Now I need to get it running well enough to compete in the GRM 2026 Challenge.
@ 165k miles
Issues:
- Restricted performance (of course)
- Radiator leak
- Oil leak
- Vacuum leak (possible)
- Exhaust leak (possible)
- Evidence of water leak into trunk/interior
- Air Suspension Fault
- About 20 DTC's (read from iCarsoft i930)
- Sagging headliner
- AC blows warm
- Needs brakes
- Needs tires
The Good:
- Most of the features work
- Runs and drives
- Interior is in mostly good shape
- Exterior is in good shape
- Air Suspension isnt leaking
I owned a 2000 XJR for over 7 years.
I currently have classic 2 Mercedes projects 190e and w108. One getting an AMG V8 swap and the other a m104 + efi and turbo. I also have an 88 Mustang GT.
I do all my own work and have tons of tools.
Got rid of the 'restricted performance', for now, and was able to drive the car more thoroughly. Air Suspension fault still present and when I drive it too spiritedly, either the DSC becomes unavailable or I get a 'gearbox fault'.
I need to find the exhaust leak because it sounds and smells very un-Jag-like when driven.
I love that you are going to save this lovely (almost) classic. If it was me I would start with the big stuff and work downward. The restricted performance and other DTCs under load are the biggie. If the trans is toasted, (and it probably is, right?) the car will never run until that's resolved. I wouldn't even wash this car until you've got it running decently.
If you want to compete in GRM or "Lemons" I would rig a 12v 200 psi compressor in the trunk and a manual valve block of some kind. You could make the thing dance and the crowd would love it. Alternately just swap the shocks for coils which you might be able to find used. The headliner can be cheaply fixed with screw in "buttons" they sell on Amazon. All the rest is routine repair and maintenance.
