SKU: 81899014538

Bilstein B6 Performance Rear Shock Absorber — VW Beetle, Super Beetle & Ghia IRS (1968–1979) | 97-4005-0

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Description

Bilstein B6 Performance Rear Shock Absorber — VW Beetle, Super Beetle & Ghia IRS (1968–1979) | 97-4005-0Bilstein B6 Performance rear shock absorber for IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) VW Beetle and Super Beetle, 19681979. The street performance rear shock for late model air cooled VWs running the IRS rear end. EMPI part #97 4005 0 (Bilstein 24 006347). Why Bilstein B6 over stock replacement rear shocks Bilstein has been the OE shock supplier for serious driving cars Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Audi for over six decades. The B6 series is their street

Bilstein B6 Performance rear shock absorber for IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) VW Beetle and Super Beetle, 1968–1979. The street-performance rear shock for late-model air-cooled VWs running the IRS rear end. EMPI part #97-4005-0 (Bilstein 24-006347).

Why Bilstein B6 over stock-replacement rear shocks

Bilstein has been the OE shock supplier for serious driving cars — Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Audi — for over six decades. The B6 series is their street-performance line, built around a monotube gas-pressure design that resists fade, doesn't foam under repeated cycling, and provides a more linear damping curve than twin-tube stock-replacement shocks.

The IRS rear suspension on late Beetles is a substantial improvement over the earlier swing axle setup — the rear wheels maintain a much more consistent contact patch through suspension travel. Pairing that improved geometry with quality B6 shocks transforms the rear-end behavior of the car: more predictable cornering, better grip on rough surfaces, and a noticeably more composed ride.

Specifications

  • Series: Bilstein B6 Performance
  • Position: Rear
  • Design: Monotube, gas pressure
  • Application: IRS (Independent Rear Suspension)
  • Sold as: Single shock
  • Part number: 97-4005-0 (EMPI) / 24-006347 (Bilstein)

Fitment

  • VW Beetle (Standard, IRS rear): 1968–1979 — verify your specific car's rear suspension type, as the IRS transition happened for some 1968 models and all 1969+
  • VW Super Beetle: 1971–1979 (IRS rear)
  • VW Karmann Ghia (IRS rear): 1969–1974

Will NOT fit: Swing axle rear suspension (most 1967 and earlier Beetles, and all early Buses) — order #97-4006-0 instead. Will not fit off-road builds with modified rear shock mounting.

FAQ

How do I know if I have IRS or swing axle?
Look at the rear wheels with the car on level ground. IRS cars keep the rear wheels mostly vertical. Swing axle cars show visible inward camber (the tops of the rear wheels lean toward the center of the car), and the camber changes dramatically when the car is jacked up. The transition happened over 1968–1969 model years for Beetle.

Is this sold as a pair?
No, single shock. Order two for a complete rear-axle replacement.

Will B6 shocks help my Super Beetle's handling?
Yes. Super Beetles are notorious for vague, floaty handling — they're heavier than Standard Beetles and run a different front suspension entirely. Good rear shocks won't fix the front end issues, but they will dramatically improve rear-end composure.

How long do they last?
Bilstein B6 shocks have a typical service life of 60,000–100,000 miles in street use.

Do I need to replace front and rear at the same time?
Strongly recommended. For an IRS Beetle, pair these with the ball joint front B6 (#97-4001-0) for Standard Beetle, or appropriate Super Beetle strut for Super.

Will these work on a 1969 Karmann Ghia?
Yes — 1969+ Karmann Ghia uses the IRS rear suspension shared with the Standard Beetle.

Shipping Notes
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Exchange/Return Notes
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  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
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SKU: 81899014538

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★★★★★ 5
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The good: Good quality. Keeps accurate time. The not so good: The not so good is not a problem with the watch but a problem with adjusting the metal band. And that is not the band's fault. That's my fault. To adjust the band so it fits the wrist one must take out links in the band. A tool comes with the watch to aid link removal. I just could not do it. So I replaced this band with another metal band that has a quick adjust magnetic closure.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2024
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Ivan Rozo
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 1
Es una estafa
Color: G3255:Silver band&Blue dial
Re malo me robaron mi plata Se dañó a la semana
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Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2026
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Robert Heath
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
The color and how well it looks
Color: GZ3255Z:Silver band&Blue dial
I have a lot of comments everywhere I go about the color, how smart the watch looks and I just love it.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2025
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The best watch OUPINKE
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Color: GZ3255Z:Two tone band&Blue dial, Color: GZ3255Z:Two tone band&Blue dial
OUPINKE watch is Comfortable and best quality.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2024
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Dom Miliano
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Classy fully automatic watch - lots of bling too
Watches with a mechanical movement are becoming more mainstream despite the impact of smart watches and quartz movement timepieces. With a pure mechanical watch, there are no concerns about battery charge so when you pick it up from the nightstand, all you would have to do is give the stem a twist to wind the main spring, reset the time and off you go - and that's only if it has stopped. If it hasn't stopped (it won't if you wear it every day or have a watch winder) you strap it on and you are all set. I gave this watch my regular accuracy test set against a clock linked to the atomic time source. To my great surprise, it was as accurate as one of my much more expensive mechanical watches (how much more expensive? This watch costs about the same as the sales tax on the most pricy watch in the closet !!) I use the included watch bracelet tool to remove a link from the watch to get a proper fit. Including the tool in the box saves you the $10 plus fee a jeweler might charge you to make the adjustment - very cool. And you probably will need to remove at least one link - some may need to remove two - since the bracelet has a generous size. Speaking of the bracelet, it's beautiful. I wore the watch today to church and a friend said it had "heavy duty bling" ... But she did say she thought it was beautiful and I concur. Finally, The way the bracelet clasp works is reminiscent of a Longines bracelet i have and that spells quality to me. The dial is black with chrome shiny minute markers so visibility in good light is excellent. I do not detect any glow in the dark markings on the hands or the minute markers - factor that in for your purchase decision. I see this watch as serving as your "good" watch for business wear, to don for a meal at a fancy restaurant or for that big date night. I think it has a classic look that (despite the bling of the bracelet) is conservative enough for anyone and any business situation.The only place I wouldn't wear it is to the beach or the gym despite the fact that it has claimed that it is waterproof to depths you probably will never experience. Accurate, beautiful, real quality that translates to good value and capable of being almost anyone's "good" watch. Recommended
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