[x300] XJR - tire and ride choices

X300
1

Pardon my saying so Paul, but I am confused by your choices.

First, the XJR is a “sport” model. Jaguar positioned it to compete with the
Audi S8/S6, BMW M5 and AMG E55. The Jaguar makes some different choices of
emphasis; but this is the intended playground for the XJR. The suspension
tuning and tire choices are part and parcel of competing in that market.
You are never going to get it to ride like a touring sedan. I do hope that
you get it to a place you like, however.

If you are trying to soften the ride, your tire choice doesn’t make much
sense to me. The S03PP is a no compromises performance tire – and a very
good one. It has a very stiff sidewall and is comparatively noisy. At your
next change, I think you would probably be happier with a tire in the “grand
touring” class. These tires are quiet, transmit less energy into the
suspension, yet handle very well. Michelin, Dunlop and Pirelli all have
excellent tires in this class.

If you like the power of the supercharged engine but want the cushier
touring ride, Jaguar makes a car like that too. The Van den Plas
Supercharged (2000, 2001) and Super V8 (2002+, same car different badging)
is just that – long wheel base, the VPD appointments, the scalded engine,
and a nice cushy ride. Two BIG problems, though – availability and price.
The car was special order only in 2000 and (I think) 2001 and I bet they
haven’t sold many 2002s. I just saw the sticker for the 2003 model – hold
your breath, a few bucks under $80,000. I have seen at least two 2000
models hit the used market. If this is your dream Jaguar, you may want to
wait a few years and scour the used market.

Michael-----Original Message-----
From: PaulK [mailto:pjk011@msn.com]
Sent: Friday, August 09, 2002 4:29 AM
To: x300@jag-lovers.org
Subject: Re: [x300] XJR - performance bargain - or service nightmare??

In reply to a message from Mick sent Fri 9 Aug 2002:

I chose this size because it
was the closest 17’’ Bridgestone SO-3 I could get to match the
overall height of the 16 ''put on the Vanden Plas (assuming that
the VDP was the ‘‘touring’’ model & I wanted to stay close to some
type of ‘‘factory’’ sedan spec). I bought the XJR because it was
the car available at the time - actually the Vanden Plas would
have suited my needs (and driving style) much better. Pascal, I
guess I don’t understand why the factory would put stiff
suspension and low profile wheels & tires on a long-wheel base 4
door sedan - to me, this is like buying the Queen a set of roller
blades.

PaulK
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2

In reply to a message from Brown, Michael H. sent Fri 9 Aug 2002:

Thanks for your input. The remaining (2) 225/55 Bridgestone SO3
Pole Position tires were installed on the rear today. The
improvement over the 255/45 BFG TA is remarkable. So far, the
SO3s are noiseless on smooth pavement and, at highway speed, all
i can hear is the wind across the windshield / A pillar. On
grooved pavement there is a little tire noise, but orders of
magnitude less than the BFG TA. My previous 1991 XJ6 had 16’’
Pirelli P400 Touring tires and the XJR/SO3 is softer and quieter.
Last week I test drove a 1999 XJR w/ 18’’ Pirelli low Profile
tires and my XJR is softer and quieter than it was. I think my
XJR/SO3 is similar in ride quality to a 1996 XJS convertible w/
16’’ Pirelli P4000 tires I also drove last week, but the XJR is a
little quieter (as you would expect when comparing a sedan to
conv.). I can only make the apples to oranges car/tire
comparisons because thats the only direct experience I have. But
before I bought the SO3s, I read customer feedback on the SO3 and
Grand Touring tires at tirerack.com. It was Very informative.

I highly recommend changing to the taller SO3 tires to improve
comfort and noise levels in the XJR, although my experience on
this car is limited to the SO3 and BFG TAs. There is no need for
XJR owners to feel ‘‘locked in’’ if they get tired of a firm ride.
I found this simple tire change to make a very nice difference.
Incidently, gas mileage has increased about 3 mpg with these
taller tires. I’m running 32 psi, but will likely experiment. I
plan to check my speedometer with GPS; no traction/stability
control system problems. Michael, if you’re in LA, you’re welcome
to drive the car if you want;the Jaguar Service manager will be
taking it out next week.

I’m now satisfied with the ride of my XJR, but agree it will
never be a touring sedan. I appreciate your thoughts on the later
models, although the visual appeal of my black & unique XJR is
quite strong and the supercharged 6 is wonderful (and a better
engine than the V8, I’m told). I’m now trying to come to terms
with the electronics ! I’m uncertain of buying another Jaguar,
and will certainly ‘‘brand shop’’ my next car purchase {which I did
NOT do this time because I liked my XJ6}. I’m particularly
bothered by the apparent continuing lack of Jaguar support for
widespread failure issues, most recently the expensive
X300 ‘‘cracked manifolds’’, which ‘‘bit’’ me for $1100 earlier this
week. {Thanks but no thanks on the ‘‘lucky putty’’}–
PaulK
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3

Paul, I am glad that you are getting to where you are pleased with your
choice. <I know, you aren’t there yet!>

I don’t think that I will ever get tired of the firm ride. That’s why I
bought the car. :wink: Pascal, you want a softer ride on your XJ?

Goodness only knows what your mileage, etc. computer thought when you had
the mismatched tire sizes. Now that you have the same at all 4 corners, it
should read low on the mpg. Remember, you are going to be traveling about
312 miles for every 300 that the odometer shows.

Thanks for the ride offer. Maybe I won’t even have to rent a car next time
I am in LA?

Michael-----Original Message-----
From: PaulK [mailto:pjk011@msn.com]

I highly recommend changing to the taller SO3 tires to improve
comfort and noise levels in the XJR, although my experience on
this car is limited to the SO3 and BFG TAs. There is no need for
XJR owners to feel ‘‘locked in’’ if they get tired of a firm ride.
I found this simple tire change to make a very nice difference.
Incidently, gas mileage has increased about 3 mpg with these
taller tires. I’m running 32 psi, but will likely experiment. I
plan to check my speedometer with GPS; no traction/stability
control system problems. Michael, if you’re in LA, you’re welcome
to drive the car if you want;the Jaguar Service manager will be
taking it out next week.

–
PaulK
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4

nope… the more grip and control the better and to achieve that it has to
be firm.

The XJR is not as stiff as the XKR though, but I think my E type is now even
stiffer :slight_smile:

all on low pofile P Zeros…

Pascal----- Original Message -----
From: “Brown, Michael H.” MHB@gdm.com

I don’t think that I will ever get tired of the firm ride. That’s why I
bought the car. :wink: Pascal, you want a softer ride on your XJ?
you.

5

I find the XJR “stiffer” around town – meaning that I feel bumps and
expansion joints etc. more in the XJR than in the XKR. At speed around
curves, twists and the like, the XKR’s suspension is stiffer – less travel,
less roll, faster reactions.

I assume that has to do with the CATS on the XKR. On the XKR, some fancy
computer adjusts the dampers for conditions. On the XJR, there is just one
setting. The CATS really does seem to work.

Enough about your E type though. :wink:

Michael-----Original Message-----
From: Pascal Gademer [mailto:pascal@pam-trading.com]

The XJR is not as stiff as the XKR though, but I think my E type is now even
stiffer :slight_smile:

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6

In reply to a message from Brown, Michael H. sent Sat 10 Aug 2002:

I’ll tell you about my 600 miles week end in the E anyway…
:slight_smile:

including a little over 200 miles on track at Sebring, on the 24
hour course, running flat out during a ‘‘driver’s school’’. 120 at
the end of the back straight… corner after corner on the
edge… what a blast !

If you go to the USGP party that the Indina Jag Club is putting
together… I’ll take you for a spin… you can be sure you’ll
want one too :slight_smile: I love the XKR but there is some that you get
in a stick V 12 E… alright… enough :-)–
The original message included these comments:

Enough about your E type though. :wink:

–
Pascal - 72 XKE 2+2 / 00 XKR Coupe / 99 XJR
Miami, United States
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