Bilstein B8 Performance Plus Rear Shock Absorber – ALPINA BMW E21
Upgrade your classic BMW E21 or ALPINA E21 with the Bilstein B8 Performance Plus rear shock absorber, part number Bilstein 24-184618. Engineered for lowered cars and fast-road driving, the B8 short-stroke monotube gas-pressure damper delivers sharper handling, improved stability and precision control without sacrificing ride quality. Perfect with lowering springs or factory sport suspension, this is the go-to rear shock for drivers who want a true performance suspension upgrade on the E21 platform.
We run Bilstein B8 on our own builds and customer cars and the feedback is consistently excellent. Expect tighter body control, confident turn-in and a composed, planted rear axle on British B-roads and motorway cruising alike.
Why choose Bilstein B8 for BMW E21 and ALPINA E21
- Designed for lowered vehicles – maintains proper spring preload with short-stroke internals
- Monotube gas-pressure technology – consistent damping, fade-resistant performance
- Sporty, controlled ride – precision handling with everyday comfort
- Individually road-tested by Bilstein for optimal E21 tuning
- Direct-fit rear shock absorber – quality replacement for tired OE dampers
- Ideal pairing with lowering spring kits and factory sport suspensions
Search-friendly fitment and keywords
Bilstein B8 rear shock, Bilstein 24-184618, Bilstein Performance Plus, BMW E21 rear shock absorber, BMW E21 rear damper, BMW 3 Series E21 suspension upgrade, ALPINA E21 rear shock, ALPINA B6 E21 shock absorber, E21 315 316 318 320 320i 320/6 323i rear shocks, lowered suspension damper, gas pressure monotube shock, sport suspension rear damper, spring-bearing rear damper, E21 handling upgrade, classic BMW suspension.
Key features
- For use with lowering spring sets and production sport suspensions
- Sporty feel while maintaining comfort
- Bilstein gas pressure technology
- Individually fine-tuned during Bilstein road testing
- Enhanced safety and performance when changing to lowering springs
- Precision handling for optimised vehicle control
- Bilstein upside-down monotube technology available
Technical characteristics
| Fitting Position | Rear Axle |
| Shock Absorber Design | Spring-bearing Damper |
| Mounting Type | Bottom eye, Top pin |
| System | Monotube |
| Type | Gas Pressure |
Vehicle compatibility
ALPINA
- B6 (E21) 2.8 – 03.78 to 03.83
BMW
- 3 Series (E21) – 06.75 to 03.84
- Models: 315, 316, 318, 318i, 320, 320i, 320/6, 323i
Compatibility check
We verify fitment before dispatch. Enter your UK registration or the last 7 digits of your VIN at checkout and we will confirm this Bilstein B8 rear shock absorber fits your E21 or ALPINA application.
Fitting and setup
Professional installation recommended. For fitting in Warwickshire, book with Nforcd. Request a quote: Sales@nforcd.com
Part numbers and identifiers
- Part Number: BILSTEIN-24-184618
- Also known as: Bilstein 24-184618, Bilstein B8 Performance Plus Rear Shock Absorber
- EAN: 4025258498528
- UPC: 651860498522
- Manufacturer: Bilstein
Buy with confidence from Nforcd
Genuine Bilstein product supplied by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. We have installed B8 dampers on numerous customer cars and our own projects, and customers consistently praise the improvement in control, confidence and road feel on the BMW E21 platform. If you are building a fast-road E21 or refreshing a classic, the Bilstein B8 rear shock is the proven choice.