I read that the Bilstein B4 is OEM for my X308 Sport. I had the Koni FSD installed on my BMW 5 years ago(still on it), which I love(great damping and smooth stable ride, yet not harsh over cracked roads). Prior, my last Bilstein Sport shocks were too harsh on my BMW. Should I stick with the Bilstein B4 if it is like the Koni FSD(current replacement version I think is the Koni Sport). I don't want either a harsh or bouncy ride. Also, suggestion on springs as I want to keep the same ride height? I have to replace the shock and springs first, if it is economical (no engine or transmission problems) to keep this old Jaguar that was given to me. I'm having the indy shop do a full inspection this coming week.

 

Just some corrections: The replacement Koni is the Special Active(red) , if they are compatible with the X308. The Bilstein HD was the prior shocks I had and want to avoid; way too stiff. I might just ask the indy shop for their recommendation instead. Thanks.

 

The softer ride Bilsteins are B4 and the harder ride are B6

Your model is marked in green strip on this Bilstein catalogue page

You will see the B6 used on the supercharged. and V - 12 harder ride version

On your X308 there seems to be a miss communication in the standard / sport terminology and both versions listed as B4

 

I beleive both standard and sport suspension use the B4 series Bilsteins as OEM, the part numbers above are correct for the x308 Jags. x308 XJR also uses the green B4 shocks.

I haven't done my shocks yet, but from what I've read around here, if you're keeping it OEM, go with the correct bilseins for whichever springs you have. Moving into other shocks without changing the springs will likely result in a harsh or bouncy ride. There are some other threads here, do a search for spring colors and shocks and see what you think.

 

Thanks for confirming the Bilstein B4, I likely go with that to keep OEM. I re-looked at both shock mounts under the hood and all the plastic pieces rusted away. When I press down on each side of the move, I can see the top of the metal mounts going up and down. It is just metal on metal so when I'm driving the car, it feels like driving the car on a flat tire(even though tire is at 30psi) when at low speed(20-40mph). I'm going to search for OEM springs suggestion, as I think those are gone or need replacement due to the car sitting in the garage for 5 years.

 

the top of the front shocks have donut isolators that will compress with age and need sourcing for replacement.

Search Genuine Road Spring And Damper-front Parts For Jaguar Xj 1998 - 2003 (from 812317 To F59525) Classic | Jaguar Land Rover Classic Parts

 

Thanks Parker. I will keep that in mind as to minimize any large cost in order to get the car running reasonably fine short term. Before fixing suspension, the first thing I need to do is solve the yellow Check Engine light I order to pass emission. I forgot to write down the error codes from the scanner but it said multiple times about cylinder bank #, . I will get the exact codes tomorrow night when. I drove the car at low speeds(15-40mph) around the neighborhood multiple times yesterday without any additional unexpected problems. It seems predictable(in its problems). Aside from that, second I'm worried about the transmission also. When I drive or is stationary in P or N, whenever I gradually step on the gas to 3,000rpm, the engine seems to shudder\shake. I'm wondering if this is part of the limp mode or has anything to do with the transmission?

 

Your shock top end is different than my X300 and look for your year / VIV # effectivity.

 

Your engine codes are here for the AJ27 engine

DTC AJ27 99.99 (jagrepair.com)

There was a change in cylinder numbering in the X308 production years someone had a pic of

 

Thanks Parker 7 for the engine codes. I reply at my other message thread with detail of the error codes. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...newbie-266775/

 

I have 4 Bilstein B4 sport green shocks I just replaced on my Vanden Plas with the black comfort shocks. I have about 4,000 miles only on these shocks (about 6 months of use). They do make the car handle excellent and with the comfort springs, it is still a pretty cushy ride. I just wanted it to be magic carpet ride like new so I switched to the black bilsteins. If you would like them at a good price, let me know

 

Personally, I prefer the smoother ride and feel of the standard shocks, however I am certain there
are many "road racers" who aim for greater control.

 

I believe Sachs are OEM I drove low mileage xj8 back then it came with Sachs the quality ride was unbelievable compared to Bilstein black or green I have both of them green on my silver xj and black on the other xj both from rockauto the quality ride specially on rough road are bad the Sachs unfortunately very expensive

 

Thanks for the info. I have always been told Bilstein was the OEM, but they are on the firmer side. I didn’t know there was a difference. You’ve got me on the hunt for the best price on OEMs now. Moss motors has them for $166 each for the front.

 

the b4s are pillow soft

kybs or the sensens ride a little harder bilstein greens are in the middle

 

I do prefer a "medium" ride with great handling(more on BMW side than Lexus); not harsh or soft over cracked and uneven roads. I plan to put Michelin Sport All Seasons on them(if I can get the car repaired first)