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I’ve seen many discussions in regard to an ideal battery for the XJS - lots of talk about venting, dimensions, poles in the correct place, explosions, rust, ect. Unless I’m missing something why wouldn’t everyone just order the OEM Jaguar battery for the XJS? It’s gonna fit, it’s vented - everything as it needs to be. Is it a lousy battery in general? Or is there another problem? It can be ordered from SNG Barratt or it looks like Jaguar dealerships can order it to be picked up. The price is pretty comparable to other vented batteries so price point shouldn’t be an issue. What gives? Seems like it should be end of the discussion?
The problem is that the XJS battery size and fixings changed over the life of the vehicle a few times and most of the aftermarket companies such as SNG Barratt don't seem to recognise the VIN change points and the right part numbers, as well as the change in Ah rating for the battery. And the to exacerbate those problems, the Auto stores then take the flawed info that identifies a single size battery for the earlier models and promote it as the right size battery for the later models which have smaller battery trays and fixings.
Just an example that DBC 6427 identified, isn't the right battery for a mid-facelift convertible XJS, but the various aftermarket companies such as SNG just don't seem to know that. I think that's why so many owners have these battery size problems.
I agree that if you do use the genuine Jaguar parts website, you can get the right part number (which was then superseded 5 times), but the price in the UK from Jaguar is over twice the price of a high-quality independent product. And a battery from Jaguar is naturally just a Jaguar-branded independent product.
I don't know how the part number and battery size problem first started for XJSs, I fear sadly it was just laziness on the part of the aftermarket & Jaguar specialists not keeping their detailed records uptodate.
Good luck with your purchase. If it helps, there's a change point at VIN 185820 when the part number changed from DBC6427 to DBC6429. I'm guessing your US "91" might be just before this changepoint and therefore a DBC6427?
Good luck with your purchase. If it helps, there's a change point at VIN 185820 when the part number changed from DBC6427 to DBC6429. I'm guessing your US "91" might be just before this changepoint and therefore a DBC6427?
OK, last of the pre-facelifts which is also supposed to be a DBC 6427. And just to reinforce the size confusion, is quoted by most UK suppliers as 210(l) x 175(h) x 175(w). But some quote it as 242(l) x 175(h) x 175(w)!
If your existing one fits perfectly, then measure that and buy one with the exact same dimensions.
I really don't get the issue here. After 25+ years in the auto parts industry, replacing a battery is a "no brainer" if you go to a mfg shop like Interstate. Believe it or not, I've had an Interstate in my 92MY convert for 10 years. Yes, you read that correctly...10 years! I think that speaks to 2 important elements...Jaguar moving the battery to the trunk with a cover and a reputable battery manufacturer. As an aside, driving the car regularly (current mileage @ 210K) may have an impact and it's the type that has no "add water" aspect to it.
OEM Jaguar XJS Battery
