I recently moved to Washington DC and it's become apparent that my 1998 XK8 is in need of shocks. Advice on best shocks for comfort for a daily driver on very bad city streets would be appreciated. Also recommendations on what else I will probably need to replace (1998 with 75K miles), such as front/back shock mounts, dampers, etc. I appreciate the collective wisdom on this board!

 

Just get the Bilstein OE shocks. It should be about $100 each. Also, this is a great time to replace the upper shock mount, control arm bushes, sway bar bushes, sway bar links, rear upper spring isolators and ball joints. After you have done that, your suspension will be like new.

If you want the most plush and comfortable ride, I suggest you stick to standard rubber metallastic bushes and avoid the polyurethane bushes.

 

Miguel, I would also advise to stick with the original tire size if the streets are that bad.
The larger rims with low profile tires are asking for trouble if you hit a pothole. Breaking rims and splitting tires will be a weekly thing.
The newer and larger ones look nice, just not good in areas that get snow and lots of traffic.

 

Bilsteins only.

 

I replaced everything I could on the front end of my '99 Xk8 convertible. I did use the urethane shock mounts. I did notice a little stiffer ride. For me it's not annoying. Did everything myself. Got most of the parts from eBay. I stayed with the orig. tire size. Car rides like a dream and handles great. Parts were very reasonable. I'll do the rear this summer. Great advice from the other members
Good Luck
Mitch

 

Agree w/ giandanielxk8. above. Bilsteins and bushings. I did this and it transformed the ride.

 

Thank you to all. Ordered Bilsteins - went with the Welsh mounts. Appreciate all the input.

 

I got the 20" Montreals a while back (I still have my 17" revolvers), and while I've had pretty good luck on bad massachusetts roads just by staying vigilant, I will say it can be stressful. But that's mostly because if I bend a wheel, I'm not sure it'll be fixable (and the fronts cost a pretty penny). I found the usual warnings against ride quality to be warranted but a bit overstated. Rationality would have had me get 18" double fives or something (which look excellent), but unfortunately I just got really obsessed with the Montreals and also accidentally ordered one of the wheels drunk at a bar so at that point there was no turning back.

 

LOL