OK, under the hood, on the passenger side, near the windshield, there is a small covered compartment with nothing inside. Seems too small to be useful for much. What is it's purpose?

 

I was told it was for a tool kit but mine doesn't have anything in it either so I'm not sure.

 

It's to put your beer in.

 

@70gsrick

Echo that. I believe it is for the tool kit and mine is missing for my '00 VdP. I wonder where all the old tool kits go.

Cheers,

Steve.

 

It's a good place to put nuts, bolts, etc. when working near there. Probably a good place to heat up your lunch too.

 

Hi guys, it for one of these
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JAGUAR-XJ8-V8-...0320129002r500

cant see a bottle opener in there though!

 

 

I bought my 99 XJ8 new in Dec 98 from Troncalli Jaguar in Roswell, GA - Not too far from Cartersville I suppose - It's now known as Nalley Jaguar. The space was empty when I bought the car, so I doubt many US bound versions ever had the tool kit. Currently, mine has an extra headlight bulb stored in it.

 

Small world, that's where mine came from when it was new...

 

My Car has the original Jaguar tool kit in there un opened still. I'm told the Euro Spec cars came with the kits as standard equipment but on the US cars they were a dealer option. I find that a bit strange to be honest but then again all US XJ8s come with sunroofs as standard but were an option in Europe so are very rare here.

 

Yeah, mine still has the original kit in it still in the wrapper. Japan-spec model.

 

Just though I'd throw in a little visual aid.

 

I was under the impression that tool kits and such were required on UK spec cars. Or am I just another ingorant Yank...

 

The toolkits were (and are) not a mandatory requirement in the UK, but there may be some laws in European countries about light bulbs. The toolkits are an optional extra. The one on the X300 models seems to have had more tools in it, although clearly one cannot do much even with them !

 

Reply for empty container passenger side under front bonnet. Go to eBay united kingdom on Google. Then search for the year of your Jaguar and model with under bonnet tool kit. It is a foam or hard plastic tray with à box pliers, an expandable pliers a handle that fits a screw driver rod and hex shaft light bulbs . I had one and after going to the mechanic it disappeared. I have the 99 VDP. You can only find them either in a salvage yard if a salvage has your year and model car, or pay hefty price for what would be $50 of tools or find one on the site I reference. They can run in price from $100 to $500 for this item depending on the seller. They come new with a cellophane seal or used with no seal. My original that was stolen had a hard plastic grey molded container
The replacement I bought is in a foam container like the trunk spare accessories. The tools in the kit are emblazened with the Jaguar logo but they are basic tools that you could buy anywhere with the 1156 tail light bulbs if you go on Facebook market place and search Jaguar parts there are sellers with used jaguars. You might find it cheapest that way if you contact them. The container for the tools is the shape of that compartment.