Regarding the obvious question that is raised about why heated rear seats disappeared only in 1997 only for the XJR and AFAIK returned as an option in the redesigned X308 .... I suspect this was caused by the introduction of the redesigned rear seating for the XJR in 1997. Perhaps Jaguar simply didn't have time to redesign the rear heated seat or integrate it into production for a single year as they were busy gearing up the new X308 and were picking their priorities? Just a guess.

I have to say, although I used to think heated seats were somewhat of a silly luxury.... when it gets below 20F outside and I've gotten older, it is nice to be able to warm the seat up while the engine gets warm enough for the heater to start working. And now that I've got kids, they would appreciate the rear seats being heated for the same reason. So it is too bad the 97 XJR doesn't have the rear heated seats. Not a huge issue, but too bad.


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There are many gizmos I could care less about but I have grown *very* fond of the heated seats. Not only in cold weather but also to ease my sore back whenever needed

Cheers
DD

 

Never thought of heated seats before but it sure felt good during the 18F drive to work this morning. Definitely growing on me.

 

Just FYI. I own a 97 xjr in SDN, topaz metallic pearl with a cream interior. It has the solid cream interior with walnut dash and walnut shift knob, traditional steering wheel, chrome grille surround and chrome trunk trim. Mine is proof that the cars could be special ordered in certain colors. Does anyone know how to find out what the production numbers were with such options as mine? I know only 318, 97 models were produced. I'm curious how many of the 318 have options as mine?

 

I can't answer your questions but I wanted to clarify that the "318" refers to how many were made in calendar year 1997. It doesn't refer to 'model year'.....if that's what you were thinking

Cheers
DD

 

Number 1 stupid feature... power headrests.

 

*laugh*... OK, I'll give you that the power headrests are pretty gratuitous, plus they only raise/lower, not even adjust front/rear. I mean if they are are going full on luxury, why not?

I would have been happy to lose the power headrests and instead save that money and have power seat memory pots that last and a radio that isn't flakey from the factory

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I kinda like it. The ones in my daily drive seems to get moved all the time - up and down. Damn Toyota.

I consider it a gratuitous luxury, and don't mind that at all.

 

xxxx

 

Jaguar should have skipped the money put into something that you never move and invest it in an engineer that can design a cup holder.

 

Well to be fair, the 2003 "updated" unit holds up a lot better with the new metal hinges.

The design isn't perfect regardless though.....


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