Just shopping around for new shock absorbers, but am not really sure which ones to go for. My car is a standard 4.2R, not "R Performance". Is there any difference between the "R Performance" and the R shocks for a 2003 XKR?

I just scored a well priced pair of rear shocks on Ebay, Part #MXD3540AB, for 170 GBP. Reading around a bit, I'm starting to wonder if these really are the correct shocks for my car...

Perhaps someone with experience on the topic cares to enlighten me?

 

After some more research in JTIS I can conclude that:

'R' Performance CATS rear shock: MXD3540AB
Except 'R' Performance CATS rear shock: MJB3540EC

A bit confusing to me. Does the XKR use MXD3540AB, and the CATS XK8 the MJB3540EC?

Is there perhaps another 'R' Performance I should know about? In that case, do you know if it is possible to install the MXD3540AB to a "regular" XKR?

 

It's a minefield. Not only does 'Standard' (item 7) and 'R Performance' (item 18) affect the required part, VIN range is another factor.



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I've only included the rear damper information in the Part Number listing and not all the associated components.

Graham

 

For completeness, here's the equivalent front damper numbers:



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No less a complicated selection than the rear!

Graham

 

Thanks Graham, I've got the EPC here myself, so I have had a look.

My VIN is A30730.

I did already buy those MXD3540AB (R Performance) shocks though - the pair for 150 GBP - so I'm also wondering if I could use them, and buy the same R Performance shocks for the front. As long as the cable connector fits, and the signaling is the same...

I suppose it would get a bit firmer with the 'R' performance, but I think it would be ok. I also have all new metallastic OEM bushes, did not go for poly.

 

Do let us know whether it is a direct fit and how they feel once installed.

Oddly enough, in the US the R shock is less expensive than the regular shock. Never would have guessed as I thought the performance package was a relative rarity.

 

Here it is pretty much the same price, but I found a pair for about 200 USD, couldn't resist it

I'll give it a shot once the shocks are here.

 

I'm not sure what the difference is with the "R Performance" variant over the regular XKR shock, but it could be part of the handling package option.

My car is equipped with this option; I just got it recently so not yet sure if the shocks are different but it would make sense if they were. Did you try a dealer?

 

The Ebay seller just contacted me and said that only one shock was available, so I canceled the order.

I think I'll go ahead and replace my shocks with non-CATS versions. Just cannot justify the price of the CATS. Alternatively, upgrade to the B6.