Hello, I've recently acquired a lovely Xj8 2003 4.0L. However, it's not without some problems, and I also have some big dreams for the car. (It should be noted that I am a budding car enthusiast, I'm trying to learn as much as I can on my own).

First, the problems:
1. My fuel gauge bottoms out to E after about a quarter tank is used from F. No leakage, so I'm unsure of what may be wrong.
2. Driver's side door is in pretty bad shape. Not cosmetically, but mechanically. The door does not lock (no matter the input) and generally has a loose fitting for the trim? I've peeled off the trim to take a look and maybe the lock actuator is fried? Might need new trim clips.
3. Perhaps most urgently, the steering feels... loose? Its not like the car doesn't handle well, it responds, but it almost feels like turning the wheel is too easy?

Now for some modification advise,

1. I desperately need new tires, but the whole situation is confusing for a beginner. Online, 16' tire options for the OEM Jag wheels are quite limited. I'm thinking about upgrading the size of the wheel to allow more tire options? Need to know just how large a wheel is even possible for the car, or maybe who I should contact to discuss these plans.
2. Aside from new wheels and tires, I'd like to handle some cosmetic issues. Paint is a lovely black, but its definitely showing its age. Spiderwebbed everywhere in the sunlight. I've heard paint correction and wax might help, but any thoughts on a black wrap, or saving for a repaint?
3. I'd also like some general performance upgrade recommendations. Personally, the car sounds just a little too polite, and I'd like to excentuate the gentlemanly rumble the V8 produces. Theres a whole world of upgrades, I'll spend some time looking through the forums for people's experiences, just wanted to know if there were any "Must Haves".

Thanks, will be working through this forum's knowledge in the coming weeks, and I appreciate any suggestions and pointers!

 

Hate to add onto my own post, but I feel the need to elaborate on the wheel and tire situation. I am SURE that for whatever reason, I have 16'' wheels and tires on my Xj8. When I look online at websites, its like a digital Mandela effect, no wheel or tire shop sells 16'' wheels, and even wheelsize.com claims that they only came in 17 and 18 inch variants. I just wanna know what is safe to buy and will fit my car. Thank you.

 

16" wheels are standard wheels in x300 model. There is a lot of varieity in 16" size tire size. Bigger 18-19" wheels were in x308 model depending on specs. You basically have to stick on jaguar wheels just because bolt pattern and center hole size.

 

There is a variable throw steering rack on the X308 that tightens up with higher speed , this involves an amplifier ( possible Volvo equivalent as the rack from ZF used on BMWs and such ) and a servo attached to rack

The amplifier is always located on the car's far left by front door hinge , there should be a fuse ................I am seeing this might not be the case as I don't have the X308

This is a factory manual ( linked below ) for the ZF 7852 series used on the earlier X300 with the variable steering servo , Your X308 may be different #

See page 71 and 45 as fuse # 12 / 10 amp left heelboard fuse box

X300 01/E COVER

I think there is a TSB on fuel quantity that involves cleaning the sender ground point along the car's main battery

There is the issue of tramlining on this model if front tires over a certain size

 

Standard size is 16 inch. Lots available (check it out at TireRack.com). I like Michelin Defender 2, readily available everywhere, but pricey; have used Cooper and Firestone in 16/60s, with great results and more affordable..

You will need to pull the door card to check the lock mechanism on the driver side. But sometimes a hard battery reset resets the electric locking . . . Google battery reset; google X308 door locks; google spider paint/clearcoat pealing; Google loose steering -- or, when you take it to have the new tires installed, have a wheel alignment -- a good Hunter alignment tech will check for loose play in the tie rods, wheel bearing and leaks in the power steering rack. At your local parts store -- buy a can of Lucas Power Steering stop leak (lubricates dried seals). Price an OBD reader or have them read your codes (Google OBD codes for Jaguar X308).

If Google doesn't give you tons of video tutorials, use the search function on this forum or ask. Pretty friendly site. Years ago, in college, I worked at a Ford garage (I can still set points with a dwell meter); later in the Navy, broke with two kids in Hawaii, I part-timed at Autoservice Germany doing oil services, brakes, and tune ups on brand new '69 BMWs. But by this century the technology had changed. Retired, I bought this 2001 Jaguar (F35063), old tech then, but new to me. Forum was an education and refresher in basic wrenching. Have fun: these are actually very simple cars to work on -- if you can find the parts!

Unless you are under 18, leave the exhaust alone -- it is a luxury car . . .

My thoughts . .

 

Thanks so much for the tips,

I spent all last night trying to understand my wheel and tire sourcing problem, I think I've got it now. Thanks for the friendly welcome to the forum.

 

I believe I ordered Generals for the Duchess from Walmart.com
They mounted and balanced in-store and they perform very well.

 

I second the motion. Back when I was a young man (over 18 though and should have known better), I set about upgrading the exhaust on my 1985 Supra. I installed a tubular header and then had a local exhaust shop fabricate a larger "cat-back" exhaust, i.e. from the catalytic converter all the way out to the exhaust tips. It sounded horrible. I couldn't live with it. But I had let them cut all the connectors and hangers off the original so I couldn't just put it back and once a muffler is welded on or a pipe is cut or bent to shape, there's no refunds. So I went back and they offered to install a different muffler for another $250 or I can't remember exactly but it was expensive even in late 80s dollars. Sounded a little better, but not much. So I went back again and they offered to add a resonator between the cat and muffler for another $100 or so. Sounded a little better, but still intolerable at 25 - 35 mph. So I decided to take it to someplace else where I was advised that I had chosen too large a pipe diameter in the first place and needed to redo everything in a smaller diameter. Then I went through a few iterations with them and long story short, after spending several thousand dollars I was never really happy with the way the custom exhaust sounded and wound up redoing it all again a third time for a lot more money by a guy who had 40 years experience, a serious nationwide reputation and prices to match. Moral to the story is if you can buy an off-the-shelf, aftermarket exhaust system that's already been developed and tested and sold to a few hundred happy customers, then do that. But don't go cobbling together a bunch of exhaust components at a local "muffler shop" in hopes of out-guessing the factory engineers. It can wind up being a very expensive, iterative process.

 

I third the motion but will tell you my experience. My first XJ8 was missing one resonator when purchased. I removed the other one. Not loud. Just a burble.

 

+1 on both Michelin Defender 2s and on Generals. I have the Michelin's on my current 2003 VDP, I had Generals on my previous X300 where they produced a really good ride and wear at a great price for the almost identical body/runnng gear setup.

 

I would recommend the Micheline tires (Tyres). These are quiet and long lasting. I have had Jags for many years and after fooling with various brands, now I only use Michelins on all my cars.

 

You will probably need to remove the door panel to check the locks it might need some spray lubricant or replacement

As for tyres i would personally go with 18 inch OEM Jaguar wheels but if you like your 16 wheels and dont want to spend extra i would get goodyear eagle or toyo both are great

 

Add me to the list, too. My experience with the exhaust: I wanted a custom built system. After pricing everything, I would have spent a lot more than I ended up spending. I went with the Super Sprint cat back stuff when they had their spring sale and I'm very happy with it. It was still a little more expensive than some other brands, but it's all 304 stainless, and slip fit for easy fitting. The only unusual part of the fitting is that the rear end of the car needs to be raised three feet, measuring to the bottom of the bumper, to maneuver the mid-mufflers into position.

For the OP, if you're wanting performance or a hot-rod, get an XJR. The XJ8 is a nice car, but it's a "touring automobile;" meaning comfort. The XJR is the sport version but is still pretty comfortable.

I'm a hot-rodder.