Hi everyone. I have been a forum member for some time but this is my first xj12. I have an xjs and xjr and have owned several other jags.
I purchased my xj12 in need of repairs which are underway. Not a perfect car but still a nice car with 110k miles.
I couldn’t pass it up I was faulty certain the non starting issue was something relatively simple
and it was. Turned out a tossed belt broke the cps wire. Bad harmonic balancer tossed the belt. So the balancer is off for a rebuild once I heard the engine run.
I am not sure what my plans are for the car. I had though the 6.0 liter would be a great engine for an xjs but doubtful I would do this but maybe

I have not found any posts where a 6.0 was swapped into an xjs. Anyone done this ?

 

The 6.0 will swap in physically but the engine management system isn’t the same. You should start with a worse car if you’re gonna just take the engine out. Looks like a $5000+ car to me.

 

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I agree the car is too nice to pull the engine. I was really just curious about how difficult that would be. The car does need some Light body work. A few large dings and a decent size dent in the trunk lid. The white hides it in the pics. Still a nice car though just not as nice as it should be.

 

It's one of 249, one of 180..ish in North America. Last year for the V-12.

 

Yes I have been doing a bit of research had no idea they were so rare. Can’t wait to get it out for a ride.
The car may be worth a bit of a restoration. Only has 110k miles.

 

Good work Mr. Wrightbenz! Welcome.

With the rarity of these cars, the decent survivors should remain intact. Once you get caught-up on catch-up maintenance, you're good to go for a long time. Your rear seat passengers will thank you.

I don't think many are keen on swapping the 6.0 V12 into an XJS because it has been done from the factory, with the 94 and 95 model years. Those cars are probably as rare as the 305 in the US. I have often pined for a 6.0 XJS coupe.

The 6.0 in the XJS does not have the 305's Denso 6x2 coil pack ignition system, it has the 12 point distributor and coils (among other smaller differences).

 

Thanks. I’m sure I will not do anything other than bring the car back to good repair. I do think a 6.0 in a 5.3 xjs would be nice though. I’m not a fake of the facelift xjs as much as I am the earlier cars.

Mayeb we can change the conversation here back towards my car. What kinds of common issues are there with the xj12 x305 I should expect at 100k miles?
I have no history but may contact jaguar and see if any records exist. I believe it was basically a one owner car for most of its life but not certain. Haven’t run a carfax or anything like that.
The harmonic balancer is finished and on its way back to me from dale in Washington state so may have her running by the weekend. Then I will get a better idea what I have and what is needed.
In the meantime I have my recent xjr acquisition and in going xjs project to contend with.

 

Oh, neat X308R! Love those rims. And I understand the allure of the classic series XJ-S versus the facelift. The 6.0 with the 4L80E is a good combination and would probably be real nice (better?) in the classic.

I think your XJ12 will fall neatly into place between the XJ-S and the XJR. It has a bit of DNA from both. With your experience you will be fine, as I think the XJ12 is actually a "simpler" car than either of the others.

As you are aware with the others, the cooling system is a big deal. Watch out for rotten inlet pipes on the radiator tanks. New OEM thermostats and coolant at least. Consider rebuilding the oil cooler lines. The lines and cooler are not readily available anymore. The brakes and suspension are essentially the same as the X300, and very similar to the X308. You already did the balancer, that's a big one marked off the list. Your premium audio system may give you fits, but there's plenty to read about it in X300.

 

Every one of my cars needed, needs power steering hoses replaced. At this age originals are all bad even if not leaking.

 

I need power steering hoses too. They leaked all over the suspension and softened the bushing on one side. Maybe a winter project....

 

if they are not leaking why would they need replacing ?
I take it the best option is to take these to a hose shop and have them rebuilt ?

 

Why?
25 years old.
Or wait and replace them when they fail.
No need to go to a hose shop as OEM are still available
Your call.
You asked.

 

Reservoir to steering pump hose, although not under pressure, is a leaker. Don't let it make a mess of your alternator and lower suspension bushings. The hose is easy to replace. Bushings, not so much!

If not available as new, hydraulic shops will be able to replace the hose sections between the metal fittings. But be sure they use the correct hose. Hi temp, hi pressure, oil resistant.

An easier DIY task will be the 2 fuel crossover hoses between the fuel rails. Probably want to do those first thing.

 

My car is also at around 100K, just purchased about 6 months ago. I had to replace/rebuild every single component on the power steering system. I believe the power steering system is the only thing designed and made by ZF on this car. Thank god that’s all they let them touch!

 

Since 1 of 19 said OEM is still available I went to check prices... sometime Jaguar is so overstocked of the 80s-90s parts they can be dirt cheap. Well not these hoses! Three hoses would be about $750. I would absolutely go to a place that rebuilds hoses. But to agree in part with 1 of 19 last post, don’t overlook OEM. Sometimes it’s a great deal, and typically very good quality.

 

right I have not found the hoses for a reasonable price either.

 

Unfortunately nothing about these rides is "reasonable". Except the purchase price. Well worth it once sorted.