Bilstein 5165 Remote Reservoir Shocks for Custom Applications
Bilstein 5165 shocks are intended for custom suspension applications where dimensions, mounts and valving must be selected deliberately. They use a remote-reservoir monotube layout related to the 5160 family, but a suitable length cannot be chosen from lift height alone. The specification table is the starting point for matching a shock to measured suspension movement.
Why the remote reservoir matters
The reservoir adds capacity and surface area that can help manage heat during repeated suspension movement. Its separating piston is located outside the main shock body, which can provide packaging advantages for usable shock stroke. That does not create extra wheel travel by itself: wheel travel is constrained by suspension geometry, joints, springs, hoses and other components. Reservoir construction also does not guarantee that fade is impossible under every operating condition.
Read length and travel together
Compare compressed length, extended length and travel as a set. At full suspension compression, the shock should not become the unintended bump stop; at extension, it should not become the unintended travel limiter unless the system is specifically designed that way. Measure the actual suspension through its intended range using a safe procedure. Static mounting distance is useful context but cannot establish whether a shock will accommodate both extremes.
Match the mounting configuration
The range includes eye-to-eye and stem-to-eye entries. Standard 5/8-inch bushing mounts are described unless otherwise noted, so inspect each part’s specific mounting information. Mount type affects both compatibility and how dimensions are interpreted. Do not compare a stem-to-eye dimension with an eye-to-eye measurement without understanding the specified reference points. Check bushing width, hardware and bracket clearance rather than assuming all entries share identical attachment details.
Use the valving column deliberately
The table includes different valving entries even where dimensions are similar. For example, 25-187861 is listed with 7.42 inches of travel, 12.3-inch compressed length, 19.72-inch extended length and 160/58 valving. Part 25-331820 is listed with 7.45 inches of travel, the same 12.3-inch compressed length, 19.75-inch extended length and 250/62 valving. Similar physical size therefore does not make the damping specification equivalent.
Plan reservoir and hose placement
Reserve space for the reservoir, its hose and secure mounting throughout suspension movement. Avoid heat, abrasion, tight hose routing and contact with moving parts. Billet reservoir clamp 11-176015 is referenced as a 5160 component; confirm its suitability for the selected installation before ordering. Do not assume a statement about reservoir mounts supplied with 5160 shocks establishes what comes with every 5165 part. Confirm included hardware and any additional mounting components separately.
Specifications and instructions
| 11-176015 | Bilstein 11-176015 B1 (Components) 5160 Billet Reservoir Clamp | View part |
| 5165 Series | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKU | Travel | Valving | Compression Length | Extended Length | Order | |
| 25-331868 Eye-to-Eye | 6.27 | 378/76 | 11.08 | 17.35 | View part | |
| 25-187861 Eye-to-Eye | 7.42 | 160/58 | 12.3 | 19.72 | View part | |
| 25-331745 Eye-to-Eye | 7.45 | 181/60 | 12.3 | 19.75 | View part | |
| 25-331820 Eye-to-Eye | 7.45 | 250/62 | 12.3 | 19.75 | View part | |
| 25-331882 Stem-to-Eye | 7.45 | 359/227 | 11.77 | 19.22 | View part | |
| 25-177480 Stem-to-Eye | 8.36 | 367/240 | 12.8 | 21.16 | View part | |
| 25-331899 Stem-to-Eye | 8.39 | 359/227 | 12.8 | 21.19 | View part | |
| 25-331752 Eye-to-Eye | 8.79 | 250/62 | 13.64 | 22.43 | View part | |
| 25-331837 Stem-to-Eye | 8.79 | 359/227 | 13.25 | 22.04 | View part | |
| 25-331875 Eye-to-Eye | 8.79 | 181/60 | 13.64 | 22.43 | View part | |
| 25-176117 Eye-to-Eye | 9.39 | 255/70 | 14.21 | 23.6 | View part | |
| 25-176124 Eye-to-Eye | 9.39 | 160/58 | 14.21 | 23.6 | View part | |
| 25-331806 Eye-to-Eye | 9.42 | 250/62 | 14.21 | 23.63 | View part | |
| 25-331844 Eye-to-Eye | 9.42 | 181/60 | 14.23 | 23.65 | View part | |
| 25-331851 Eye-to-Eye | 9.42 | 378/76 | 14.23 | 23.65 | View part | |
| 25-331790 Eye-to-Eye | 9.81 | 250/62 | 14.61 | 24.42 | View part | |
| 25-331813 Eye-to-Eye | 9.81 | 378/76 | 14.63 | 24.44 | View part | |
| 25-187700 Eye-to-Eye | 11.26 | 160/58 | 16.14 | 27.4 | View part | |
| 25-187717 Eye-to-Eye | 11.26 | 255/70 | 16.14 | 27.4 | View part | |
| 25-331738 Eye-to-Eye | 11.33 | 250/62 | 16.14 | 27.47 | View part | |
| 25-331776 Eye-to-Eye | 11.33 | 378/76 | 16.12 | 27.45 | View part | |
| 25-331783 Eye-to-Eye | 11.33 | 181/60 | 16.12 | 27.45 | View part | |
| 25-175783 Eye-to-Eye | 11.55 | 255/70 | 16.97 | 28.52 | View part | |
| 25-331714 Eye-to-Eye | 11.58 | 250/62 | 16.97 | 28.55 | View part | |
| 25-187731 Eye-to-Eye | 13.07 | 160/58 | 17.95 | 31.02 | View part | |
| 25-331691 Eye-to-Eye | 13.14 | 250/62 | 17.93 | 31.07 | View part | |
| 25-331721 Eye-to-Eye | 13.14 | 181/60 | 17.95 | 31.09 | View part | |
| 25-187755 Eye-to-Eye | 14.11 | 160/58 | 20.65 | 34.76 | View part | |
| 25-187762 Eye-to-Eye | 14.11 | 255/70 | 20.65 | 34.76 | View part | |
| 25-331707 Eye-to-Eye | 14.14 | 250/62 | 20.65 | 34.79 | View part | |
| 25-331769 Eye-to-Eye | 14.14 | 181/60 | 20.65 | 34.79 | View part | |
Applications and parts
Photos and diagrams
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Can I select a 5165 shock by lift height alone?
No. Use measured compressed and extended mounting requirements, mount details and appropriate valving.
Does the reservoir increase wheel travel?
Not by itself. It can support shock-stroke packaging, but the complete suspension determines available wheel travel.
Are all table entries eye-to-eye?
No. Stem-to-eye entries are included, and their mounting details must be checked individually.
