How long should a set of Bilsteins realistically be expected to last? I've got well over 100k mi on mine, and the bushings are completely shot. I can replace them with new poly bushings, but I'm just wondering if the shocks themselves are played out. I haven't pulled them to test, but surely after that kind of mileage the valves and so forth inside have got be nearing the end of their engineered lifespan...

New bushings or replace the shocks themselves?

 

I would replace the shocks. As you said, the valves are probably shot.

 

Nobody else? I thought opinions were a dime a dozen around here, and I'm pretty sure I put a quarter in the slot... [8D]

 

I just put bilsteins on a few weeks ago and so far so good. I think bilstein has a lifetime warranty on them, but I'm not sure what it all covers. you could check out their website http://www.bilstein.com/warranty.php...9b7b60afae3387

 

Given the miles and age, 12 years, they should go.

 

The warranty only covers defects, not necessarily a wear-out situation due to normal use. Bilstein offers a rebuild service, but the rebuild costs almost as much as a new shock, plus I'd be without shocks during the rebuild process. Not an option. My thinking is that they wouldn't offer a rebuild service if they were intended to truly last a lifetime under normal use.

They're not 12 years old... maybe 5-7 years? The previous owner (a family member) put them on.

 

my dad still has the factory shocks on his truck and it is a 96 12 valve with 300 000km on them (thats 187500 miles)