner and there’s no draw in this case. The one we would like to vote for is the Bilstein 5100 series.

For most of us, who need to think about a regular day driving with once in week trail rides, the go-to shocks that are standard in quality plus usage sound more promising. And that’s exactly what most of the 5100 models are meant for. Not to mention its built quality plus affordability.

However, if you are more like an adventure person who needs to have all the complimentary features included and not just a go-to option, the Bilstein 6112, in that case, won’t be a bad route at all. It surely comes with some significant off-road and off-grid damping facilities. And also, the durability is quite rewarding overall.