I was wondering if there was a thread here that describes the progression of new features over the years as an aid to figuring out which one to buy. My understanding is that in 2003, the S-Type was re-engineered to fix several known issues (I read somewhere that 70 problems were addressed), and I know there are three engine types (3.0, 4.2, and the supercharged 4.2). How about the other features? I at least know of a few that appeared at various points as either options or standard equipment, but I really don't know what year they showed up in.

The options I can think of straight away are:

• Navigation
• Bluetooth
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• HID Headlights

If I can collect a bunch of information, I'll turn it into a reference grid for others to use. That is, unless someone has already done such a thing.

Thanks for the info.

Cheers.

J.D.

 

hids are on STR's. 4.2 s/c that would be the one to get hands down..

 

you forgot about the 4l v8 the 2.5l v6 and the diesel engines, the ford auto box, the zf auto and the manual gearbox.

navigation was a factory option from 1999 but the hardware and software changed with the facelift.

as far as i'm aware everything was an available option from 2003 onwards

 

I think you will find that Bluetooth was not offered as a feature until the 2006 "facelift" model and beyond.

J.D. greetings, and let me applaud your enthusiasm and initiative. May I suggest you start with reading through the FAQs and other data downloads here and on the UK forum - although I was only interested in specific years, I ended up downloading genuine Jaguar Brochures on features and options for a wide range of model years, as well as paint and trim combinations, and special Sports Packs and Accessories.

May I though, suggest a word of caution ... Jaguar used a rather "rubbery" rule of Model Years - eg. following the "facelift" MY06 cars, the MY07 commenced production in early 2006. In contrast, Jaguar records of individual features fitment on each and every car was meticulous, and recorded against each car's unique VIN code. In Australia, our major motor trade websites (eg S-Types on carsales.com.au) all list a fairly accurate features inventory (standard; optional; and other). I am sure your local ones will do similarly.

Best wishes,
Ken

 

MAybe you mean a "useful Bluetooth?" The wife's MY2005 is bluetooth-equipped from factory spec, meaning you can pair a phone to the car and call someone and speak in a scratchy, static-surrounded voice; but no accommodation for audio streaming or such.

 

Your point taken readily ... I was reading off the factory spec sheets as presented by Jaguar, while totally forgetful of the lead up of owner dissatisfaction at poor initial performance. On our 2007, Bluetooth is one of the features along with SatNav, that works well and is valued.

By comparison, the 6 stack separate CD changer in the boot (trunk) is poor when viewed against the 6-in-dash unit that is factory fitted to our 2005 Ford Escape farm wagon ... as is the fact that the Jaguar Audio has no AUX IN, nor reverse auto-selected Rear TV Camera.

Cheers,
Ken

 

I uploaded many brochures for many years and wow would it be a big job to turn all those into any sort of table. Frankly I'd just look at the brochures.

 

Here are some articles that follow the evolution of the STR...


2003 Jaguar S-type R - Road Test - Car Reviews - Car and Driver


Opinionated techie » 2005 Jaguar S-Type Review


2006 Jaguar S-Type R | car review @ Top Speed

 

Car reviews certainly have an established writing style, don't they? Thanks for the links.

 

That's so funny my str came from the dealership in the 2nd review (window sticker)with the same upgrades. K40 1000 radar,magnaflow mufflers, some pos intake and a pulley that I expected wasn't stock and almost impossible to take off.

 

This is from Edmunds.com

What's New for 2005

The S-Type gets minor styling revisions in the form of smaller taillights, a tighter-looking deck lid and a restyled front fascia. New exterior panels have tighter fits, while the hood is now made of aluminum. Interior upgrades include new Bronze Madrona trim, a revised instrument panel and an optional aluminum trim package. Eight-cylinder models get a new VDP package that adds premium heated leather seats, burled walnut trim and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.

It's also the first year for Bluetooth. I have it on mine and it works pretty well.

 

Excellent. This is looking like it's going to be a long, involved project if I take it on. Maybe I should set up a wiki page somewhere so everyone can contribute; sort of set up the format and ask people to plug information in where appropriate.

I ended up buying an '04 3.0 yesterday. It's missing a few features I wanted, such as heated seats, adaptive cruise, and floor mats ( ), but it's a good car that will get me up and down the freeway cheaper than my F-150 and give me plenty of time to search for the Jag I really want.