Hey guys. Just purchased a 2004 Vanden Plas three days ago. I must say I’m through the roof with this vehicle. It’s everything I expected and more. I’ve searched for a year to find this one, and I probably looked at every XJ8 that was for sale on the Internet.

That being said, I went into this purchase with my eyes fully open. Not only was I searching for a car for a year, I was also researching every aspect of this vehicle, including all the things I can expect to go wrong or to be wrong. So, I have a few questions.

The car’s suspension appears to be working, but there are rattles and clunks in front and back. I’m guessing bushings/ball joints are worn. Which replacement parts do you recommend? I’m looking for specific parts with links, if possible.

The passenger side mirror is discolored and I’d like to replace it. How does one remove the housing and mirror?

I want to keep the exterior looking great, so what soap product is recommended for washing? Also, do any of you typically wax your Jaguar? If so, what product? Do you dry your car after washing? Do you use a towel or chamois?

My hood liner is not completely attached, but finding a replacement seems to be problematic. Any suggestions?

One thing about this forum I find odd is that the 2003 model year seems to be included in the X350 range. But every 2003 model I see listed online is an X308.

I’m thrilled with this car, and everything on mine appears to be working properly. Happy to be here and get your help/opinons!

 

I got my front suspension parts from eBay .There is a wide range of prices available and a lot depends on your budget. I got most of my parts from Detroit Axle. The quality looks good and all the bushings look identical to the original. I would also recommend doing all the arms, ball joints and bearings at the same time while you have it disassembled.At 97000 miles the original didn’t look bad but I am impressed how much better the car steers with everything replaced.

 

Quote
"One thing about this forum I find odd is that the 2003 model year seems to be included in the X350 range. But every 2003 model I see listed online is an X308."
Unquote

You have to distinguish between "model year" and "production year". "Model Year", or "MY", is not the same as the calendar year. Usually, with most car manufacturers the new model year starts after the summer vacations, around August/September, so if you have a car belonging to MY2004, it may still be built/produced in calendar year 2003.
So, if you look for an early X350 by MY, you mostly will find them as MY2004.

For the XJs, 2003 is a "confusion year", as Jaguar discontinued the X308 and in parallel started selling the X350. The earliest X350s sold should be from around March 2003, built even a bit earlier, I am not perfectly sure about the definite timing.
That's why there are both X308s and X350s that are both marked as MY2003, although Jaguar itself mostly referred to first MY of the X350 as being MY2004.

You can see from the VIN of your car what MY it belongs to:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...number-240746/

Best regards,

Thomas

 

Apparently suspension is one of the areas where some parts are shared with Lincoln LS:

 

Hi
oe manufacturer for the suspension arms is Lemförder
look at Moog or such for lower prices if necessary. Do not go for Uro parts.

Ceiling is typical look for somebody who can referbish it
starting with vin end G0442 is probably build already in 2002
I have 3 x350 of 2003 g05000 g08679 from May 2003 225k miles and g23600 still 2003 but put on the road in 2004
Sales started in the Us in 2004

 

Hi
oe manufacturer for the suspension arms is Lemförder
look at Moog or such for lower prices if necessary. Do not go for Uro parts.

Ceiling is typical look for somebody who can referbish it
starting with vin end G0442 is probably build already in 2002
I have 3 x350 of 2003 g05000 g08679 from May 2003 225k miles and g23600 still 2003 but put on the road in 2004
Sales started in the Us in 2004

 

Mine is G20252, built in September 2003 and first licensed in October 2003.

Sometimes, Jaguar also uses "2002.5MY" as description for the first X350s, but not in all documents, and that's why I did not mention it before.
"2002.5MY" leads to believe that the very first X350 could have been manufatured still in 2002.

Best regards,

Thomas

 

Welcome to the forum. Lots of very knowledgeable people here for advice. Lots of YouTube vids about Jaguars to explore as well, The journey seems endless but quite a fun trip to learn about the car and the quirks each and every one of them seems to have. I had many of the same questions a year ago when I acquire my 2004 XJR. I'm slowly learning and enjoy the feeling every time I get behind the wheel.

 

Welcome to forum @cornponious !
Regarding hood liner. I wanted to go for OEM looks. Talked to SNG Barratt They used to carry that liner, but no more; the explanation was that it is going to get damaged in shipping. Getting one from bone yard does not seem like a viable option.
So, on a lead from @ctsemicon , thank you, I went with aftermarket option:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...1/#post2777671.

 

ok yes I like that. I may go with that. Also thanks to the others for the welcoming sentiment. I’m happy to be here. I’ve wanted one of these XJ vehicles since 1989. Finally made it. Couldn’t be happier.

 

Addiction is the word for these great cars.

 

I replaced all upper, lower control arms front & rear, all sway bar links, wheel bearings, rotors, brake pads, rebuilt rotors, etc etc. etc.

To reiterate what Petz says (so correctly); Lemforder parts very good quality and fit, and I've been very pleased with Moog front bearings. Avoid Uro, Detroit Axel, and Delco - I did order Delco parts once, measured them and found machining of the mating surfaces on castings had poor surface finish and measurements (by caliper) significantly off from OEM.

As for brakes, I have been using Cquence rotors and Centric (Continental) pads on all three of my cars with great success.

You may find the attached cut-and-paste from the Barratt catalog helpful in identifying suspension parts by VIN.

 

Really enjoyable to drive mine every day.

Even MORE enjoyable when I have (at least) one other vehicle 'online' so I do not HAVE to drive it 'every day'.

At this age, if not 'from the outset', they are 'project' cars that need even more TLC than the "British Standard" eg: tinker all week so it can be driven at least one of the weekend days, inject cash, repeat 'til end of days.

Not to worry.

Too old for pubs and brothels, in any case.

And it is more rewarding to have passers-by stop, do a walk-around, say:

"Nice Jaguar! What year is it?" ..... more often with each passing year, yet.

Nobody *I* know ever got that sort of positive reaction draggin' raggedy-arsed out of a pub nor brothel.. least of all with advancing age!!

Or so the groan ups tell me...

 

Thank you so much for the information!

 

Have you been using the OEM pads from centric, or have you been using either semi metallic or ceramic? I’m just curious which ones you are using.

 

This answer can depend on your driving style and needs....

I personally exclusively use ceramic pads on all my (mine, wife, daughter) cars. Ceramic provides low dust and seem to extend rotor life, and almost all braking systems seem to have sufficient force to accommodate the slightly higher pressure needed to achieve good stopping distances. I think you will find properly installing pads (high quality grease on pins, proper lube of shims, etc) has much more effect on preventing the dreaded brake squeal/squeak.

On my car I use slotted and dimpled version rotors, as I do not mind the slight burr noise the slots make and appreciate the faster stopping (little more "grabby"). On my wife and daughter cars (crossover Subaru and Chevy) I use "ordinary" rotors, preferably Geomet/rust resistant coated. Quieter and less friction noise.

 

Still waiting for the Kevlar pads myself.
Have used them on my motorcycles for decades now.
Sold as racing pads, for track use
The rotor surfaces look like chrome, with virtually no wear.