I cannot comment on the Koni because I haven't used them, but my B14s are 3 years old, done almost 100k in a very heavy T32 that gets driven hard every day up and down the UK and they've been faultless, and the van still drives as good as the day they were fitted 3 years ago. Mine aren't the Komforts, but i've driven one of
@BognorMotors 6.1 on the Komfort suspension, that was around the height you want and it drove fantastic.
Needless to say, i'm a huge fan of Bilstein shocks and although the others might just be as good, i'm sticking with Bilstein as much as I can.
I don't have any problem with the quality of the Bilstein kits as a general rule. As you and some others know, I ran the original B14 myself for many miles and they were faultless and they understandably have a strong following. There are many, many people running Bilstein coil/sleeve over kits and they are very happy and run them without fault.
There are reasons why I prefer other kits to the newer B14 komforts. There are some technical reasons, one example of which is that I prefer the threaded adjustment to be part of the shock body itself rather than a separate sleeve over a standard shock body. That's not saying there's anything wrong with the Bilstein solution, it does serve it's purpose and does the job it was intended to do.
As for the ride, I've tried the B14 komforts myself and they are very good. I can't and won't criticise the ride quality, but having said that, it isn't any better, or worse, than some alternatives on the market.
My biggest problem with the B14 komforts is the price and that's the single biggest reason I don't sell them myself. Before I started my business I had an issue with the price and I still do.
Looking at it through the eyes of a customer, If you consider that the original B14s were/are something like £1100, SoLows (also by Bilstein as you know, but some might not) are £1350, but the B14 komforts are RRP at £1800, often available for £1700, but now £1400 at Vanstyle at least. There are deals to be had elsewhere too I'm sure, but I still don't like the pricing.
The B14 komfort isn't anything out of the ordinary when it comes to technology, it's a dual tube shock with shortened shafts and a height adjustable sleeve, so I can't see the development costs justifying the price. I said it when they were first released and I'll say it again now, I see it as profiteering. It's Bilstein cashing in on the popularity of the original B14 by grossly overcharging for their newer product. Some clever marketing helps, as does support from some big names in the transporter modification industry.
I doubt anyone who has the B14 komfort kit would complain about the ride, they are, as I have said already, very good, but for me personally I take issue with the pricing structure.
