[Akmbenz5465]

I have had good results with my 2005 XJ8 using Arnott replacement struts. Unless the conversion is done properly; you’ll get all kinds of annoying suspension failure codes.

 

[Akmbenz5465]

When I bought my 2004 X350, the suspension was wonky. I bought the car for my in-laws who don't live near me, and I didn't want them to ever come out to find the car sitting on the ground, so instead of fixing the suspension, I immediately replaced it with Arnott's coil system designed and built for the X350 (as referenced above by Akmbenz5465). That was over 6 years ago, and the car still drives, well, fine. Certainly fine for them.

That said, when I bought my 2009 X358 two years later, well, let's just say the difference was noticeable. Even though the X358 had bigger wheels / less sidewall (which I believe hurts the ride characteristics), it still tamed the roads better than my 2004 with coils.

So sure, if you want hassle-free suspension, by all means, go to the coils (strongly suggest the ones from Arnott that are built for that car). But ultimately, and especially since I expect the parts are more reliable now than when they were first introduced in 2003 / 2004, I'd stick with the air suspension.

Beautiful car, by the way. It makes me long for my X358, which I dearly miss.

 

[Akmbenz5465]

No argument that the original air suspension provides better handling characteristics than the Arnott’s. I was quite fortunate to find a 2007 XJ8 Vanden Plas with 54,000 documented miles at a dealer in Ling Island last May. He took my 2005 XJ8 in trade in spite of 155,000 miles and a somewhat balky transmission.

I noticed the improved handling of the ‘07 immediately versus the Arnott that I had in the 2005. I’m hopeful that the air suspension will hold up for 100K miles which will give me 4-5 years of great fun b4 the inevitable troubles begin once again.