Hi there,

I've been interested in buying last generation's super sedan for a while now, and the XJR recently cropped up on the list. I have a few questions that I hope you lads would be able to help answer.

1. What is the difference between the XJR and Super V8? I know the Super V8 has a LWB option.

2. Is the X358 more reliable than the X350? Do they both use air suspension? Any upgrades that are worth it?

3. How's the performance aftermarket for these cars? Are the engine tunable? How much extra "oomph" can one get from the fun bits?

Cheers!

 

I believe the Super V8 has rear entertainment and along with the LWB is heavier than the
XJR for the same years ,2003/4 - 2009.

The X350 runs 2003/4 to 2007 and then the X358 from 2007 to 2009. Apart from some facelift differences the X358 has an extra 10 hp due to a slightly improved SC. The SC is still the Eaton M112 Gen V however the snout gearing is a little "better" along with much improved rotor coating in that it is less likely to come off in the long haul.

Different sites rate these Jaguars one, I forget which, rated the XJ production from 2006 to 2009 as superior to other Jaguar models around these dates.

I have a 2005 XJR and, touch wood, its been extremely reliable from 99,000 to 106,000 while I have owned it. I am the second owner.

Performance aftermarket is a little "limited" however there is plenty of infomation about what can realistically be done in this forum.

I am currently having my SC rebuilt which will include a 2.6 pulley installaiton as well as the better gears and rotors from a 2009 model.

 

I would have thought that the performance of the car as supplied by Jaguar is more than enough for anybody. Certainly easy to lose your driving licence !


All models used air springs on all four wheels, and there are no upgrades, but you can replace the original Bilstein units with Arnott ones at a cheaper price, or fit coil spring conversions. My car is still on Bilsteins which are very robust. The shock part lasts almost for ever, it is the air spring bladder that can fail, and there are one or two firms that will fit new bladders for you. Arnott used to, but don't anymore. Bilstein now supply OEM units directly onto the aftermarket, so if it happens to me I'll buy Bilsteins. These are the only spring units that support CATS, the variable damping system.


I don't think there is any difference in reliability between X350 and X358, except that the X358 cars will be newer, and also will have any unannounced mods that Jaguar did from service experience. However, the cars hardly changed mechanically, it was just a small cosmetic job, (one that I don't like, I much prefer the X350 with its chrome bumper trims).


Be aware that the XJRs had large diameter wheels with low profile tyres. These can give a rather harsh ride, so test drive one before you make up your mind. I swapped out 20" Sepangs to !8" for this reason, and even then it is nothing like the boulevard ride of my old Series 3 XJ6 I had in the 90s.

 

I appreciate the responses. I like the idea of an X358 model. Maybe I can find one in white. The quest continues!

 

Good luck finding an X358 XJR, according to information I received from the Jaguar Registry only 613 were built. I have a 2009 XJR ( and a 2001 XK8) and love it, ride is a little harsher than the Standard car but, the stance is awesome. these are my 9th & 10th Jag so I've experienced many but love these two. Good Luck and post what you end up with.

 

That's the problem with small production cars and revisions: there aren't many of them! We'll see what crops up over the next year or so.

 

Interested in an XJR?

OK, from a long time German performance car Guy who just bought an XJR:

- Get the best example of the newest car you can find

- For classic XJ; '07 XJR is the best bet (it's my choice)

- '09 if you can stand the looks...

- Repairs/maint will push the cost of a Beater way past the price of pristine example

- SWB is best, unless you're a cab driver


Just IMHO....