[modern] XJR8 Buying Tips, clear side US indicators, 1997-2001 spec changes?

Disused Categories Modern
1

Hello. I am new to the list and all a bit lost.

I live in the Midlands UK

I am currently interested in buying a second hand XJR V8 however I am
very fussy what I am looking for !

I’m after an XJR8 in Antigua Blue with Ivory leather and criuse control.

Harmen Karden Radio would be a bonus too.

That’s two optional extras I’m looking at and I’m starting to appreciate
I’m looking for a very rare car (however I’m willing to wait).

I like the Antigua Blue paint and Penta alloys so would prefer an early
model however I am a little disapointed with the lack of heated seats
(do you need them on Jags ?) and the Grey maple wood (would prefer the
optional extra wood pack on later models). (how much to retro fit?)

What other differences are there ?

I understand the kick down is different from here ?
And the parkers guide (LOL) mentions in SEPT 1998 PAS servotronic II on
all models and a brake upgrade on the XJR.
Are they talking about the optional extra Brembo brakes ? or a change
to standard fitment ?

What is the story between the early 1997 models and the later models ?
Please HELP ! Lots of questions.
Should I start keeping a look out for a later model in Pacific Blue ?

I test drove a Y reg model with the optional extra brembo and wood pack.
Are there any other things I will be expecting on a 1997 model that I
won’t get and will be disapointed ? Seat memory pack ? etc

I am currently thinking of buying one from a dealer to get the jag 1
year warranty. Is this as good as it sounds?=20

As I’m looking for a rare car I would also consider buying one out of
autotrader but only if you can tell me what the common faults with
these cars are that I can check and look for ?

One last thing. I see the USA cars have clear side indicator repeaters.
This is a mod I must have. Where can I buy them and how much ???

Sorry that’s all abit much.
Thank you for your Time
Any help appreciated.

Andy

2

Thanks for the reply.

Humm. I kind of have my heart set on a V8 model. The reasons will follow.
Please correct me if they are wrong because I don’t know much about Jags.

To me the 6 and the 8 car are a world apart. I assume the only common factor
between them are the body panels?

Why I want a XJR8:

370bhp thus show up many sports cars
V8 - Modern engine (there is just something about V8’s) hopefully without
design flaws.
Want auto - 5 speed auto box (other is 4 speed ?) are they both electronic
and sports mode ?
Modern small ford switch gear ?
Prefer the interior and dash in the 8. (sadly lacking oil/volt gauges
though)
Headlights, foglights and bumpers
I love the 18" penta alloys
CATS suspension. I love both comfortable and fun handling suspension. The
adaptive suspension sounds just right for me.
It’s a current model (but not for long I assume)
I assume the XJ8 has had massive input from Ford to improve things? True or
False ? Wiring improved ?

While typing this I have that fear of “so much to go wrong” (I usually think
people who say that are idiots)

My question was what is the difference between the first XJR8 (1997/98) and
the current XJR8 (1999/2000)
Eg. Astroid alloys, heated seats, colours brake options, wood options.

Humm, You have me scared on the plastic bits.
I have been servicing my own cars up until now however its the jag garage
for a few years I feal to keep the SH once I decide it’s a car for the
longterm and understand it I’ll service myself.
60K (or was it 80K) service. �800
others �300-500. Is this correct ?

Oh dear look at the cost. If it was any other car I just wouldn’t even
consider it, but it’s such a nice car.
lovly interior, style, performance, comfort and handles well. What more
would you want out of a car ?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/motoring/car_reviews/180_1.shtml
sums up why I like them so much. As well as many other reviews.

Oh another question. Do all XJR8’s have reversing park sensors ?

What is the headlamp fitment for dip beam ? H4 twin fillament ?
It’s just that I have some after market gas discharge headlights H4 fitment.
Are the XJ8 headlights good on dip beam so I won’t need them ?

Are the windows one touch ? up ? down ? drivers only or all 4 ?

So many questions.

Thanks

Andy----- Original Message -----
From: Peter Young jaguarconnection@home.com
To: Andy Kirwan <@Andy_K>
Sent: Sunday, October 28, 2001 4:26 AM
Subject: Re: [modern] XJR8 Buying Tips, clear side US indicators, 1997-2001
spec changes?

Andy,
You’re welcome, by the way, I just re-read your original message, as
I said, I’m not that familiar with UK spec XJR’s, but basically…

95-97 Models have the 6 Cylinder 322hp power plant with a GM
Transmission which is capable of handling up to 850Lbs of Torque, it’s
shared by the V12 Mercedes.

The Engine is well proven, it’s been built for years, previously it was
used in the 1988-94 XJ6’s, in 95 Jaguar changed the Body shape (called
the X300) and also incorporated a few changes in the Engine such as…

A Distributorless Ignition system (the coils are on the Plug Leads)
Revised Cam
Cleaned up the Engine Compartment
Went over to OBDII Engine management systems, the increased the power of
the 4.0 normally aspirated Engine to 245hp (from 224 in 94 and
previous).

The 95 XJR was the first Jaguar to be Supercharged, they had to lower
the Compression ratio to 8:1 from 10:1 to enable it to idle correctly
mainly, and make it driveable around town…it’s NOT possible to simply
add a Supercharger to a normal engine aftermarket.

The V8 XJR was introduced in 98.

Before deciding between the XJR6 and XJR8 you should really drive both
for a very good reason, most people agree that the XJR6 “Feels” quicker
and sportier than the XJR8, this is probably because the Throttle has a
direct link on the 6, the throttle on the V8 has a different “Fly by
wire” kind of effect, in other words, on the 6 you floor the Throttle
and YOU control it, on the 8 it is electrically controlled, the CAR
desides how quick you should be going…

Turn off the Traction control on both models during acceleration from a
standing start…if a slight wheel slip is detected then the Car will
tend to “dive”…it feels like it is hesitating and will take a few
seconds to recover…

The other things to consider are maintenance…
The XJR6 is still relatively easy to maintain oneself, the V8 isn’t, and
will be VERY expensive to maintain when they reach 80,000+ miles…

The V8 has a lot of Plastic parts in the engine, Thermostat Housing,
Intake manifold…and there are a lot of Plastic Parts mated to Aluminum
with very intricate Gaskets…

Things to look out for on the 95-97 XJR6’s…

Cracked Inlet Manifolds (They all tend to crack)
Interior rear view mirror tends to leak
Memory seats can lose their memory
Fuel sender problems

But anyway, I hope I’ve managed to give you a little insight, as I said,
before you make a final decision you should drive a couple of sixes and
a couple of V8’s, the interiors/Dash Layouts are different too, it’s a
matter of preference…

If you have any questions please let me know…

You should have a lot of response from fellow XJR Owners on the list,
the above are only my opinions…

Cheers
Peter
http://www.jaguartrader.com

Andy Kirwan wrote:

Thanks very much for the offer and help.

Andy

----- Original Message -----
From: Peter Young jaguarconnection@home.com
To: Andy Kirwan <@Andy_K>
Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2001 10:33 PM
Subject: Re: [modern] XJR8 Buying Tips, clear side US indicators,
1997-2001
spec changes?

Hi Andy,
First of all, welcome to the Modern List…I’m from the
Midlands
myself but live in California now…

I’m afraid I can’t help you much as far as UK specs are concerned, but
if and when you Buy your XJR and can’t find clear side indicators I’d
be
happy to source some locally in the US, give you a price and ship
them…
just let me know…

Cheers
Peter
97 XJR

One last thing. I see the USA cars have clear side indicator
repeaters.
This is a mod I must have. Where can I buy them and how much ???

Sorry that’s all abit much.
Thank you for your Time
Any help appreciated.

Andy

3

Andy

<To me the 6 and the 8 car are a world apart. I assume the only common
factor
between them are the body panels?

No I don’t think they are - I drove a new 3.2 V8 and found it felt little
different from my 8 year old 4 litre straight 6.

<370bhp thus show up many sports cars.

Yes, it goes like stink but if you use the performance it will cost a
fortune in fuel and your license will last about a fortnight! You just
cannot use the power for more than a few seconds as you pass other vehicles
and then fall back to the same speed as the rest of the traffic. Unlike a
sports car which is great to drive fast around narrow winding roads you
don’t do that in a 2 ton luxury saloon when you are trying to keep the
beautiful paintwork - you would be better off with a Caterham 7.

<While typing this I have that fear of “so much to go wrong” (I usually
think
people who say that are idiots)

No this is so correct for these cars, everything is electric and electronic
and computerised, maintenance of an older one will cost a fortune at a
dealer’s and doing it yourself is out of the question for most. If you can
afford a used car then you can afford a new one! The prices you quote for
servicing are about correct for ordinary 6s so they won’t be cheaper for the
V8s.

You must buy from a main agent so why not talk to them about the equipment?

Norman Watkins
'94 XJ6 4.0S 69,959 miles.
Scotland
www.norman-watkins.com

4

We have a 99 XJR, bought last year, in june, it was just under 1 year old
and 15k. It now has about 30k. It’s my wife’s but I drive it once in a
while.

It’s as good as a 4 door family car can be in my opinion. The 370hp are
totally addictive and the handling is terrific. The ride is firm but to me
that’s the way it should be…

I disagree with Norman’s comments, you can use the power ! merging in
traffic on highways, passing, etc… I enjoy it… 2 lane roads are wide
here so even though the car is big, you can push it a bit especailyl
considering the way it handles. You can’t compare the the handling of the
regular XJ with the XJR.

As far as the power, I’ve driven the 4.0 normally aspirated V8 and it’s only
a little more powerful than the 4.0 AJ16 so I guess the UK 3.2 V8 is close
to the 6.

Fuel economy… well what do you expect… we average 13 mpg, combo city /
hwy. Tires are the other expensive consumable… Those Pzeros are soft,
that’s why they grip. About 15k miles for the rears, a little more for the
front on the XJR. On the XKR, which I run in slalom, speedtrials, etc… I do
about 10k per set.

The 5 speed auto with the J Gate is excellent, and gives a lot of control on
downshifting. For upshift, I usually select the higher gear first and
trigger the upshifts with the throttle.

I use sports mode in town, etc,… to get first gear starts ( otherwise it
starts in 2nd) but on highways usually switch to normal. This way I cna tap
into the low end torque and if I really need more, I can downshifting with J
gate. Rarely needed thks to the amount of torque you get at 2500

The rest to me is just details…

Reverse parkng sensors came only in 2001 I think, maybe 2000. Windows are
one touch down only, not up, driver only. Here the 98 / 99 have the same 5
spokes wheels, I like them. They changed in 2000 I think and are not as
recognizable.

Wiring and reliability has been improved since the X300. no complaints
there.

I like the dash of the V8s better, it’s very different from any thing else.
As a bonus, because of the way the instruments are recessed, my wife can’t
see the speed when I drive…

I don’t do much under the bonnet on these, actually I don’t do anything
unlike the E-type. First it’s all under warranty ( 6 years 100k ) as it was
a Select Edition so no need to bother. I was cleaning up the engine cpt the
other day and pulled some of the plastic covers. to my suprise the throttle
is indeed activated by a good ole cable on the 99 and not by wire as I
thought. With the cover I could see the cable before… So I’m not sure why
the throttle doesnt’ feel as quick and sporty as on the XKR. Same engine,
box, rear end, etc… I think it has to do with the pedal itself and it’s
spring. Stiffer so you need to press harder for the same result.

Frankly, there is very little I would have like to see improved on the
car… Only thing I can think of are the rain sensing wipers I have on the
XKR and which came on the XJR in 2000 or 2001. I once drove a S-type loaner
witht he reverse park sensor, gadget… I’ve never hit anything backing
up…

Pascal
99 XJR
00 XKR
72 XKE----- Original Message -----
From: “Andy Kirwan” Andy@akirwan.freeserve.co.uk
To: “Jag Lovers” modern@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Sunday, October 28, 2001 7:51 AM
Subject: Re: [modern] XJR8 Buying Tips, clear side US indicators, 1997-2001
spec changes?

Thanks for the reply.

Humm. I kind of have my heart set on a V8 model. The reasons will follow.
Please correct me if they are wrong because I don’t know much about Jags.

To me the 6 and the 8 car are a world apart. I assume the only common factor
between them are the body panels?

Why I want a XJR8:
<><><><<<>

5

It’s as good as a 4 door family car can be in my opinion. The 370hp are
totally addictive and the handling is terrific. The ride is firm but to me
that’s the way it should be…

Yes even on the test drive in the wet I could tell the handling was good
going down twisty back lanes.
The handling amazed me for a big heavy car.

Fuel economy… well what do you expect… we average 13 mpg, combo city /
hwy. Tires are the other expensive consumable… Those Pzeros are soft,
that’s why they grip. About 15k miles for the rears, a little more for
the
front on the XJR. On the XKR, which I run in slalom, speedtrials, etc… I
do
about 10k per set.

Humm, I’m prepaired for tyres to be bad. I can get tyres at good prices
which is a good start.
Not sure what I’m going to put on yet though ?
Pirelli, Dunlop P9000, Mitchelen, Falken

The 5 speed auto with the J Gate is excellent, and gives a lot of control
on
downshifting. For upshift, I usually select the higher gear first and
trigger the upshifts with the throttle.

I use sports mode in town, etc,… to get first gear starts ( otherwise
it
starts in 2nd) but on highways usually switch to normal. This way I cna
tap
into the low end torque and if I really need more, I can downshifting with
J
gate. Rarely needed thks to the amount of torque you get at 2500

Oh I see. I thought 1st was only selected if you appled full throttle.
So you have to be in sports mode ? and it’s allways selected then?

The rest to me is just details…

Reverse parkng sensors came only in 2001 I think, maybe 2000. Windows
are
one touch down only, not up, driver only. Here the 98 / 99 have the same 5
spokes wheels, I like them. They changed in 2000 I think and are not as
recognizable.

I like the penta alloys too.

I like the dash of the V8s better, it’s very different from any thing
else.
As a bonus, because of the way the instruments are recessed, my wife can’t
see the speed when I drive…

From my own and others opinions your lucky if the driver can see the speedo
!
I could only see the revcounter and the TC light flashing (in 3rd gear
apparently)

The US ? spec sounds different. I think all XJR8 in the UK have rain sensing
wipers.

Thanks for the comments. Nice to have some good ones !