This one is probably not possible but there is no harm in inquiring: - I have noticed the later model years X351 dash's or gauge cluster (speedometer, odometer etc.) (say 2016 onwards) are different and arguably more discreet than the earlier model year's gauge clusters. Does anyone know if it has ever been done to insert the later dash / gauge cluster into an earlier Model year XJ? - and whether that might even be possible? Thanks in advance...

Good questions and I be willing to bet that the answer is no. I hope that someone out there will have an answer.

Honestly, I don't think you would need to do any component changing. All that would be at a software level. That is where it gets tricky. Did they do anything to how the CAN bus relays information and therefore, a 201 car transmits some bit of data that the say 2013 car does not. This would then mess up the whole program running, creating the screen. It would be worth asking, but I think if you look at the wiring, you are going to find that there is a difference in the data buses that are used.

Thanks Thermo, that is helpful and makes good sense about the CAN bus relays. We will see what we can find out on that score....

on a later dash:
-Diffrent CANs
-no MOST, so getting navi/multimedia info on a dash is not possible

cant be done

On a slightly addictive note.. :-), I found a 2016 today in white with a perfect dash and better seats, OMG - it was stunning. Hmmn, I must not get tempted. (repeat, I must not get tempted)