Hi everyone. Did the 2004 XJ8s come from the factory with black grilles? I thought they were always silver/metallic colored, but a local dealer has a 2004 XJ8 and the photos are very unclear. Could be a black grille, could be no grille. The dealership aren't really helping much yet after I queried (all I got was the same photo on their site that I had already seen, which is not helpful). If the silver color grille was standard, are after-market black grilles available? Maybe that's what is going on. The photo (attached - hope I did it correctly) just shows a vague black area with no detail. Will go see it myself in a few days - they are a couple of hours away, so a long drive. Any information greatly appreciated. (Sorry if this sounds like a trivial topic.)

 

I think that grill is correct, they were never chromed. I zoomed the photo and could see the grill clearly that looks factory standard.
Lots of people fit stainless steel mesh grills from the after-market, Have a look at Adamesh. If you don't like the existing grill you can easily put the mesh ones in in about 10 minutes.

 

Hi, thanks for the feedback. Now that you mention it, when the photo is zoomed in there does seem to be a suggestion of a grille. Will take a look at the car soon. Must then decide on an L, an XJR, or a standard XJ8. Several nice ones in my area to choose from.

 

That looks just like my 2004 XJ8 grille.

 

My 04' XJ VDP came with the chrome grill as part of that trim level. The standard XJ is black. I still thought the mesh grill on the XJR looked so much better, I installed the Mina mesh grill and it really improves the looks.



The original was okay visible in the image.

 

My 2004 xj8 came with the black plastic grill. I recently had a minor collision that required removal of the grill to fix. So, I bought a Mina Gallery mesh grill that looks like the one on that Vanden Plas shown in this thread. (BTW I think all the supercharged xj's came with the mesh grill as well.) It cost me $125. I ordered over the phone. It looks great. I would post a picture but I don't know how.


Tom

 

My 03 XJ8 VDP (X308):


One of my 04 XJ8's:


My 04 XJR:


My 05 XJR


Just some of the differences over the years that were so close together..

 

Thanks everyone, enormously helpful. If that XJ8 is still available tomorrow, I'll likely buy it. But I tend to agree that the mesh grille looks better. The XJR I test drove yesterday had one. Very nice - but the XJ8 is my top choice due to its seemingly flawless condition.

 

Well? Care to share as I would like to see what you're starting with and then where you take it as you can get mods to make her "yours"... Just asking for an update.

Rags

 

Will let you know. I take possession sometime this week.

 

Here she is. Picked her up on Thursday evening. She is pretty much flawless, at least cosmetically. Will find out more when I get a full diagnostic on the 26th. I've already posted shots on the photo board as well as in the intro section for new members. But here are a couple that show the grille area as per this thread. (And as long as I'm here on the X350 board, I did notice yesterday while accelerating with vigor that there seemed to be a Corgi barking in my boot, which was odd since I didn't notice anyone lurking nearby with a small dog. But it's apparently the well-documented "barking" transmission issue. Doesn't seem to be a cause for any concern, and I'll just wait 'til the next transmission fluid flush to put in some of the recommended additive.)

Ciao -

 

Personal taste,I changed the black to mesh because I think it looks better. Some like all original.
On your car I could see a mesh grill looking very nice,easy to do and undo. Glad you described the small dog as a Corgi,very British of you.

 

Here's a quick before and after on a 'new to me' 04 vdp...


As you say, it is a personal taste, but I prefer the mesh, too.


Thanks -mag