IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2006–2009 Daimler Super V8

We've identified 2 known issues that can affect the 2006–2009 Daimler Super V8. None are considered critical, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

2
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Air Suspension Air Spring Bag Perishing and Compressor Pump Piston Ring Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The 2005 to 2009 X350/X358 Daimler Super Eight is equipped with self-levelling air suspension featuring four integrated air spring dampers and a Wabco electric compressor pump behind the front bumper. With age and road grit exposure, the rubber air bellows develop fine stress cracks where the bladder folds, leaking air overnight. To compensate, the compressor pump runs continuously to maintain pressure, wearing out its internal PTFE piston ring and overheating. Once compressor pressure falls below specification, the dashboard displays 'Air Suspension Fault' and the chassis drops onto its bump stops. Replacing leaking struts with Bilstein units and renewing compressor seals cures the fault.

Est. Repair Cost: £450–£1,600
Warning Signs:

'Air Suspension Fault' or 'Vehicle Too Low' warning message displayed in instrument cluster, Vehicle sagging noticeably on one corner or across the rear axle after parking overnight, Electric air suspension compressor pump buzzing loudly and running continuously behind front bumper, Excessively harsh, bouncy ride with the chassis striking internal rubber bump stops over road dips

What to Inspect:
  • Measure ride height from wheel center to wheel arch lip after the vehicle has sat parked for 24 hours
  • Listen for air hissing around the front and rear strut rubber bladders using soapy water spray
  • Scan the suspension control module for air suspension fault codes like C2302 (levelling plausibility error)
  • Check that the compressor shuts off within 90 seconds of cold engine start without fault warnings
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Rear Lower Wishbone and Hub Carrier Bush Wear Causing Wandering and MOT Failure

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Both the X308 and X350 generations of the Daimler Super V8 utilise an independent rear suspension layout featuring multi-link arms, aluminium wishbones, and rubber-metal bushes. The immense torque (up to 400 lb-ft) of the supercharged powertrain combined with UK potholes and speed bumps places enormous stress on the lower wishbone bushes and hub carrier ball joints. The rubber perishes and develops excessive play, allowing the rear wheels to steer passively under acceleration and braking. In addition to creating an unsettling floaty sensation on motorways, worn bushes result in MOT failure and rapid inner tyre shoulder scrubbing.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£900
Warning Signs:

Unsettling wandering or twitching sensation from the rear axle when braking or accelerating, Dull metallic clunking or knocking noise from the rear floor when traversing uneven road surfaces, Uneven scrubbing and premature wear across the inner shoulders of the rear tyres, Advisory or failure note on annual UK MOT test for excessive suspension joint play

What to Inspect:
  • Pry the rear lower wishbone inner bushes and hub carrier ball joints with a pry bar to check for movement
  • Inspect rear tyre tread depths and look for severe feathering or inner shoulder canvas exposure
  • Conduct a test drive over road joints to evaluate whether the rear track stays disciplined and true
  • Check whether complete replacement wishbones or aftermarket polyurethane bushes have been fitted
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2006–2009 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.
2005
Check a 2006–2009 Daimler Super V8 by Registration