All my experience with Jaguars has only been on cars with Lucas ignition systems.
I am considering a looking at a 90/91 convertible (VIN 1673xx) with the Marelli system.

Other than the normal potential issues: belts, hoses, plugs, wires, T-stats, steering rack, radiator, oil leaks, fuel hoses, steering bushings, brakes, wipers, AC, fans, electrical shorts, overheating-dropped heads, what should I be concerned about with the Marelli system and what if any are the tell tell signs of past or future problems. What if any special maintenance is necessary to enhance the reliability? If maintained how reliable is the system?

Any other input is welcome.

Thx/
BH

 

Brad,

Others who have suffered worse may have a different view, but IMLE, it's all about the Distributor, Cap & Rotor Arm, that are the root cause of the infamous failed bank problems.

Paul

 

I would say they are less of a headache as the ignition system is digital so there is nothing in the distributor other than the 2 level rotor. The advance curve map is way better but it is a premium fuel car. When we had the "88 H&E I did look at a '91 which of course was Marelli. The performance was like night and day between the two even though they had the same 5.3l displacement along with the turbo 400 slush box.
On the '88 I had to pull the distributor to fix the advance weights and replace the vacuum capsule. The car ran great and responded well to every tuning adjustment made but still no match for the Marelli car.