SKU: 67903194618

Bilstein B6 Performance Rear Shock Absorber — VW Beetle, Ghia, Bus, Type 3 Swing Axle (1950–1968) | 97-4006-0

Sale price$2057.79 Regular price$2286.43
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $571.61 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 15 - Jul 20

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Bilstein B6 Performance Rear Shock Absorber — VW Beetle, Ghia, Bus, Type 3 Swing Axle (1950–1968) | 97-4006-0Bilstein B6 Performance rear shock absorber for swing axle VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Type 3, 19501973. The street performance rear shock for vintage VWs with the original swing axle rear suspension. EMPI part #97 4006 0 (Bilstein 24 181488). 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

Bilstein B6 Performance rear shock absorber for swing axle VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Type 3, 1950–1973. The street-performance rear shock for vintage VWs with the original swing axle rear suspension. EMPI part #97-4006-0 (Bilstein 24-181488).

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 swing axle rear suspension on early VWs is famously prone to oversteer and inconsistent grip with worn-out shocks, since the rear wheels can tuck under during hard cornering. Quality rear shocks like the B6 don't fix the swing axle's geometric quirks, but they do control wheel motion much better — which means more predictable handling and far fewer surprises when you push the car.

Specifications

  • Series: Bilstein B6 Performance
  • Position: Rear
  • Design: Monotube, gas pressure
  • Application: Swing axle rear suspension
  • Sold as: Single shock
  • Part number: 97-4006-0 (EMPI) / 24-181488 (Bilstein)

Fitment

  • VW Beetle (swing axle rear): 1950–1968 (Standard Beetle, all years before IRS conversion); some early-1969 Standard Beetles also retained swing axle — verify your specific car
  • VW Karmann Ghia (swing axle rear): 1956–1968
  • VW Bus / Transporter: 1950–1967 (swing axle rear)
  • VW Type 3 (swing axle rear): 1962–1968

Will NOT fit: IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) rear ends — VW transitioned to IRS in 1969 on Beetle and Karmann Ghia. For 1968–1979 IRS Beetles, order #97-4005-0 instead. Will not fit off-road builds with modified rear shock mounting.

FAQ

How do I know if I have swing axle or IRS?
Look at the rear wheels. On swing axle cars, the rear axle tubes hinge at the transmission, and the wheels visibly tilt inward (positive camber) when the car is jacked up. On IRS cars, the rear suspension uses independent control arms with constant-velocity joints, and the wheels stay more upright. The transition was the 1969 model year for Beetle and Ghia; Bus stayed swing axle longer.

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

Will B6 shocks help with swing axle oversteer?
Indirectly, yes. Better-controlled wheel motion means the rear stays more predictable under cornering loads. They won't eliminate the swing axle's geometric tendency to tuck under, but they'll make the car much more consistent and less prone to surprise lift-off oversteer.

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. Mixing performance shocks at one end with worn stock shocks at the other creates handling imbalance. Pair these with the matching front B6 for your front suspension type (link pin or ball joint).

Will these work on a swing axle Bus?
Verify mounting and length before ordering. Bus swing axle rear shocks are different from Beetle swing axle shocks in some applications. Contact us if you're unsure.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 67903194618

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.3 ★★★★★
Based on 8 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
M
Verified Purchase
Mr Frosty
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Good fit, good value
Style: CF12436 Classic, Style: CF12436 Classic
Purchased this filter for my 2023 Outback. First off changing the cabin filter on this model Subaru is amazingly easy and can be done with no tools and no more then 5 minutes. Pictures posted show packaging, the paper "Blue" filter side, the "Black" charcoal side and the foam outer edge. The filter is well made and is very sturdy as the outer shell is plastic vs. other paper filters that are more flexible. Holding the filter in your hand and giving it a slite shake you can hear the activated charcoal within it. After installing the filter I had a few trips in the car, did I notice any difference in the air quality coming into the cabin....... no. But does this mean its not working? also no. What I can say is the filter fit snug and left no gaps, and with the plastic surroundings and foam in sure the filter will not be letting anything get by as it passes through the system. All and all this filter is well made and sturdy, and seems to be a good value with other paper only filters being about the same price.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2026
B
Verified Purchase
bin
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect Fit and Great Quality
Style: CF12552 Classic
The thickness is just right and fits perfectly. Easy to install, good airflow, and the air feels much cleaner after replacing the old filter. Great value for the price.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026
S
Verified Purchase
Steph
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Easy to install
Style: CF10374 Classic
The frame is made of hard plastic (color black) which fits perfectly in the air cabin filter system of a Toyota Tacoma 2006 V6. It holds it's shap quite well. The carbon filter is able to be seen and works so far. The quality seems good and the thickness of the filter is well made with a foam outter film that makes it fit my Tacoma very well. I'm happy with it. The ease of installation is good and it is well worth the money.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
Kindle Customer
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Filter quality and value
Style: CF11809 Classic
2nd time to purchase this item over a 5 year period. The filter has a rigid frame making last much longer than other paper filters. Perfect fit and worth the cost. Great job filtering cabin and neutralizing odors!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2026
D
Verified Purchase
Donte Davis
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Simple Upgrade That Makes a Real Difference
Style: CF10140 Classic
Installed the Zezut cabin filter in my 2005 Infiniti G35 and noticed the difference immediately. The air inside the car felt fresher and cleaner right away — no more stale air circulating through the vents. The HEPA backing is a big deal, knowing it's actually filtering out dust, pollen, and particles rather than just being a basic filter gives you real peace of mind. The quality feels solid and well made. Installation was super easy, took just a few minutes with no tools needed. For the price this is one of those simple maintenance upgrades that's absolutely worth doing. Your lungs will thank you. Great price and affordable, top choice for replacement in my opinion.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2026

recommand products