Just bought a 2003 S Type 4.2. 41,000 miles
Should i follow the recommended oil in the manual or is there a better choice?

Thanks

 

Jaguar recommends 5w-30 but I have been running 10w-30 Mobile1 oil in both of my cars.

 

Follow the manual for viscosity and API recommendations. Beyond that, choose which type (synthetic or dino) and which brand pleases YOU the most. The car couldn't care less.

Prepare yourself for dissenting opinions.

 

Jaguar had a business relationship with Castrol. So Jaguar will always recommend Castrol products. But they are not necessary as posted above.
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I like EVOO with a hint of oregano....

 

Don't forget the fresh garlic as well Jon!

 

Authority Green

 

I believe the 4.2 has (oil-operated) VVT so would suggest NOT to use any thicker oil than you must consistent with following jag recommendation

 

Use oil which Jaguar recomends. I use Motul Specific 913D - in my opinion perfect oil to this engine. My engineering work was about oil's. I compared synthetic oil with the semisynthetic.

But overall rule is that the we must use oil which company recomend to engine. For example Motul, Millers, AMSoil, Royal Purple, Penrite, Mobil 1 use a full synthetic (PAO base) even with small mix of ester. Valvoline, Liqui Moly (not all) uses mix of PAO and hydrokrack base. Castrol, Mobil Super, Fuchs they are use only hydrokrack base. But the Fuchs in my opinion has the best quality of the three.

The only oil that meets the requirements of Ford with 5W40 viscosity is Penrite HPR, so you can use it when you have a agressive style of ride. But overall the 5W30 is completely enough

PS.
I have a small deviation in this oil topic

 

You will get several opinions on what you should and should not do and that is all good. I would suggest that you look at your owner’s manual and look at the viscosity ranges based on the temperature zone you live In for your you will see what is recommended. As for the oil I have been using Mobile1 Synthetic and am pleased with the results. I will provide a link so you can read about oil if you wish.

Link Used Oil Analysis - Bob is the Oil Guy - Bob is the Oil Guy