IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1961 Daimler Super V8

The 1961 Daimler Super V8 has an excellent reliability record with no widely reported common faults for this model year period.

Buying Tips for 1961 Daimler Super V8

  • On 1997 to 2002 4.0-litre X308 cars, verify that the fragile plastic secondary timing chain tensioners have been replaced with metal-bodied third-generation units.
  • Check for cold-start compression loss on early pre-2000 4.0 engines, which used sulphur-sensitive Nikasil cylinder bore coatings that suffered bore washing.
  • Test the air suspension system on 2005 to 2009 X350/X358 models; listen for an overworking compressor pump and ensure the vehicle sits level without overnight sagging.
  • Inspect rear lower wishbone bushes and hub carrier ball joints for play; worn bushes ruin the serene ride quality and cause dynamic rear-wheel steering.