Bilstein 6112s leaking after 60k miles - warranty?

[Durango Dave]

My twin brother and I had many '70s BMW 2002s including a nice 1973 BMW 2002tii that I had for 30+ years. So we put Billsteins with lifetime warranties on them and actually bought a whole extra set of shocks so we could put new ones on while we sent the old ones back for warranty replacement. At first they would just send you a new set of front or rears but eventually they started testing them and would send the old ones back if they determined they were still serviceable

 

[Romeo1]

My twin brother and I had many '70s BMW 2002s including a nice 1973 BMW 2002tii that I had for 30+ years. So we put Billsteins with lifetime warranties on them and actually bought a whole extra set of shocks so we could put new ones on while we sent the old ones back for warranty replacement. At first they would just send you a new set of front or rears but eventually they started testing them and would send the old ones back if they determined they were still serviceable

Dang.....

This is why we can't have nice things[emoji851]

 

[osugsxr]

After 5+ weeks, I heard nothing from Wheelers or Bilstein, so I contacted Wheeler again to check on the status of the warranty claim.

Bilstein has decided the seals are leaking through normal "wear and tear" for this mileage (actually 80k) and decided to deny any warranty claim...even they are supposed to be covered by a "Lifetime" warranty.

I fully understand shocks/struts wear out over time and need to be replaced or rebuilt, and a manufacture needs to protect themselves from individual claims for those times equipment has been abused. I'm not saying my installed struts should have lasted forever.

My issue is with Bilstein offering a "Lifetime" warranty by denying a claim for mileage when there is no stated mileage limit and the struts don't illustrate signs of abuse. They should simply state up front they only warranty them for x miles or a time limit.

Bilstein's claim of a "Lifetime" warranty is essentially worthless unless the shock/strut was broken/snapped where they would probably claim abuse and deny as well.

Off to purchase another set of struts...obviously not Bilstein.

:rockthrow: that sucks ...Curious about the fine print on the warranty. I've been happy with the TRD FJ kit 6112 & 5160 but replaced the leaking 5160s with 5100s . Once the 6112s start to leak or the spring breaks Ill probably go with a dobinsons set up. I have about 65-70k on the 6112s

 

[JPOVS]

I bought 6112’s about 6 years ago. When I was doing research on them before I purchased, I called Bilstein to ask a few questions. One of the questions was warranty, and they said these come with a 90 day or so warranty. Not the lifetime warranty as these are considered performance shocks.

I found the 6112’s to be too stiff and jarring. But they are a digressive shock. Progressive style shock is what I have now and rebuildable. Much happier!