Hi I'm wanting an XF around 2012, either V6 Diesel S Portfolio or the XFR Supercharged.

Wondering about reliability and repair/maintenance costs and which would be easier on the wallet!
The diesel can be easily remapped to get 100Nm more torque than the V8, so should feel much more responsive.

Your views would be much appreciated...cheers

 

I've had both, both 2010 "pre-facelift".
The XFR blows the diesel S into the weeds in almost every way and the diesel has only one major advantage - fuel economy.
Yes the diesel can be remapped from 600 Nm to 700+ Nm, I did exactly that with my S, but the XFR is 625 Nm stock and can also be easily remapped to 700+. I remapped my XFR to XFR-S spec, 660 Nm and 550 PS / 404 Kw.
Yes the diesel S pulls well from low down but so does the XFR (max torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm) so up to say 60 mph the XFR is only a little ahead, but after that it leaves the diesel in the dust. Because at higher speeds it's power that counts more than torque, and the mildly tuned XFR has exactly TWICE the power of the diesel S.
The main reason for this massive power advantage is the fact that the petrol XFR revs cleanly to the max power point of 6,500 rpm while the diesel gives up the ghost around 4,500 rpm.
Also the supercharged XFR has better throttle response than the twin turbo diesel - instant vs slight lag.
Then there are the brakes - 380/376 on the XFR vs the relatively weedy 355/326 on the diesel. The XFR brakes are so much better it is not funny.
Last but not least, while the AJ133 SC in the XFR is known to have some problems they don't come within cooee of the DPF problems in the diesel. Do not get a diesel if nearly all of your driving is short trips!
I had almost zero reliability problems with the XFR but heaps of DPF hassles with the S.
Routine maintenance and servicing costs are the same other than for the extra cost of new tyres and brake pads/rotors on the XFR because they are significantly bigger.
Bottom line - if you get the diesel you will forever wonder "did I make the right decision?" but if you get an XFR (as long as it is a good one) you will never have this problem.

 

Cheers Oz...that's the info I want to hear! I'll may be doing 90 miles a day round trip but on country A roads so no prolonged mid to high speed runs.
I wanted an excuse to choose the XFR! Cos that's what my heart says.

 

And I forgot to add (just pointed out on "the other" forum), the XFR sounds so much better than the diesel!

 

You need to check your current use pattern of your existing car. Diesels are not good if you're just doing a lot of short journeys, which can cause the DPF to clog-up badly and also frequent attempts by the car software to regenerate the DPF that are stopped part-way through can lead to engine oil dilution. It is even possible, if the turbo seals fail for the engine to run on its own oil and "runaway".

 

Wouldn't say 45 mile trip is a short journey! But I thought more constant higher speed is needed to ensure DPF kept clean. 45 miles of 30 mph won't do it any good.
Wow never heard of Turbo failed seals causing "runaway"! It would have to be seriously blown for that much oil to cause that wouldn't it?

 

Oh - the sound!! There is no comparison. The XFR is amazing!

Don't forget the V8 5.0supercharged is essentially identical to the XFR so that should give you more options. As Oz says, take your time and get a good one. I still have my 2010 XF SC 5.0 and it still runs perfectly!

 

Remember the OP is in Blighty and I don't think they ever sold the XF 5.0 SC "non xfr" there.

 

Ah - good spot Oz! And in the Lake District too - I can't think of a better place to drive an XFR!

Unfortunately petrol won't be cheap. Think around 5 gallons each commuting day (100 pounds a week in petrol). So you will have to decide whether the savings are worth it for a more efficient motor

Good luck!

 

Current motor gets me 25mpg on a spirited round trip so not too bothered there. More concerned with reliability and servicing costs.
Thanks for all the feedback.

 

Lastly....can anyone tell me when the heavier chain and tensioners were standard fit? From VIN number...or year? Thanks much appreciated for all your replies.