When I bought my latest XJ I had been looking for a pristine example for quite some time. I had considered both X300 and X308-models. And having owned a black X300 XJR before it was a difficult task to decide upon which model I liked the most.

But when I found my 2002 X308 in Aspen Green with only 8000 miles, it was an easy choice. I had to buy it.

IMO the exterior of the X308 (together with the Series 1) is the pinnacle of XJ designs. But of course the X300 isn’t far behind. I mean, except from the lower grille, the clear lens headlights and the bumpers, they look the same.

The interior on the other hand, is another story. The interior of the X300 is a bit aged and I always disliked the Atari-deck in cheap plastic. However, everything else is just beautiful. The square slab of walnut, the chrome detailing on the armrests and the inner door handles, it all looked – and felt – so tasteful and well put together.

The X308’s interior is a more modern one, I’ll give it that. And I really don’t dislike it. The spitfire-wing-inspired dash is pretty and since my car is an –02 model I have the leather stitching around the gear selector too. But I really do miss some details that were there in the X300, and if only they could be added to the X308 the latter would, without a doubt, be the ultimate XJ.

So, my question is: Does anyone know of any after market interior enhancements that can be made to the X308? I really don’t want to call it styling as that makes everyone think of side skirts, wings and 21” rims. I want subtle upgrades like inner door handle surrounds that aren’t made of the same plastic as chinese toys.

I know Arden can help with upgrades like leather dash etcetera, but I guess they cost a fortune (and I would have to drive to Germany to get them done).

Anyone know anything?

Best regards
Christian

 

simple answer - no.

If you feel strongly enough, it's a case of DIY. Maybe find an automotive trimmer who can help and suggest what can and can't be done.

 

I had a Red / Special Ivory 95 VDP ... it was stunning. I also preferred the original styling over the x308 I will agree -- the pods on the dash -- not the best design also the headlights are nicer on the x308.

 

I don't like the X300 at all when comparing it to the X308, there is no contest. The way I see it is Jaguar saved the best for last when it came to the 308, the last of the Lyons. Back in 1997 the design blew everything out the water with the beauty of it all.

Little things like the type of plastic on door handles doesn't bother me, because Jaguars are meant to provide luxury motoring at a lower price. Which is why they have a Bentleyish interior but don't have door handles made from Elephant tusk.

 

Sean B: Ok. And if I remember correctly you have done quite a lot of work on you XJR, so I guess you would know. May I ask if you changed anything?

Yeldogt: Exactly. It’s just such a shame when the 308 is so close to perfection. I only want a few more shiny bits.

Stu 1986: Speaking of Bentley, thats what the X300 does so well. It looks like an older Bentley inside. The chrome list that split the inner door card, the little chrome endings on the door armrests and the roof handles. That said, I agree with what you wrote about Jags being about affordable luxury.

 

What you asked about Sean B's XJR. I work closely with Sean on X308 projects and have been in his XJR many times. To do it justice you need to be in it, photos do no good. The interior is a wonderful blend of materials and lighting. Sean will no doubt chime in with an answer himself, but I thought I'd give my opinion too.

My own 99 XJ8 interior is taken from a 2002 Daimler Super V8 and is very nice indeed. Ivory leather on everything and burr walnut on everything else. My grab handles on the roof have little chrome bits on which is a nice touch

 

headliner: I had my headliner swapped with a contrasting gray-suede, but leaving a bit of the original headliner as two-tone trim - looks totally amazing and feels nice too! The sunroof took a few tries due to the split-design and the increased thickness of the suede underlayment, but eventually fit perfectly.

 

Thanks for your replies.

Stu 1986: Wow, I would love to se some interior shots (anyway). Sounds like dream setups on both of your cars. To start with, I might be able to find the little chrome bits for the roof handles on e-bay. Did you do all the work yourselves?

Vdpnyc: Stunning! I love the Suede/Alcantara headliner. An upgrade of that sort would be exactly right. Makes the whole interior feel more exclusive, tasteful and cosy. My problem is that I am not that good at working on cars myself.

Arden in Krefeld, Germany, wrote to tell me they can help. It would cost me. A lot. But they do it all. Leather dash, alcantara headliner, you name it. But 4700 € ($ 5800) is a bit expensive for a headliner.

 

OH MY GOD!

Why do they charge so much? it's around 2-300€ (2-3 meters) of Alcantara, the real stuff, and some High Temp spray glue, a sharp knife and it's done....

All the work I've done to my car is sympathetic, you wouldn't tell the interior is modified, it's just the materials used and trim level are the very best, and in the same colours as oem. The Nimbus grey headliner is equal to Alcantara's Storm grey for example.

The lighting isn't obvious either - except they're now LED, every single one. I considered a leather dash, but prefer Jaguar's finish, leather will eventually age due to U.V.

 

Just a thought. Perhaps consider having some existing small bits chrome-plated. There are specialists that can apply chrome to plastic. Here is one example here in he US - We Chrome Plastic!

 

That is awesome. Did you have an upholstery shop do that? It looks very nice.

I think the comfort level of the XJ interior is great. I dislike the switches and overall layout of controls

 

Sean B: Yeah, it is kind of expensive . I'm going to check with a few local firms and see if they can help. I have a Cashmere/Sable interior and I haven't really decided on the colour. But I think I would go original like you.

Pdupler: good idea. I found a few companies nearby that could help.

If the Arden treatment was a bit cheaper it would be awesome. They told me it could include something called ambient lighting, walnut door handle recesses and alcantara headlining with or without the a,b and c-pillars.

 

I always disliked the Atari-deck in cheap plastic.

I agree with you there - that was one reason I got the X308. (I wouldn't say no thanks to an X300 XJR though - especially if it had manual gearbox...)

I only want a few more shiny bits.

Chrome rings for the instruments. There's a guy on ebay.co.uk who seems to always have sets on offer. Search for "xj8 instrument rings". I got the set of six, and think it's perfect.

 

Hi Roy,

Thank you for your tips. Here's one for you. XJR, BRG, Manual gearbox:

Jaguar XJR Manuell | Värmland

Best,
Christian