They always were expensive, Volvo 760 estates had them back in the dark ages, they were about £160 a a side then IIRC, but as you say they are *usually* an easy straighforward replacement just like an odinary shocker.

Incidentally due to the cost, some people replaced the self levellers with the standard shockers for the 740 estate version, but you had to change the springs to stronger 740 spec too, 760 springs were softer due to the support/subsidy effect of the self leveller.

Even @ £300 a side you've saved our OP a good wedge, assuming he doesn't mind bunging them on himself, once the part number is found he might find them cheaper elsewhere, i'd certainly send carparts4less an email and see what they can come up with.

Oddly enough i've spotted them on the back of our newly aquired but old as the hills Subaru Outback.

Edited by gordonbennet on 24/04/2014 at 20:05

many thanks