Hey everyone, hope you’re all doing well! I’m looking to get a diagnostic tool for my XJ8 X308, but I’m feeling a bit confused and could really use your help.

From what I’ve read here and on the JagInfo forum, it seems like I’d need IDS V131 or newer, or any version of the SDD software. I even found a link to v160, which I believe will switch back to the legacy IDS version when it detects my Jaguar. Does that sound right to you? And does anyone have a reliable, tested software file they’d be willing to share for download?

Also, I’m a bit stuck on the cable situation. Some people say I need a Mongoose Pro, while others mention the Rotunda VCM. When I check Mongoose Pro cables for sale, the descriptions usually list models X100, X150, X152, X202, X250, X260, X350, X351, X400, X760, X761, but not the X308. So now I’m unsure what’s actually compatible.

Looking forward to your knowledge.

 

For x308 you need IDS 118.5 and Rotunda VCM 1. Not 2 or 3.
V131 and later is SDD what turns to legacy IDS as you mentioned. Rotunda VCM works with SDD too.
Mongoose pro works only with SDD/lecacy IDS and is not good for x308 as mongoose does not handle all the protocols that x308 uses and VCM handles. It may connect to the ecm, tcm and abs. Everything else no.
I think everyone Mongoose found from ebay are chinese copy. So quality lottery it is.
V160 Sdd installs stuff that you will not need if you are not in need of playing with way modern jaguar/landrover cars. V160 relies on connection to topix too. So it misses a lot of information that older versions do have. Unless you have working Topix cloud service business account.
Rotunda vcm can be troublesome and can be difficult and expensive to find genuine and fully working one. Remember these modules are +20yo old test equipment.

Both ids and sdd can be troublesome to install and do require dedicated laptop that do not connect to internet ever. Or if you want to try the virtual box hassle.

 

So is there any solution to this debacle? Any Chinese copies of the Rotunda VCM that are reliable or a good bet? Or maybe any alternative software or way in which I can play with most if not all of the modules? I don’t have a Jag dealer in my country so it’s been a bit difficult getting the proper diagnosis to some of the issues my car is facing. How do Jag dealerships connect to these cars when you bring them in? With the old IDS and Rotunda 1s? The third party scanner I am using only detects Jaguars starting 2004. Also, just curious in general is this Mongoose thing just an issue with X308 (seeing as the rest of the models even the ones before it are usually listed on the third party mongoose compatibility lists)

Also I came across this website and they were selling the mongoose cable + IDS/SDD software

https://www.jlridssddmongoose.com/id...ose-v138-v131/

I reached out to them on WhatsApp and asked whether the X308 was fully compatible and they were it adamant it was. Are they just trying to make a sale?

 

The IDS legacy support built into SDD has worked very well for me, though the whole SDD front end is not needed if you can get IDS up and going standalone, I just feel it's much more stable within SDD. As for vehicle interface, I've heard some horror stories with the imitation Mongoose adapters, but if you're not programming and reading only, it may be fine? Always a crapshoot with that stuff, I got a 9141 adapter for $3 on eBay (different application) with no expectation, and good thing - it did nothing more than register as a serial port. The package you shared must have a knock off vehicle interface, as the Drew Tech piece is more than that whole setup, but if they assure you with certainty it works, it could be a good solution. The legitimate Drew Technologies JLR Pro Mongoose does work with the X308, I have programmed BCM functions with it amongst other things.

 

Dont forget to have a minimum 40 amp 12v dc power supply hooked up when using sdd or stand alone ids

 

x308 is more difficult because it differs in some coding areas where x100 does not. x150 and x350 uses common connection stuff. That's why those and newer cars are always supported.

You can get some aftermarket readres that reads codes somewhat correctly. But amount of stuff you can do with ids and or sdd is next level.
I would not try to buy chinese Rotunda vcm. I'd say the good copies are almost old as the genuine ones. Nowadays always the worst case. I have one and only what I can use from it is the case and maybe main two connectors. Older ids and sdd could be difficult to install. Or not. I have not encourted any issues during install ever except v160. I suggest older laptop with windows xp xp3 or if you go to the sdd, then windows 7 pro or ultimate. No home version.

 

i'm running SDD on virtualbox and connect to ecu with mongoose clone cable. As far as i understand cables are all the same but the software which comes with it lacks IDS part thus Chinese marked them as not compatible with x308
If you download correct version of SDD elsewhere (one with IDS segment) cable should work
I don't do big things with mine so i cant confirm if it does everything or not, but i was able to program some things and monitor few modules and sensors without problems
It does have hiccup every now and then but i'm definitely happy with it

 

XJHater no one answered your question and your not in the US but Jaguar would not work on your car if you took it in to a Jaguar dealer in the US. Jaguar has closed most Jaguar dealerships in the US (Including both that I have purchased Jaguars thru) and we have a number of reports that anything 10 years old and older they simply refuse to work on anymore.

They have completely abandoned their customers in the US! But you are getting good help from the above posters as it's all DIY now!
.
.
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It is not surprising that Jaguar has shifted gears away from it's established
customer base given the orientation of its provoking advertisement campaign.
I do, however, find it rather irritating that the old tried and true methods of
maintaining good customer relations are unceremoniously discarded.

If you have a local mechanic who will work on our cars....keep him happy
at all costs.

 

IDS v118.5 has session list that is very handy. It cut outs the time where you enter 6digits of win and correct the car options. Every time when using the software. Earlier sdd did not have that in legacy mode. I can not remember does v160 have it.

 

Can't speak to the Mongoose, but I spent a ton of time trying to figure this stuff out with the VCM.

Bought a clone VCM, tried about 5 or 6 different SDD versions until I finally was able to get one to work. Thanks to Motorcarman for his tremendous help there.
Anyway, manage to detect the VCM in SDD, it reads the xjr's VIN and changes to IDS, and... nothing. Legacy IDS isn't able to communicate with the clone VCM, I guess it doesn't have the hardware or firmware to support it. It may only work for the newer x350's and on I guess.
Eventually tracked down an authentic VCM, and that worked perfectly fine. After poking around in IDS a bit to verify operation, I clicked out and never reopened. 25 year old software is not user friendly, and there's plenty of chances to brick modules if you're just clicking around to learn... so I left it alone until I needed it for programming (which I never did).

What are you looking to get one of these tools for? Are you trying to program a key or module, or just general and advanced diagnostics? My Autel tablet can access live data for every individual module and is way more convenient (and cheaper) than a laptop running XP and an authentic VCM. So for any diagnostics that don't require programming I would 100% go for that kind of tool rather than dealer type tools.

 

Thank you all for your wonderful replies. I decided to take a risk and ordered from the company I had stated above https://www.jlridssddmongoose.com/id...1-tablet-deal/. I only ordered the IDS section and not the SDD software (400 quid more) along with the cable. Will keep you guys updated as to how it works once I receive the parcel.

 

I was just looking for a general diagnostic tool to have on me. I run a workshop but the diagnostic tool we have only detects Jaguars up to 2004.

 

On x308 does it read lets say like accelometer every directions corretcly, seat movements and electric mirror movements correctly ?

For my car mechanic experience it is vital to trust to the tester values. Better tester merrier.

 

I don't remember, and unfortunately my jag is in pieces so I have no way to test. I do remember that I was able to access all the live data from the HVAC system (so, commanded and actual position of each servo flap, each temperature sensor, external light level, estimated air flow rate to various regions, etc). So I wouldn't be surprised if it could read the seat position data.

 

Okay. It is unfortunate that your car is in pieces. Autel is understanding hvac, that is significant already.

 

I got the car partially back together for a prospective buyer, and it does indeed measure seat controller live data. The values look like absolute numbers or percentages, so I don't really have much reason to doubt their accuracy.
Took a photo at the time and forgot to capture the full data field names, whoops

 

This is great thing to know.