[xj40] Buing decision / XJ40 model + engine size

Hello,
I’m thinking of buying an XJ40 and recently found what I
consider to be a reasonable offer. It’s a 1993 XJ40 4.0L
from Switzerland w/ 100.000 km. The seller told me this
engine would be the most reliable, and was less prone to
failure than the 3.2 and 3.6L (it would even consume less
fuel?).
My question: Is that correct? What mileage might I expect to
do with this car / engine (I was told it would be good for
at least another 150.000 km)?
Thanks and best regards,
Hans–
Hans G.
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Hans

None of these engines is ‘prone’ to failure and the '93 4 litre incorporates
several modifications that make it even better than the previous motors.
If lubricated and cooled properly this engine should last for 250,000 miles.
I get 25 mpg (imp gals) from mine overall including some town and a lot of
fast motorway (and I mean fast).

NW----- Original Message -----
From: “Hans G.” hans.goerlitzer@evonik.com
Subject: [xj40] Buing decision / XJ40 model + engine size

Hello,
I’m thinking of buying an XJ40 and recently found what I
consider to be a reasonable offer. It’s a 1993 XJ40 4.0L
from Switzerland w/ 100.000 km. The seller told me this
engine would be the most reliable, and was less prone to
failure than the 3.2 and 3.6L (it would even consume less
fuel?).

Visit the Jag Lovers homepage at http://www.jag-lovers.org for exciting services and resources including Photo Albums, Event Diary / Calendar, On Line Books and more !

In reply to a message from Hans G. sent Sat 26 Jan 2008:

Hans,

Welcome to the XJ40 forum.

The AJ6 engines in the XJ40 are pretty much ‘bullet proof’
and I don’t think there is an iota of difference between the
3.2 and 4.0 litre as regards reliability / longevity. The
3.6 was phased out in 1990.

The basic engines ‘suffer’ from a very few minor problems.
Exhaust valve guide wear which allows oil to drain down the
guides past the stem seals after engine shut-down causing a
slight puff of blue smoke on the first start of the day -
but that can be eliminated / limited by use of the
appropriate 20W/50 engine oil
Some engines have suffered burnt exhaust valves - but
perhaps due to air leaks in the inlet tract on that cylinder
causing a weak mixture.
Some earlier engines with a poorly designed head gasket leak
oil from the transfer port between head and block for the
camshaft oil feed. (Check the area behind the distributor
for signs of oil collecting in the crankcase web).

Overheating due to poor maintenance / loss of coolant can do
some damage to the engine - warped heads are not common but
not unknown.

As regards fuel consumption, how hard do you drive?

My 4.0 litre with full-time aircon and the tranny always in
‘Sport’ mode (not available on 3.2 litre) typically averages
24.5 mpg on a tank full - admittedly with limited town driving.

Well in excess of 200,000 MILES should be no problem on an
AJ6 engine - I don’t recall anyone on this list having to do
a major engine overhaul involving re-bores or bearings.
Timing chains too are not a problem.

I advise you to make sure that everything else on the car
works to perfection - engine management system, (no ‘Check
Engine’ fault codes), air conditioning and heating, ABS and
brake boost, lighting (no bulb fail module warnings or fuse
warnings on the dash). Check also for uneven tyre wear front
or rear (in case the worn fronts have been swapped to the
back) and do not accept vague steering as ‘they all do that
Sir!’ - they do not.

Finally, if fuel consumption is a major worry for you -
perhaps a Jaguar is not the car to buy.–
The original message included these comments:

I’m thinking of buying an XJ40 and recently found what I
consider to be a reasonable offer. It’s a 1993 XJ40 4.0L
from Switzerland w/ 100.000 km. The seller told me this
engine would be the most reliable, and was less prone to
failure than the 3.2 and 3.6L (it would even consume less
fuel?).
My question: Is that correct? What mileage might I expect to
do with this car / engine (I was told it would be good for
at least another 150.000 km)?


Bryan N, '91 Sovereign 4.0 L, RHD (exiled in US)
Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
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In reply to a message from Hans G. sent Sat 26 Jan 2008:

Hans, my XJ40 does about 20 mpg (US gallon) in suburban traffic and
around 34 mpg long distance, freeway conditions. However, I drive
conservatively. (Odo - 71,000 km)

While this vehicle currently does some suburban driving, my intent
in future is to only drive it out in the country where it seems to
run ‘‘the best’’ as I’m now semi-retired.

On the other hand my XJ-S is a gas guzzler, getting about 14 mpg +
or - a bit per traffic mode. This car is not about getting good
consumption but having a classic vehicle to drive - it’s 30 years
young this year. (Odo - 87,000 km)

My expectation is that both cars and engines will see me out!

When we want good consumption we use my wife’s silver Toyota
Corolla or even my ‘‘yellow peril’’ Holden (GMH) Camira.–
The original message included these comments:

I’m thinking of buying an XJ40 and recently found what I
consider to be a reasonable offer. It’s a 1993 XJ40 4.0L
My question: Is that correct? What mileage might I expect to
do with this car / engine (I was told it would be good for
at least another 150.000 km)?


Remez: 78 XJ-S 5.3L brg Coupe, 90 XJ40 4.0L blue Sovereign
Sydney, NSW, Australia
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In reply to a message from Hans G. sent Sat 26 Jan 2008:

Dear all,

thanks for the warm welcome and the valuable advice. I think
I gained considerable conficende in the XJ40 I was offered.
I’ll let you know, if I finally buy the one I was offered…

Thanks again,
Hans–
Hans G.
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In reply to a message from Hans G. sent Sat 26 Jan 2008:

I have a '91 4.0 XJ6 with 160,000 miles.
Recently checked compression is within Jag. specs.
Recently changed plugs (standard champions), wires, cap and rotor
arm.
Drove from Seattle to Tucson with fully packed trunk (no spare
tire) and 36psi tires.
Total miles 1698.
Avg speed 64.7 mph
Max 100 mph
Five fill ups, ranging from 27.55 mpg to 20.02mpg
Avg 24.26 mpg
Around town driving is about 17 / 18 mpg

Hope the above helps you make a decision.

I used to live and work in Uster / ZH. Where are you located?

Regards

Syd. Merron 1991 XJ6, 4.0–
Syd.
Covington / WA, United States
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In reply to a message from Hans G. sent Sun 27 Jan 2008:

Hans, I really like your Mark 2. What consumption do you get from
it?

My plan is to get one of these next and I even have my wife’s
blessing, although I will have to build a second garage!

All the best with your purchase.–
The original message included these comments:

thanks for the warm welcome and the valuable advice. I think
I gained considerable conficende in the XJ40 I was offered.


Remez: 78 XJ-S 5.3L brg Coupe, 90 XJ40 4.0L blue Sovereign
Sydney, NSW, Australia
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In reply to a message from Hans G. sent Sat 26 Jan 2008:

Hello again,

just to let you know that your advice and recommendations
finally helped me to decide…

http://www.jag-lovers.org/snaps/snap_view.php3?id=1202030524

The pictures were taken in front of the seller’s house. I
bought the car yesterday and brought it back home (300 km).
Everything just perfect until now (except some vibrations of
the steering wheel around 130 km/h, which will be hopefully
gone after balancing the wheels). Since I also asked for
fuel consumption - I got 10.8 L/100km on the German autobahn
with the cruise control set to 140 km/h.

Again thanks very much!

Best regards,
Hans–
The original message included these comments:

Hello,
I’m thinking of buying an XJ40 and recently found what I
consider to be a reasonable offer. It’s a 1993 XJ40 4.0L
from Switzerland w/ 100.000 km. The seller told me this
engine would be the most reliable, and was less prone to
failure than the 3.2 and 3.6L (it would even consume less
fuel?).
My question: Is that correct? What mileage might I expect to
do with this car / engine (I was told it would be good for
at least another 150.000 km)?
Thanks and best regards,


Hans G.
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php

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In reply to a message from Hans G. sent Sun 3 Feb 2008:

Hans,

A truly beautiful car that appears to be very very well
cared for.

I’m sure you’ll get very many many miles of enjoyment from it.

Congratulations!–
91 XJ6, 93 Sov, 97 Sov – Driveway’s crowded!
Tampa Fl, United States
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In reply to a message from Hans G. sent Sun 3 Feb 2008:

Welcome to the forum! If I did the math correctly, that’s about 22
mpg (us) @ 84 mph. That is very good, indeed! Enjoy the car!–
The original message included these comments:

fuel consumption - I got 10.8 L/100km on the German autobahn
with the cruise control set to 140 km/h.


Pete 70 XKE (193K) 88 XJ6 (244K) 88 XJ6 (234K) 60 Mini
Severna Park, Maryland, United States
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In reply to a message from Hans G. sent Sun 3 Feb 2008:

Hans, you’ve done very well. Looks like a great car!

I think that we all have a few things to iron out when we buy, but
the overall experience is pleasant when you look at the graceful
lines. The Pininfarina influence is subtly present.

You’re getting a nice collection of the marque.

All the best.–
The original message included these comments:

The pictures were taken in front of the seller’s house. I
bought the car yesterday and brought it back home (300 km).


Remez: 78 XJ-S 5.3L brg Coupe, 90 XJ40 4.0L blue Sovereign
Sydney, NSW, Australia
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
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Congratulations Hans
A lovely looking car, certainly Swiss clean! Hope it runs like Swiss
clockwork for a long time!-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xj40@jag-lovers.org [mailto:owner-xj40@jag-lovers.org] On Behalf
Of Hans G.
Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 12:51 PM
To: xj40@jag-lovers.org
Subject: Re: [xj40] Buing decision / XJ40 model + engine size

In reply to a message from Hans G. sent Sat 26 Jan 2008:

Hello again,

just to let you know that your advice and recommendations
finally helped me to decide…

http://www.jag-lovers.org/snaps/snap_view.php3?id=1202030524

The pictures were taken in front of the seller’s house. I
bought the car yesterday and brought it back home (300 km).
Everything just perfect until now (except some vibrations of
the steering wheel around 130 km/h, which will be hopefully
gone after balancing the wheels). Since I also asked for
fuel consumption - I got 10.8 L/100km on the German autobahn
with the cruise control set to 140 km/h.

Again thanks very much!

Best regards,
Hans


The original message included these comments:

Hello,
I’m thinking of buying an XJ40 and recently found what I
consider to be a reasonable offer. It’s a 1993 XJ40 4.0L
from Switzerland w/ 100.000 km. The seller told me this
engine would be the most reliable, and was less prone to
failure than the 3.2 and 3.6L (it would even consume less
fuel?).
My question: Is that correct? What mileage might I expect to
do with this car / engine (I was told it would be good for
at least another 150.000 km)?
Thanks and best regards,


Hans G.
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
–Support Jag-lovers - Donate at http://www.jag-lovers.org/donate04.php

Visit the Jag Lovers homepage at http://www.jag-lovers.org for exciting
services and resources including Photo Albums, Event Diary / Calendar, On
Line Books and more !

Visit the Jag Lovers homepage at http://www.jag-lovers.org for exciting services and resources including Photo Albums, Event Diary / Calendar, On Line Books and more !