When I went to get the part number for my ashtray, which I suspect has worn cogs (the lid won't sit straight or square when closed), there are three material choices: ambia, autolux, or leather. How can you tell which material it is? The color is oatmeal. Is there a certain texture. Would my vin number tell me? Thank you, Louis

 

The way to be certain is to have the dealer run your VIN against the Jaguar Dealer Warranty Network system which holds full build details on all vehicles.

The descriptions used in the Parts Catalogue mean the following:

1. AMBLA is a synthetic with a close weave knitted backing. it can be embossed with a pattern or grain
2. AUTOLUX is a grained leather
3. LEATHER is a smooth, soft leather

If you can lift an edge of the trim, the backing on AMBLA becomes obvious.

Graham

 

Very simple:

In the US all XJ8/XJR have viny/ambla on ALL the interior trim save for the following parts that are regular leather:
seating surfaces
center of headrest
pockets on back of front seat
hand-brake handle
steering wheel
Trunk pull down strap
That's all folks and maybe explain why the interior of the car do not really smell like leather.

The VDP/SC have all those parts in Autolux leather ( which is a much better quality,smooth leather than the regular one ) plus the following parts in Autolux

Console
Console lid
Ashtray lid ( only very early model, the leather and autolux lid were NLA as early as 2001)
hand brake gaiter
rear console extention
door pocket
door amrest.

It is more complicated in the UK since a lot of Jaguars are of the very basic nature with very few options.

I must have the only XJR with a full Autolux leather paid by Ford/Jaguar ( long story short, false advertising)
I also trimmed the following parts in Autolux
Kick panels
Rear parcel shelve

 

Hey Luc, knew you'd answer this one. What are your B posts made of?