2006 Daimler Super V8 4.2L Petrol · L22 TJM

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.

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.