G,day,
My 2003 (2004 in USA) has both front air bag struts that need replacing, the shop where I get my car serviced has told me this will cost around 5,500 (fitted) Australian dollars to fit 2 new struts, as there are not any left in Australia, they will have to come from UK, at a cost of around 2250Aus apiece plus freight and fitting, I don't want to do coil overs as everyone tells me they spoil the ride and handling, I'm trying to find out if anyone has had this same experience and if there's a way to lessen the financial blow???
Cheers Setter.

 

Only thing I can think of, if you want to retain the air springs, is to look for new old-stock. (NOS), items on the internet. I managed to find a complete car set for my 2003 XJ6 Sport, but that was a few years ago.

Edit
There is this Europe firm: -
https://aerosus.net/jaguar/xj/xj-series.html
I have no experience of them at all

 

Here in Germany we can get the original Bilsteins, for example via:

https://www.jaguar-shop.com/epages/6...kung__Fahrwerk

They are on leave and will be available again from 05th Jan.

or

https://www.xkstore.at/en/x350-358-x...n-dampers.html

I do not know what the total price would be for you, but why not contact them.

Alternatively, maybe you can search the internet with the original Bilstein part numbers (taken from the German Bilstein catalogue):
Front: 44-069483
Rear: 44-069506

Best regards,

Thomas

 

I'm with Frasier on this one. I was able to find 4 NOS Bilsteins for about $500 a piece a few years ago. In any case I agree with your approach to replace with the OEM struts. It seems the aftermarket or rebuilt struts do not last very long and have contributed to the bad reputation of these air suspensions. If you can't afford to get the Bilsteins then I think Coil-overs are the most logical second choice.

Good Luck
Jeff

 

Beware of "NOS" Bilsteins.
The rubbers may have hardened with ageing, not a good thing to ensure leak tightness in the longer term...
Better buy new Bilsteins.

 

There is a date code on the box label that will tell you how old they are. Mine were from 2016 and were installed in 2019. They have performed flawlessly in all kinds of NY weather. Since the originals lasted 10+ years on the car I think these will be fine for quite some time.

 

You could try Rock Auto in the u.s.
I got rear ones made by Wabco
about 300 US dollars each