Bilstein 26-296043 B6 Performance DampTronic Rear Shock 17-21 Audi A4/S4/A5/S5

Vehicle Fitment

• 2017-2020 Audi A4 (Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige) - with Electronic Suspension
• 2017-2021 Audi A4 Quattro (Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige, Ultra Sport) - with Electronic Suspension
• 2017-2021 Audi A4 allroad (Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige) - with Electronic Suspension
• 2018-2021 Audi A5 Quattro (Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige) - with Electronic Suspension
• 2018-2021 Audi A5 Sportback (Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige) - with Electronic Suspension
• 2018-2021 Audi S4 (Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige) - with Electronic Suspension
• 2018-2021 Audi S5 (Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige) - with Electronic Suspension
• 2018-2021 Audi S5 Sportback (Premium Plus, Prestige; 2020-2021 Premium) - with Electronic Suspension
• 2018-2019 Audi RS5 - with Electronic Suspension
• 2021 Audi RS5 - with Electronic Suspension

Fitment Notes

• This is a DampTronic shock designed exclusively for B9-platform Audi vehicles equipped with the factory electronic suspension (adaptive damping) system - it is NOT compatible with vehicles on standard, non-electronic suspension
• Rear position only - fits both driver and passenger sides (sold individually; no side-specificity; order 2 for a complete rear axle upgrade)
• Platform: B9 (MLB-evo) - covers A4 Sedan, A4 Quattro Sedan, A4 allroad Wagon, A5 Quattro Coupe, A5 Sportback, S4 Sedan, S5 Coupe, S5 Sportback, and RS5 Coupe
• Must be used with factory OE coil springs at stock ride height - not intended for use with lowering springs; for lowered applications with retained electronic suspension, Bilstein recommends the B16 DampTronic coilover kit (49-290868)
• Fully plug-and-play with factory electronic damping controls - all adaptive damping modes (Comfort, Auto, Dynamic) and Drive Select settings are retained with no reprogramming required
• A4 Sedan (non-Quattro) fitment is limited to the 2017-2020 model years; A4 Quattro and A4 allroad extend through 2021
• RS5 Coupe fitment applies to 2018-2019 and 2021 model years (2020 RS5 fitment should be verified at point of purchase)
• Note: Upper mount type is Stem; lower mount type is Eye - verify compatibility with your specific vehicle's suspension geometry if in doubt

Features

• Bilstein B6 Performance (DampTronic) - a precision-engineered monotube performance upgrade to the factory electronic damper on the Audi B9 platform, fully compatible with Audi's factory adaptive damping system
• Fully plug-and-play with Audi's factory electronic suspension - all Drive Select modes, adaptive damping settings, and in-cabin controls remain fully operational after installation with no reprogramming, recoding, or fault codes
• 46mm monotube design replaces the factory twin-tube damper's susceptibility to cavitation and fade under hard driving with consistent, responsive, fade-resistant damping at all adaptive damping settings
• High-pressure monotube gas design prevents oil aeration (foaming) under sustained load, maintaining full damping capability during spirited road driving, Autobahn use, or track sessions
• Vehicle-specific valve settings developed and Nurburgring-tested for the Audi B9/MLB-evo platform, delivering improved cornering stability, body control, and steering feedback across all drive modes
• Works with factory OE coil springs - a true bolt-on upgrade that retains factory ride height, aesthetics, and all stock suspension geometry
• Bilstein's patented seamless monotube construction maximizes heat dissipation and extends service life beyond the factory damper
• Individually fine-tuned in-house by Bilstein for the B9 application - each unit undergoes application-specific valve setting and quality verification before leaving the factory
• Finish: Yellow Paint - Bilstein's signature corrosion-resistant coating
• Made in Germany with a limited lifetime warranty

Specifications

• Part Number: 26-296043
• Series: B6 Performance (DampTronic)
• Position: Rear (fits both driver and passenger sides)
• Piston Diameter: 46mm
• Internal Design: Monotube
• Upper Mount: Stem
• Lower Mount: Eye
• Finish: Yellow Paint
• Boot Included: No
• Spring Seat Included: No
• Platform: Audi B9 (MLB-evo)
• Electronic Compatibility: Audi Electronic/Adaptive Suspension - required
• Adjustable Damping: Via factory electronic damping system (all factory modes retained)
• Quantity: 1 shock absorber per package
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime

Included Components

• 1x Bilstein B6 Performance (DampTronic) Rear Shock Absorber (26-296043)

Product Description

The Bilstein 26-296043 B6 Performance (DampTronic) Rear Shock Absorber is the definitive performance damper upgrade for the Audi B9 platform - covering the 2017-2021 A4, A4 Quattro, and A4 allroad; the 2018-2021 A5 Quattro, A5 Sportback, S4, S5, and S5 Sportback; and the 2018-2019 and 2021 RS5 - on vehicles equipped with Audi's factory electronic/adaptive suspension system. As a DampTronic-designated shock, the 26-296043 is engineered from the ground up to interface electronically with Audi's adaptive damping system, making it a fully plug-and-play replacement: all Drive Select modes, adaptive damping levels (Comfort, Auto, Dynamic), and in-cabin suspension controls continue functioning exactly as designed - with no fault codes, no reprogramming, and no loss of any factory functionality.

The factory B9 Audi adaptive damper uses a twin-tube construction that, while electronically sophisticated, is inherently limited in its ability to resist cavitation and maintain consistent performance under sustained hard use. The Bilstein 26-296043 replaces this with a 46mm monotube design running high-pressure nitrogen gas - a construction that eliminates cavitation entirely and maintains full damping force regardless of heat buildup or intensity of use. Bilstein's application-specific valve settings were developed and Nurburgring-tested for the B9/MLB-evo chassis, delivering measurably improved cornering stability, body roll control, and steering feedback - improvements that are felt across all adaptive damping modes and load conditions. At stock ride height with OE coil springs, the installation is fully bolt-on with no other modifications required.

This shock is designed for use with factory OE springs only. Owners seeking a lowered stance with retained adaptive damping compatibility should consider the Bilstein B16 DampTronic coilover system (49-290868), which is designed for the same B9 vehicle family. No dust boot or spring seat is included with the 26-296043. This part is non-side-specific and sold individually - order two for a complete rear axle upgrade. Backed by Bilstein's limited lifetime warranty.