Vehicle Fitment

• 1996-2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 (R170, 2.0L I4, 136 hp / 100 kW, RWD) — With Lowering Springs 35-55mm
• 1996-2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Kompressor (R170, 2.0L I4 Supercharged, 163 hp / 120 kW, RWD) — With Lowering Springs 35-55mm
• 1996-2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor (R170, 2.3L I4 Supercharged, 193-197 hp / 142-145 kW, RWD) — With Lowering Springs 35-55mm
• 1996-2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 320 (R170, 3.2L V6, 218 hp / 160 kW, RWD) — With Lowering Springs 35-55mm
• 2001-2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 32 AMG Kompressor (R170, 3.2L V6 Supercharged, 354 hp / 260 kW, RWD) — With Lowering Springs 35-55mm

Fitment Notes

• This B6 Performance shock is specifically engineered and certificated for use with lowering springs — front drop of 35-55mm (front axle load to 905 kg) and rear drop of 35-55mm (rear axle load to 850 kg)
• Not intended for stock ride height applications — for OE ride height replacement, use Bilstein B4 part number 24-100885
• Verify your lowering spring drop amount falls within the 35-55mm certified range before ordering; use outside this range is not covered under Bilstein's warranty terms for this part
• All R170 SLK models are rear-wheel drive — this shock applies across all drivetrain configurations on this platform
• This is a rear shock absorber only — does not carry the coil spring; spring removal is required to access the shock during rear suspension service
• Engine power coverage is 100-260 kW, spanning the full R170 lineup from the base SLK 200 through the SLK 32 AMG
• Sold individually — 2 units required for a complete rear axle replacement
• Position: Rear (fits both left/driver and right/passenger side)

Features

• Bilstein B6 Performance (Sport) — a performance upgrade over OE dampers, purpose-engineered and certificated for pairing with lowering springs in the 35-55mm drop range on the R170 SLK platform
• Monotube gas pressure design provides superior heat dissipation, fade-free damping consistency, and a larger effective piston area compared to twin-tube alternatives
• Application-specific valve calibration with a velocity-sensitive digressive piston tuned precisely to the R170's rear multi-link suspension geometry across all engine variants (100-260 kW)
• Higher damping rate valving than B4 OE replacement — delivers firmer, more controlled body motions appropriate for the shortened suspension travel that accompanies a 35-55mm lowered stance
• High-pressure nitrogen gas charge prevents oil foaming and aeration, maintaining stable and consistent rear damping force during spirited driving, sustained cornering, and high-speed stability events
• Outstanding driving dynamics — delivers the flat, planted feel the SLK is capable of when properly set up with matched lowering springs
• Paired with appropriate lowering springs, provides improved safety and sportiness over the combined worn OE shocks and aftermarket springs scenario
• High OE-quality construction manufactured to the same standards as Bilstein's factory OEM supply components for Mercedes-Benz
• Limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects

Specifications

• Part Number: 24-024655
• Series: Bilstein B6 Performance (Sport)
• Internal Design: Monotube Gas Pressure
• Position: Rear (Left or Right)
• Damping: Non-adjustable
• Spring Seat Included: No (shock does not carry spring)
• Engine Power Range: 100-260 kW (all R170 engine variants)
• Lowering Range: Front 35-55mm (axle load to 905 kg) / Rear 35-55mm (axle load to 850 kg)
• Finish: Yellow Paint
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects
• Quantity: Sold individually (1x shock absorber per unit)

Included Components

• 1x Bilstein B6 Performance Rear Monotube Shock Absorber (24-024655)

Product Description

The Bilstein 24-024655 is a B6 Performance rear shock absorber designed and certificated specifically for the Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170 chassis, 1996-2004) when equipped with lowering springs in the 35-55mm drop range. The R170 SLK is a compact, RWD roadster with a multi-link rear suspension derived from the W202 C-Class platform, and it responds exceptionally well to a properly matched lowering spring and shock combination. This B6 unit covers the complete R170 engine range — from the base SLK 200 (100 kW) through the SLK 200 Kompressor, SLK 230 Kompressor, and SLK 320, up to the high-performance SLK 32 AMG Kompressor (260 kW) — with a single application-specific valve tune calibrated to the platform's rear axle loads and geometry. Bilstein's monotube design delivers superior heat management and damping consistency compared to the twin-tube shocks commonly found in budget replacement options.

Unlike the B4 OE replacement (24-100885), which is calibrated for stock ride height, the B6 Performance features higher-rate valving matched to the reduced suspension travel and altered geometry that accompanies a 35-55mm lowered stance. Running the incorrect shock with lowering springs — particularly the stock unit — often results in shock bottoming, harsh ride, compromised handling, and accelerated wear. The 24-024655 is certificated by Bilstein to the specific axle load limits of this application: front axle load to 905 kg at 35-55mm drop, rear axle load to 850 kg at 35-55mm drop. Owners should verify their lowering spring drop falls within this range before installation.

The 24-024655 is sold individually and two units are required for a complete rear axle replacement. Because the R170 rear shock does not carry the coil spring in the conventional sense, spring removal is part of the rear shock replacement procedure on this platform — consult the workshop manual or a qualified technician for installation guidance. Backed by Bilstein's limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects, the 24-024655 is the recommended rear damper upgrade for R170 SLK owners running quality aftermarket lowering springs seeking improved dynamics, flat cornering, and precise steering response from their roadster.