Hello:

I have owned a 1997 MBZ V12 S600 Coupe Koenig 7.2L for ten years. It has been the most reliable car I have ever had- no issues at all.
Bought it with 74,000 miles, now at 211K still runs perfectly although the interior needs work.

Looking for a second V12- a sedan. I can get a 1995 XJ12 Sedan with about 45K miles on it from a private seller in Dallas. I paid Carchex to go out and inspect the car. They will do that next week.

If it passes I would like to buy it, does anyone own or have owed one of these things? If so how reliable are they? Can you "blow" the engine easily? Any "Achilles" heels I should know about?

ALL INFORMED info appreciated.



Thanks!!!!!

John in DC

 

By the way I am also considering a 1993 XJS I heard they had fewer problems. Would like commentary on this.\

Thanks again, John

 

Welcome.

The 1995 X300 style would be a 6ltr V12, and considered the best of the lot. Achilles, 23 years old, some serious catch up would be needed, coolant hoses,etc etc would be mandatory.

The XJS would be a 5.3 Mareli car, and have its own issues.

ALL Jag V12's are STRONG, but cooling system laziness/neglect by the owner is the weakest item.

Heaps of info in the X305 and XJS Tech sections about this and other items.

Good luck.

 

Nope. You'd have to go out of your way to blow the engine, or the transmission. The only thing that'll hurt a Jag V12 is cooling system neglect, as Grant said.


Not really. Fundamentally these are robust cars that'll soldier on forever; robust and durable. The V12 version was the flagship of the fleet. Worth owning, IMO.

But I wouldn't count on one being 100% trouble-free. As with many cars of the era the ABS module may suffer weak solder joints. The Alpine radios were notoriously bad. Suspension bushings, designed for NVH control not long life, are known to perish sooner than most other cars. Rear wheel bearing replacement is often required. The 'memory' function of the power seats is probably inoperative, as are the seat heaters most likely. The GM 4L80E trans itself is tough but the trans mount can weaken, allowing excessive transmission movement which, in turn, stresses the electrical connector at the transmission.

In one of the sticky threads at the top of the "X300" section is a buyers guide which might help. Same for the XJS section.

Cheers
DD

 

More commonly the other 'way round. The XJS being known as more problematic than the "X300" series of sedans such as you are considering.

But in either case the present day condition of the car, a reflection of how well it has been kept, is what counts. A well kept XJS will be a better car than a neglected V12 sedan, and vice versa.

A well-kept Jag is a purring kitten. A poorly kept Jag is an unforgiving bitch. Look for one that has been enthusiastically and properly serviced.....not merely polished-and-waxed once a month, if you know what I mean.

Cheers
DD

 

 

welcome to the forum - enjoy!!!

 

I know a lady selling a beautiful 95 VDP with 47k on it that I worked on almost since new for $6900 just south of Houston, Tx
pm if interested

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums John,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help

 

GREAT how do I PM you on this system?

 

Thanks, how do I PM you about the '95 out of Houston? VERY interested. I can have Carchex inspect it and make the purchase within 2 weeks. I am a motivated buyer.

 

As a newbie, you can't use the forum PM system to send messages until you have the qualifying period of membership and number of posts.

If Brutal doesn't see your reply here, I can send him a message asking him to make contact with you using the eMail address you have used to register on the forum if this is OK with you. (moderators can see your eMail address but other members can't - we take privacy seriously here!)

Graham

 

Hello:

Back in the 80s and early 1990s when AMG was a separate company to "pump up the performance" of MBZs, I used to read about a similar company that did so with Jags.

I cannot recall its name. Does anyone know of such a company?

 

Arden

https://www.arden.de/

 

Hello,
Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

 

Welcome to the forums.

 

Professor,

Plus One on all of the above, from some of the most trusted members of Jaguar Forums (and other forums). Keep in mind that the 95 VDP (Vanden Plas) in Texas is not a V12 car, it is a 4.0 inline six. The 4.0 certainly has its merits, and if it was serviced by Brutal, you can skip the Carchex! However the XJ12 is rare compared to the XJ6 and Vanden Plas. Therefore, more special!

I have recently had the harmonic balancer rebuilt on my XJ12, and replaced some cooling system seals and hoses. Normal tasks for cars of this age, and not expensive or too difficult. Sounds like MB did a good job with the S600 7.2! It would be very interesting to compare and contrast the two. No issues at all??

Are we to assume you service your own vehicles? You will want to, if you decide on a V12 Jaguar. With exceptions. I had an oil cooler hose burst last year and went to a local specialist to rebuild them. A very good PM item at this age. I also had the specialist redo the transmission mount last year. Surprisingly, they botched it pretty badly. I'll have to redo it properly myself sometime!

FYI, The Alpine radio and CD changer, ABS, seat heaters, and seat memory still work fine in my car. There are always exceptions! Knock on polished burl walnut.

I hope it all works out for you. The XJ12 is special indeed.

 

Ok well,, hopefully I'll be upgraded someday. I'll hope for the best.

 

What is the number associated with a 1993 Jag XJS 350? 358? Something else?

Thanks,

John