Greetings,

I have been following this forum for a couple months and I'm presently test driving a couple XJR's - 2006 models with 45-55K miles, and priced similarly around $24K. Neither are classic, one-owner vehicles...but they 'show well', are low miles, and don't appear to have been abused. Always loved the look of the X350. Surprised at the engine's potency and how compliant the ride was with the 20' wheel/tire combo.

What kind of things should be scrutinized during the PPI? (What kinds of things are particular to the XJR from a long term maintenance perspective should I be concerned about (other than tires and cost of gas, of course)? How durable is the engine/supercharger, sport suspension (vs normal air), etc? (I have an MB with airmatic, so life with an air suspension is a familiar evil. And I'm certainly familiar with Arnott Industries.)

Lastly, any significant reasons to spend more on an 08'? Other than the restyled front/rear, were there major mechanical updates? Or cabin/electronic improvements (Bluetooth, navi)?

Cheers!

 

The X350 is a beautiful car, no doubt. I'm sort of torn about the 2008 updates--I really like the new grille (which can be retrofitted) and the rear end no longer has the word "Jaguar" bisected by the trunklid button, but the bumpers look clunky. The updates did not include any major mechanical changes.

IME (which also includes several Mercedes) the air suspension is about as troublesome as Airmatic, but better than Active Body Control which is a nightmare. Throttle bodies tend to go between 25K (mine) and 45K (most peoples'). Someone else will have to tell you about the supercharger.

Do the cars you're considering have service receipts? That can be very useful to see what issues have already been addressed.

 

Thanks, Marsden. I am also a fan of the 08' styling updates. Compared to 06-07' models, they seem to command another $10-15K. Some are under the Select warranty - another topic, altogether. I have a great independent mechanic, so I'm not sure the extra cost is justifiable if there weren't any major mechanical differences/improvements. I have noticed the 08's have the ventilated front seats and perforated leather. Any difference in the touch screen/navi/sound system in the later models?

What is the distinction, if any, between the air suspension and CATS? Do they all use CATS, or was that an option? My 05' E500 has needed two shock/struts replaced and one compressor in 7 years/105K miles. Given the access to suppliers like Arnott - and an honest independent mechanic - it has not been horribly expensive to maintain.

Any issues with indies working on X350's? Software interface requirements? Any 'dealer only fixes' that lurk ahead?

 

All cars have air suspension, plus CATS, which you lose if you swap out the original spring/shocks with aftermarket steel spring units.

Supercharged engines can suffer from failure of a $5 coolant hose running in the V underneath the supercharger, and if so, replacement is costly in labour due to the amount of dismantling required.

Apart from this, all the other issues that can occur on the X350 cars apply. You should budget at least for an air suspension compressor, a short-life component. Think of it as buying two tyres and you won't be far off. Front and rear suspension bushes can wear out prematurely, in my view caused by use of very low profile tyres, but that is just an opinion. Now the aftermarket is active, costs have come down; the price of a lower rear wishbone can be less than half the Jaguar dealer price for instance.

Just be aware that these cars are not a Lexus, that paragon of reliability, but are probably the equal of Mercedes, BMW, and Audi. ANd of course you will have all us friendly Jaguar nuts to talk to as a bonus !

 

Greetings All.
I am very happy with my 2004 XJR. At the Ottawa British Car Day, held yesterday absolutely no one guessed that I have nearly 190,000 km on the car.
In terms of maintenance there are a few spots which continually arise most probably due to my driving habits;-)

Pirelli's wear far too fast. Michelin PS2 grip better, wear better.
Brembo brakes require constant maintenance.
All fluids are Full synthetic fluids and are changed often.
I change the Transmission fluid every 50K as a preventative measure.
I have not had to change the compressor! I have changed only the front pots, only once.
Every now and again I disconnect the battery overnight. This seems to keep the car running and behaving properly.
Two words: Bushings and Bearings.

And yes, I do FREQUENTLY clean the car; inside, outside, brakes and engine compartment.

Hope this helps.
Guy.

 

When you disconnect the battery overnight do you lose the memory points in your navi system?

 

Thanks for your ownership feedback, Guy.

 

Your welcome.
No worries on disconnecting the battery. all memories are maintained. That is, except the radio. But the quick scan features and the voice control suit me just fine.

 

My indy Jag shop has worked on 100's of supercharged engines and have only seen one failure of the supercharger FWIW. I would stay away from car with 20's. 18's are the best in terms of ride quality, tire selection, still have looks, and is easier on suspension.

Assuming it has all the service doc's, I would want to see or have room in budget for transmission pan/filter replacement which is about $400 at indy, and possible air suspension budget which I don't know how much that'll cost.

Look for a Super V8 if you budget allows it.

 

Thanks for your input, M. A 100 or so is a reasonable population sample in my book. Both of the 06' XJR's have the 20's. Was 19' the standard? What kind of computer/software is required to work on the 06-08' XJ's? Durametric?

Funny you mention the Super V8. There is an 07' Super for sale, but with 80K miles. Fully loaded - BRG w/ tan, rear DVD units, etc - but I was leery of the mileage and impending service/maintenance. Asking price is $24K. Worth a look? Thanks, again!

 

It's worth a look. If service is up to date and the condition is to the level you want, I wouldn't fret the mileage too much. The engine can go for a long long time, and if the transmission is serviced, it should just as long.