MK3.5 PRHT Sport/Venture Rear Bilstein Part Number

  1. My model of MX-5 is: 2012 MK3.5/NC PRHT Venture/Sport
  2. I’m based near: Bedfordshire
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Rear Bilstein Shock Part Number

Hi All,

I’m needing to replace the rear shocks/dampers and initially it appears an OE replacement is a Bilstein B6 #24-131759 (https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/products/24-131759?_pos=3&_sid=ab0097eef&_ss=r).

However, from reading around here and other forums, it seems the PRHT might use a custom/Mazda special variant and a standard B6 shock will increase the ride height.

Is this the case and does anyone know the official Bilstein (and Mazda if doable) part number for the rear shock?

I see MX5Parts lists a rear shock for the PRHT (https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/shock-absorber-rear-bilstein-mk35-p-4211.html) but obviously i’m trying to shop around rather than pay £400 for a pair.

Much appreciated for any help! :slight_smile:

Ride height is determined by springs/coils not dampers/shocks,

Would a difference in spring base, supposedly the difference between the two rear shocks, not change the ride height?

Essentially, MX5Parts offer two different rear shocks for the MK3.5 - PRHT (https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/shock-absorber-rear-bilstein-mk35-p-4211.html) and Soft Top (https://www.mx5parts.co.uk/shock-absorber-rear-bilstein-mk35-convertible-p-4210.html).
And majority of shops/stores are listing B6 #24-131759 which i’m assuming, no actual proof and Bilstein UK only offered those when i phoned them and couldn’t tell me otherwise, is the “soft-top” variant rather than the ones requires for the PRHT.

So i’m just trying to confirm the difference and the Bilstein (/Mazda) part number of the PRHT variant?

Certainly my local Mazda dealership won’t give out part numbers after quoting £320+VAT each :anguished:

The mazda bilstein is not comparable with the aftermarket bilsteins. You have the choice of buying the mazda part or a replacement aftermarket pair. I would not consider a mix and match

Yup, the more i read the more it appears that the OE Mazda Bilstein are a different product to the B6’s that are offered by Bilstein as a direct replacement and arguably the better shocks.

So if i opt for the Bilstein B6, then ideally i should do all four and not just the rears?
The B6’s are around £100 each or MX5Parts want £200 each for OE rears - so it all works out about the same.

I’ve have read the B6’s are a little firmer than the original Mazda Bilstein’s; other than that, are there any differences? Will the ride height change? And i assume i can use the B6’s with the standard OE (sport) springs?

Again much appreciated everyone; i’m getting a lot more answers here than official channels so it’s been a massive help :slight_smile: