2003 XJ8 Query
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2003 XJ8 Query
Hi,
Right at the outset, I will apologize for being lazy. I don't doubt that the info requested is already available; however, because there are several issues of concern to me, I thought the easiest solution was simply to put everything into one basket.
I am aware that the 4.0 engine had several really nasty engineering flaws that created very expensive problems for more than a handful of owners. I know that the plastic timing chain tensioner was a poor choice, that the Nikasil cylinder treatment was inappropriate, and that more than a few early owners had a real problem with the throttle body. I also remember that the sealed transmissions fitted to early XJ8s frequently went belly up.
What I don't know is when (if ever) these problems were effectively solved by Jaguar. I recently have seen several 2003 VJ8s for sale, but have been hesitant to move forward because of the above listed problems. I actually anticipated seeing the 4.2 in the 2003 model. As I recall, this was the engine used in the 2003 S-type. Both 2003 XJ8s listed for sale, however, had the 4.0.
Had the above listed concerns been resolved in the 2003 XJ8, or did one or more continue straight through that year's production. Also, were there other major concerns for that year?
Thanks in advance for any information.
Right at the outset, I will apologize for being lazy. I don't doubt that the info requested is already available; however, because there are several issues of concern to me, I thought the easiest solution was simply to put everything into one basket.
I am aware that the 4.0 engine had several really nasty engineering flaws that created very expensive problems for more than a handful of owners. I know that the plastic timing chain tensioner was a poor choice, that the Nikasil cylinder treatment was inappropriate, and that more than a few early owners had a real problem with the throttle body. I also remember that the sealed transmissions fitted to early XJ8s frequently went belly up.
What I don't know is when (if ever) these problems were effectively solved by Jaguar. I recently have seen several 2003 VJ8s for sale, but have been hesitant to move forward because of the above listed problems. I actually anticipated seeing the 4.2 in the 2003 model. As I recall, this was the engine used in the 2003 S-type. Both 2003 XJ8s listed for sale, however, had the 4.0.
Had the above listed concerns been resolved in the 2003 XJ8, or did one or more continue straight through that year's production. Also, were there other major concerns for that year?
Thanks in advance for any information.
Veteran Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,547
Likes: 2,546
From: Crewe, England
A 2003 XJ8 will be OK as the issues you mention were all dealt with by then. The 4.2 engine does not have the issues of the 4.0 litre, but for this engine the car changed to the X350 aluminium model with another gearbox, (but same manufacturer - ZF).
Any Nikasil engine that has got to 2010 and is still running OK is clearly marked out by Providence to go to Mars and back. No sulphur now in petrol so it will probably last almost for ever. Cam chain tensioners were a problem until the new metal bodied items came out, but I don't know which year or engine number, but it was about 8 years ago.
As for autoboxes, what can one say ? They either seem to go forever, or fail just after you have bought the car, (only joking !). The fluid can be changed and there is a procedure on doing it despite what Jaguar or ZF may say. It can be beneficial but having said that, the last high-mileage car I had, a Mazda Xedos which I took to 128,000, I never changed the fluid.
Go onto any of the major makes forums and see the tales of woe. All cars have certain problems. My Maxda Xedos (= Millenia in the US) gave no trouble, but when I went onto the users forum it seemed like I had been very lucky with my car !
The main thing when buying a used car is its and whether it has been taken care of by its previous owners - serviced correctly etc. records and invoices all kept and so on.
Any Nikasil engine that has got to 2010 and is still running OK is clearly marked out by Providence to go to Mars and back. No sulphur now in petrol so it will probably last almost for ever. Cam chain tensioners were a problem until the new metal bodied items came out, but I don't know which year or engine number, but it was about 8 years ago.
As for autoboxes, what can one say ? They either seem to go forever, or fail just after you have bought the car, (only joking !). The fluid can be changed and there is a procedure on doing it despite what Jaguar or ZF may say. It can be beneficial but having said that, the last high-mileage car I had, a Mazda Xedos which I took to 128,000, I never changed the fluid.
Go onto any of the major makes forums and see the tales of woe. All cars have certain problems. My Maxda Xedos (= Millenia in the US) gave no trouble, but when I went onto the users forum it seemed like I had been very lucky with my car !
The main thing when buying a used car is its and whether it has been taken care of by its previous owners - serviced correctly etc. records and invoices all kept and so on.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Myrtle Beach, SC
The only engine problem I have had with my 03 XJ8 4.0 (knock on wood) was the thermostat. When changing that out, I stripped the nuts that were embeded in the plastic. I corrected this by putting longer bolts thru the housing and using new nuts.No problems with the tranny.(Again, not on wood) at all.
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