I was at my local Jag dealer this AM and noticed that current model XJs have an updated wire mesh grill that is much cooler than what came on my 05, at least to my eye. It appears to be chrome, not stainless, has much thicker gauge wire and a seductive new pattern.

Do we know of any after mkt. sources for inserts that approximate this new design?

 

Hi, try an ebay search, there used to be a seller here that did the grill for £140 and the badge for about £20, try searching the UK forum as I am sure it has been mentioned on there.
I found this seller for you at the moment but he is a bit dearer than the earlier one, good luck, regards, Ivor ( from the UK )
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Jaguar-XJ-...item27ac0a9f88

The British Forum is
www.jaguarforum.co.uk
then search the X350 and XJR sections

 

Here are a couple of pics of the old and new grilles (taken with camera so not the best).
The Mina Gallery lower grill was fitted to upgrade the horizontal vane
The Upper grille from dealer was close to GB£900!! (similar "looking" grille on X Type only around GB£145) and the surround needs painting to your car colour if you buy a dealer one
Got this one from ebay complete for GB£145 which came brand new,fully painted (just give him the 3 digit paint code from your car) and with badge!
There is no wire anywhere in the upper grill.The chrome effect is painted plastic (the chrome effect grille bit only comes from dealer pre-painted if you use the dealer route)

 

PS This is the ebay seller I got mine from
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/edmille10/m.h..._from=&_ipg=25
Prices have gone up a bit but still far better value than dealer

 

Thanks Bloke,

Your presentation sold me. Nice work. Your car looks great. I'm going for it too.

Anybody know what 200 Pounds is in dollars these days?

 

Cheers!
Try these to convert to $
http://www.xe.com/ucc/

PS Ask the ebayer if he will send the badge for free as I dont think he does normally but he did when I asked if he would!

 

Here's an alternative way of getting a later look.
It's the new grille, plus I have painted the lower grille panels to match the body colour.

 

The grille looks great and the homestead looks like heaven

 

Thanks. That's the perks of having a place in France!

 

If you are looking to just upgrade to the newer mesh grill, Mina Gallery also has the inserts. That is what I did, plus the chrome mirror covers.

http://www.minagallery.com/jagxp/Jag...sh%20grill.htm

http://www.minagallery.com/jagxp/Jag...ror_covers.htm

 

Higeorge,

It isn't just a mesh grill that cought my attention as my 05 XJR came standard with that. The mesh type grill on late model XJs is significantly more attractive than the mesh we see so much of these days. In fact it's a plastic chrome piece more akin to "egg crate" than mesh. Look at the photos from France closely. You will see what I mean. The Mina mesh grills are not in the same league.

I would go for this new design it in heart beat if it wasn't for the $1,000 brake job I just got hit with. My bank account and wife both have limits.