I've been seeing conflicting answers to this question and I'm now a bit confused. Are X350s made in two wheelbases or just one? A review I read said that they're all the same, but then I see cars for sale as "XJ8L", which kind of implies that there is a XJ8S somewhere. Was a longer wheelbase introduced after 2004?
Who knows the answer?

Here's the review I mentioned: BEHIND THE WHEEL/2004 Jaguar XJ8 - A New (Aluminum) Way to Skin a Cat - NYTimes.com

 

With the introduction of the 2004 X350, initially all were short wheel base, including Vanden Plas, which historically was always a L or long wheelbase. In 2005, the L model was re-introduced, once again returning to the long wheelbase models. In 2006, the X356 was introduced which was electronics upgrades to the original X350, and for the 2009 model year, the X358 was introduced in short and long wheelbase with exterior upgrades.

 

In 2006, the X356 was introduced which was electronics upgrades to the original X350, and for the 2009 model year, the X358 was introduced in short and long wheelbase with exterior upgrades.[/QUOTE]

I did not know my 2006 XJR was a X356. Did not know there was an interim model between the X350 and the X358.

 

All 06 are X356. and 05 L models were X355. For 05 all short were still X350.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_XJ_(X350)#USA

Not quite right. In the US :
X350/X358 were not trim or wheel base designations.

X350 - 2003-2006
(XJ8, XJR were short wheel base)
(L's, Portfolio and Super V8's were Long wheel base)

X358 - 2007-2009
XJ, XJR were short wheel base)
(L's and Portfolio were Long wheel base)

There are better lists on the forum.

 

The Jaguar Technical Training Guide clearly states the version models, and the differences on page 281. (X350-X355-X356) There were no long wheel based aluminum XJ8 vehicles made for the 2004 model year. XJ8/VDP/XJR in 04 were all short. Wikipedia is incorrect/erroneous/incomplete.

http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Intr...0TECH_2005.pdf

 

Wikipedia is not nessearly incorrect, as in the UK the designates the year registered on the road, not a year ahead like the American system seems to be. There are 2004 LWB cars in Britain.

To confuse matters more, there are SWB Super V8s about, as I own one .

 

The VIN determines year model, not registration date. This fact is undisputable and why vehicles have VIN's. There were no LWB 2004 XJ8 series, Castle Bromwich was not yet tooled up to produce it. Jaguar documentation is authoritative, not Wikipedia.

 

Here is a very nice 2004 LWB Super V8 off the British forum:
Build Date: 05.07.2004 Vehicle Line: Jaguar XJ Body Style: 4 Door Sedan - Stretch (LWB)
Version: Series 45 Engine: AJ Petrol 4.2 V8 Supercharged Transmission: 6 Speed Auto ZF 6HP26 Steptronic Drive: RHD RWD Emission: 2000 EEC (EEC 7) Air Conditioning: Automatic Air Conditioning Territory: (+)"GB" Paint: Midnight

Here is another one for sale on ebay:
2004 Jaguar XJ Super V8 4.2 Supercharged LWB with only 54364 miles | eBay

 

hey guys I have a L wheelbase. It just seems like the rears doors are longer. Anyone know the exact measurements of how much longer the car is? I say 6 inches max

 

That is not a LWB car. Pictures clearly show it SWB. Provide the VIN. Better yet, look at a 2005 LWB and you can clearly see how much longer the rear door are on a true LWB. Sorry... There are no 2004 LWB cars. They didn't make them. Jaguar themselves tell you, the pictures clearly show you, you're beating a dead horse, and most folks cannot tell come here from sickem'. The ad is clearly wrong.

 

The advert is not wrong, it is a LWB, take a look at the rear door veneers, they are much longer before the handle than SWB.

Did you see the data I posted from the UK forum Super V8? Build date: 05.07.2004, Door Sedan - Stretch (LWB). All data taken from VIN, I have seen that car in person 100% LWB.

Here is the 2004 brochure including the new LWB models:
http://www.jag-lovers.org/brochures/2004_xj8_priceguide.html

Are you confusing the American system where a 2004 built car is a MY2005?

Evan, I believe it is 6 inches extra legroom

 

That's a 2005 XJ8 brochure. As sad as this may make you, 2004 did not produce LWB. Look at the pic of what you presented in contrast to a true LWB. Publication number JLM/10/43/07/05, dated May 2004 and covers 2005 models. 2004 Model year brochure, can be seen here:

http://www.superv8.co.uk/wp-content/...%20XJ_2004.pdf

 

Yes the Brochure I posted is dated May 2004, at least we can agree on that .
Not quite sure which 'fake' LWB car I presented, I noticed you still haven't commented on the data provided by VIN.
Anyhow, my last post on this topic, all the best.

 

 

VIN range of model year is identified on page 281 of the Technical Training Guide provided in the prior post. You've provided no VIN in your posts, nor does the ad have a VIN listed.

 

The LWB cars were 2005MY starting at VIN G34528

G34528 was the first LWB "customer" car (not counting test mules) was actually built on 28th June 2004 in Browns Lane, left hand drive VDP 4.2 naturally aspirated for the US market. SAJWA82C35SG34528

So in principle, you could get an "04 plate" LWB 2005MY X350 in the UK, despite the 04 plate, it would have still been a 2005MY vehicle.

 

LWB is X355. Panels were stamped at Castle Bromwich, and shipped over to Browns Lane until 2005 when the last XJ8 was produced, and moved all XJ8 production to Castle Bromwich. Last vehicle produced at Browns Lane was a black cherry LWB Super V8, VIN SAJAC86TG50786 on July 1, 2005, and resides in the Heritage Trust.

 

I say, Chaps, is this the room for an argument? I did pay for a 30 minute argument; er, LWB vs SWB, or something, I believe.

My USA SWB? 2007? X356? XJR is the very last of the atrocious leapers, what?

All must agree that the SWB jags are ever so much more attractive, and absolutely smashingly fantastic crumpet catchers at that

 

Looks to be 5" extra.