I have been looking for replacement shock absorbers for my s type r on various auction sites and when I search for s type r adaptive shock absorbers its shown f type versions too . So on looking at them they appear to be identical to s types except black rather than the green . They also seem more available than the s type r s version . Plus I'm not able to afford the 350 - 400 per shock absorber they are selling for . Is there anyone with the technical know how who could shed any light on any compatability. Thanks

 

I suspect the STR is somewhat heavier...

 

$350-$400 per shock for new electronic shocks is really low compared to what I've seen here.

 

It is perhaps worth mentioning that the STR shocks are known to 'weep' a little.
Quite often this looks a lot worse than it is.
They can usualy be cleaned down and then not show any more signs of leakage for several years.

Mellow

 

Mine resemble that!

 

That's actually an excellent point and question you've raised here glencol and surprised as it looks like no one seems to have mentioned this before!
Not uncommon for manufacturers to share the same part between models with a different part number to stop us doing this. If that's the case maybe a saving or easier option here?
I can't remember in the F Type range if its just the 'R' that has the adaptive dampers and if its an option on the lesser models, or worth going a step further and checking if the XK, XJ or XF share the same..
Obviously the F Type is a much lighter car so it would have different springs/spring rates but, it may have the same strut insert imbedded in the strut. Could even be the same on the front as the 5.0 litre may weigh the same or more, who knows?
Bilstein of course would know. Maybe best to get the F Type part number and call our friendly Bilstein people.

 

I have now took the plunge on the correct bilstein shocks but after reading this I did a little investigating of part numbers and they definitely don't connect them to the s types . On checking the kerb weight I can now see why as there is a big difference in the weight . It just made me wonder with them being identical in appearance ( apart from the colour ) . Thanks for your replies guys 🙂

 

You can use the CATS shocks from the 2009 Supercharged. They're the only ones from the newer generation Jaguars that used the same suspension control system. After that Jaguar switched over to the newer continuously variable adaptive system, and the operating voltages changed, so no swapping/upgrading is possible with the newer style shocks. The regular non-CATS shocks also physically fit, and have been swapped before. Also, there are a few XF owners who've swapped in S-Type shocks to get a softer ride