We've abandoned our idea of getting a 97/98 XK8....XK8 forum almost as scary as the X Type forum !.... On to XJS convertible.......

So,we don't like, the look of, the gauges in the pre 1992 convertibles and we like the DVD player in the trunk on 1992+ years. We can live with the facelift/butt drop rear end. I also think that the 1992+ are stiffer and have less "shake rattle and roll". We are good with either bumper style 1992/3 vs 1994/5/6.

The question is, I think the 1994+ years are OBDII compliant, however what type of code reader is needed for the 1992/3 MY?

Also, what are the differences between the 5.3 V12 and the 6.0 V12, apart from HP, with regard to parts availability...is it just the longer stoke?

Finally, do any of the later 6.0 motors have a Ford ignition instead of the Marelli?

We have about 10 to 13K to put in this project and we are looking at 20,000 to 30,000 mile examples at the moment.

Thanks in advance,

Rob.
2006 X Type Sport Wagon,
1987 XJ6 Daily driver.

 

Are you serious?? The XK8 has a worse reputation than the XJS? Hard to believe - but I've never read their forum.

The gauge preference is a personal thing...

I'm thinking the OBD is not fully compliant with the specification, but you can read codes via the trip computer.

For 10 - 13k you can find a peach.

All the best.

 

You mean the 'barrel gauges'? If so, I think the 1992 cars still used 'em. Wasn't it 1994 that the change to round gauges was made? I can't remember






1995 was the first OBD II year for Jaguar and I don't think it was...um...'fully developed'. I'm thinking the V12 cars were not OBD II until 1996. Might be wrong.




I dunno if there is one that the public could buy





AFAIK the 6.0 V12 in the XJS used Marelli right until the bitter end. Someone will verify

As used in the sedans, though, a DIS system was used on the V12 6.0 for the last couple model years.


Cheers
DD

 

You are correct on the issues related to the 1997 and 1998 XK8. From all the research I have done if I were going to purchase a XK8 I would be looking at the last few years produced but man can some of the components on any of the XK8's get pricey.

To me the XJS just has that "classic" Jaguar look and the XK8 just has not gotten there yet but still love the look of the XK8. My suggestion on the XJS is buy the latest version you can find as it will have the most upgrades like outer rear brakes etc. Buy the very best example you can find as up keep on the V-12 is critical like cooling system, fuel hoses and the like.

I have the '95 with the AJ16 and could not be happier but whether you get the inline 6 or V12 there are plenty on here that own and work on both so this forum is a great asset to have. The XJS is like fine wine-it just gets better as time goes by.

 

The 1992 has the round gauges and still has the inboard brakes.
You can read the codes using the Trip Computer.
The 1995 model is OBDII compliant and most readers will read the codes as long as you lie to it about the model year. You need to call it a 1996 in order to read the codes etc.
The later 6 liter V12's are harder to find as not that many were imported to the US.
The 1995 and later with the I6 have the AJ16 engine that has the coil over plugs ignition.
Any of these engines are bullet proof as long as you provide proper maintenance and protect against overheating.
Good luck choosing your new XJS.