Took a 1998 XJ8 3.2 for a roadtest yesterday, was very impressed with it, smooth, quiet and powerfull, The gearbox was very smooth through the gears.

I do have one question though.

With the engine in neutral and giving the car a good rev there was a slight side to side lurch of the whole car body. I repeated with the bonnet open to watch the engine move on it's mounts, there was a bit of rocking side to side but did not look too bad

Is a bit of side to side movement of the car normal at standstill whilst giving a good rev or are there engine mounting issues with this particular car?

Any help much appreciated.

 

Jack up the car and visually inspect the mounts. If there is any oil residue around them than they probably failed. Slight rocking in neutral should be normal as it has to do with the torque.

 

Thanks for your reply Adam, I will inspect them when I go back for a second look at the car.