I took off the valve cover to check the tensioners, and I believe I have the updated ones. The secondary tensioners I've seen online have a Cream color, but mine are bright Orange. Also, I believe my primary tensioners are updated as well, as I see no bright orange plastic down near the guides. The chain seems pretty tight as well.

Can someone confirm this?

 

Those are not only the updated metal tensioners, but you also have the later multi-plate/multi-tooth chains and associated VVT units.

I believe these upgraded chains were fitted to the very last of the X308s, and all X350s.

As you state you have a 1999 model year, I can only assume someone in the past has gone to the expense of doing this chain upgrade. Or maybe the vehicle has had a motor-transplant sometime in the past?

 

There was a motor transplant. The motor in mine is from May of 2000. Not sure why there was a transplant though. But I'm glad the chains, tensioners, and guides are the updated ones. Saves me some time, money, and back pain.

Thanks for the input.

 

A May 2000 motor would not have those upgraded chains, so either the motor is later than you think, or someone did go to the expense of replacing the crank gears, chains and VVT units to the later types.

Either way you are very much hot to trot!!!

AND, if/when you come to sell the car, that is a huge selling point, keep those pictures!

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Yeah you're good. My car has the same. Made my day.

 

The old water pump with the black plastic impeller was in the motor, until I replaced it with the updated one, so I assume one of the previous owners had this job done to it.
The funds will probably go to a new set of shocks. They need some replacing.


And yeah, this made my day too.

 

Best price on OEM Bilsteins
https://www.ebay.com/itm/15268202856...&s=ci&mail=sys

Front shock mounts..........
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...ock+mount,7572

Rear shock bushings, Item # 4 left and right the same part #
https://www.jaguarmerriamparts.com/p...iagram=4721455

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Thanks for the suggestions. I have the Sport suspension (non-CATS), so I found these: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Jaguar-...EAAOSw1blZoRA9

I've replaced the front shock mounts around 5 months ago, and I got them from RockAuto too.

I thought the shocks came with everything, but the diagram in the last link you provided shows another component. Would I also need component #5, or just #4?

Have you done this job before? I'm hoping it's not too difficult.

 

Yes, if you have the sports suspension, that link you found looks like a great deal!

The item 5 in the micro fische is a hard plastic seat that usually doesn't need replacing, whereas Item 4 is a soft bushing that compresses and deteriorates over time, a new replacement is usually twice the thickness of the original by the time shocks are replaced and is a "must do" replacement item.

The front shocks are very easy to replace, which you probably already know if you have replaced the front shock mounts, but here is a forum link to a "how to" rear shock replacement. I think a Jag dealership quotes 5 hours per side, (and of course additionally charges around $250 per shock), but the link shows how to do the job at home in about 2 1/2 hrs per side. If you have a couple of good hydraulic jacks, some jack stands, a decent set of tools, and average-to-good mechanical experience you should be able to tackle the rear shocks. They are a bit of a pain to do, but if you take your time and follow the video it is quite doable. Placing the drive half-shafts in the position where they can depress to their maximum makes the job easier, and the scissor jack trick also helps too.
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-video-201680/


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