My 2002 XJ Sport (US Spec) has chrome taillight surrounds, and I'm almost 100% sure it isn't supposed to. Should I keep them (incorrectly) or is there an easy(ish) way to take them off? Here is a picture of what I'm talking about, that little chrome bit around the edge. This was only ever on the Vanden Plas or XJ8, not the XJR or Sport. The fact that my car has them means someone put them on (ie I can take them off)
100_0837.jpg?t=1290666751

 

My XJ Sport has the chrome surroundings as well.
(Except of the black grill with mesh-inserts it has chrome all around.)



I don't know if it's retrofitted as I am the fifth (!) owner of the car, but I like the shiny look of chrome on black paint, so I really don't care if it's original or not.


The chrome surrounds are just clipped on.
But to exchange them you'll need the red plastic ones.
(You could buy a set of used rear lamps off eBay, exchange the surroundings and sell the lamps with probably a few Bucks profit.)

But I would stick with the chrome!
Looks more upscale if you ask me and even if it's not original how many people would know that?

David

 

DavidN, I see your car does have more chrome all around. My XJ Sport (US model) has none of the usual chrome, the bootlid bit and the grille and all around actually are all body colour.

 

Actually the only difference in chrome in our cars is the boot lid finisher.

I think back then it was up to the original buyer if and how much chrome a Sport would have.


Re - US SPec vs. Euro Spec

You have to know that cars over here are built to the order not as in the US where you buy "on the fly" from a lot/stack of already produced cars.

In Germany you go to a dealer, you pick a model, color, configuration, interior... from the computer (or brochures), negotiate the pricing, and finally place your order.
(BTW - You have to pay 10-20 Percent of the final price when placing the order.)

Depending on actual demand and the manufacturing facility's production resources your car will be delivered after 2-12 Months.

Based on that process you'll probably see more unusual combinations and individually built cars over here than in the US.

Regards,

David