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

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.