I test drove an 05 XJR with about 75K miles today. It is an amazing car! The ride is a bit soft for me and it is a bit loose or wallowy in the corners, but that may just be a luxury "feature". 1) Anyway, is there a way to tell if it is fitted with a comfort or sports suspension? 2) Are there any aftermarket parts, ie anti-roll bars, bushings, etc that can "tighten things up a bit? (I am coming from a BMW 540i). 3) When i have done some searches for parts, many of the parts are identified from a VIN that is higher than the one on this car? 4) What problems should I be looking for and what types of maintenance Items can I expect over the next 25-50K miles (100k-125k)

Thanks.

Josh

 

Hi Josh,

As far as I understand, all XJRs were equipped with sports suspensions. Search this archives for the color coded paint dots applied to the shocks to distinguish Sports shocks from Comfort ones.

I have a 325i with 17" M-Sport wheels and low profile tires, and our XJR has a softer ride with more roll in corners, but I would never describe it as "soft," "loose," or "wallowy." I suspect the suspension in the car you drove is not behaving properly. You would want a Jag specialist to check the car thoroughly and to read the Jaguar-specific fault codes stored in the system. Air leaks, a worn piston ring in the air compressor, a failing air bladder in a shock, a problem with the electronic shock control system... there are a number of issues that could cause the car to be less controlled than it should be.

Aside from the suspension, see the first thread in the X350 forum: "What to look out for in an X350 - you need to know!"

Let us know what you learn about the car and what you decide. Despite the few issues we've experienced with our X350 XJR, it's the best-driving big sedan we've ever owned.

Cheers,

Don

 

Josh,
I also had a 540iSport, and then a Mini Cooper S, and previously a 911 C4, so going to a big sedan like the XJR is a bit of a change. However, compared to my wife's BMW 750Li, is handles cleanly. Yes, there is a bit of roll, but very controlled. I am always amazed at how it handles the twisty roads, but I do not think it is quite on par with a BMW 540 (actually, there is a great youtube video comparing the M5 to the XJR on the track. The XJR can't quite keep up, and it does look loose on the turns).
That said, I wouldn't change anything on my XJR. At times I wish I had a Super V8 with the comfort suspension as the sport version is quite stiff. I think if you drove one for more than a test drive you'd like it more.


Dave

 

Thanks guys. I may have been a bit hasty with the wallowy comment...I have had several BMWs over the years, a Mercedes S500, and a XJ40 Vanden Plas. Although great cars, I have always traded for something smaller. My test drive was about 35 miles and the XJR is hands down a better car than either of the big sedans I have had! There is a lot of body roll, which is probably normal for this type of car. I do do a lot of highway driving and I guess I have to decide if I am ready for a big sedan again.
Incidently, Dave, I also test drove a very nice low mileage 1999 996 C2. It is wonderful and much nicer than my air-cooled 911s, but it is also limited in use and $10k more in asking price than the XJR!