I have a '98 XJ8, I believe it is the later model for that year, it has the 22 bolt transmission pan. It seems like I could use late 98 to 2003 year model transmissions - is that correct? The last time I bought one, I thought I had to stick to the '98 year only - I'm not sure why.

 

You can use a later transmission but you must get the transmission ECU that went with it.

 

Please can you define "later" ? Most Ebay ads list 98-03 like they are the same, am I stuck with a late 98-99 unless I buy a transmission ECU?