Hi,

I'm looking for someone that can provide and fit airbag suspension on my x type, preferably in the south east of England as I am from Buckinghamshire.

The custom and modification car body shop I was speaking to are charging almost 5k which is way too much for me to afford.

The max that I will in time be able to afford is between 2000-2500 GBP.

Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Much thanks

 

I'm sure you'll have seen exexpat's thread on air suspension:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-thread-36979/

The photo sequence will give an indication of the amount of engineering work involved. High on time but nowhere near as complex as rebuilding an engine or transmission.

I've searched for UK installers and come up with nothing - probably because demand is extremely limited in this country. Anyone prepared to take it on can almost charge what they like.

This looks like one where the professional costs you've been quoted are high because they don't really want the job and are quoting high to either put you off or to make a very good profit on it.

DIY is the logical and cost effective approach.

Graham

 

Thanks for your info, much appreciated.

DIY is out of the question, this is my second car and to be honest i don't know much about cars. I was hoping to find a place which can provide the kit and have it fitted for me as well. Looks like will have to keep searching and see what happens.

The person who quoted me runs a body shop which specializes in modifications and show cars so seemed like the right choice but price is way too high for me.

 

Is there any particular reason that you want airbag suspension? It's just more stuff to go wrong at the end of the day.
I had it on an Audi A6 AllRoad and it was forever playing up and cost me a fortune; I've heard lots of complaints about the kit fitted to Range Rovers too.

 

To be honest I like the overall look that exepat has achieved with the airbag suspension. Other than no other reason. I wont be able to lower the car that much via springs or coilovers, maybe 35mm the most but not sure what the overall look will be to the car.

If i could see what the x type looks like with springs and coilovers i will be able to make an informative decision.

 

I can see why you want to do it but it's a huge amount of money to put into a 2003 X-Type relative to the current value of the vehicle.

If you don't intend to keep it for a very long time there's two issues:

1. finding a buyer who has the same tastes (possibly not too difficult)
2. you will lose all and possibly more than you've spent

Even if you do intend to keep it, there's another issue. It becomes a modified vehicle and must be declared as such to your insurer. The premium will inevitably spiral upwards.

Graham

 

Very true. I was planning on keeping the car for a long time as it would be in my ideal world my perfect car. As you said I am also worried about the insurance.

Do you think if I update the rims and tires, change the front bumper of the car by ordering one which is pretty much similar to exepats but instead of air suspension i use lowering springs or coilovers, do you think that will give a nice look to the car? obviously it wont be as low as exepats but will it still produce a nice look?

I would love to see a pictures of the xtype on springs or coilovers from various angels so that I could physically see the difference.

 

It should give a good look. You'd need to do some careful measurements on front bumper clearance to be sure it wouldn't ground over speed bumps etc.

Both the Demon Tweeks and Adamesh advertise lowering spring kits for the X-Type. They must have photos of the before/after appearance.

Graham

 

I've seen KW Suspension Variant 1 Coilover Kit fpr the Jaguar X Type on Demon Tweeks. It claims to Lowers Front 30-60mm Rear Fixed 45mm is this accurate? I will be happy with lowering the car 2 inches overall 2

 

That was one of the ones I'd seen. Note they warn that actual amount of lowering depends on suspension wear - you could be down several millimetres from build spec already if there's been no spring/damper replacements since new.

Graham

 

I've just been quoted £1750 from Ray from Rayvern Hydraulics

was wondering if anyone has had any work done from them in the past and what the quality is like.

Oh and Graham you've been a big help, thank you for all your info, very much appreciated

Thanks

 

*COPIED FROM MY OTHER POST*

What would be the lowest set of lowering springs? any link would be much appreciated.

I was thinking if i go for the lowest lowering springs, get 19 inch tires maybe 20 inch, will that decrease the gap between the wheel arch and the wheel and give a more lowered look.

I am trying to figure out what exactly is exepats drive height for his x type, i've seen the pictures on this forum but not sure if its the same height as coilovers or lowering springs or maybe even more lower than that.

But right now i'm thinking a set of lowering springs, 19 inch wheels, may give the illusion of a much lowered car and improve the appearance when stationary and even when driving.

Thanks