Hello Everyone,

I am from Germany and I am interessted in purchasing a XK8 X150 model. If In choose für wrong english or American Terms for some parts (or if my autocorrect inserts acidentially a German term - I am sorry for it).

At First I am interested in typical technical issues of the naturally aspirated engines. Anything to know before the First Check of a 3.5, 4.2 oder 5.0L V8 engine? E.g. Timing Chain, Chain Tensioner, leckages, camshaft, bearings? Any known problems with the Transmission, electrical system, climate system, Suspension, typical Points of (early) corrosion?

Secondly - ans Points of Processing flaws? Where does the car or parts of it Look older as it ist really? For comparison - some Audis can look very old due to rapidly aging soft lacquer surfaces.

Third: while i am a very experienced and reasonably trained Driver - my girlfriend is less experienced. Is the XK8 sneaky - on wet, slippery or Frozen streets?

Hope for a Lot of information and experiences

And.of.course - If Something ist unclear, pleased also. I will try to explain again

Best regards,
Doc K.

 

Terminology first ...

The most recent XK/XKR is the X150, including Model Years (MY) from 2007 - 2015. They are virtually all aluminum, including the body and chassis. The preceding XKR was the X100, and is commonly called an XK8. The X150 is not called an XK8. I presume you're interested in an X150, and not an XK8. (X100).

X150 models and equipment vary by world markets and MY. For example, the 3.5L engine and Pedestrian Protection System were never available for North American models. For North America, early X150 models (2007 - 2009) were equipped with 4.2L engines rated at 300 HP for the XK and 420 HP for the supercharged XKR. Significant changes occurred beginning with the 2010 MY, when a new 5.0L engine was introduced. That 5.0L engine was rated at 380 HP for the XK and 510 - 550 HP for the supercharged XKR and variants.

New Forum members aren't immediately eligible to use the Advanced Search function to find answers to their questions. It takes a certain minimum number of posts to do so, but I don't remember the details. Nevertheless, you can Google your question and include "Jaguar X150 Forum" for a link to the answers. This Forum is over 13 years old and most questions have already been asked and answered.

The hardest thing to do is to decide what you want. 4.2L or 5.0? normally aspirated or supercharged? Coupe or Convertible? Etc., etc., etc. Learn as much as you can about these amazing cars before you start shopping because you don't want to regret buying the wrong car.

Yes, the XKR models are overkill unless you track your car. Nobody needs all that HP in normal city and highway driving. But ask the man or woman who owns one and drive them yourself. That's the best way to tell. Jaguar made different models to suit different buyers. Not everyone is like me and, although the 300HP Xk's accelerator pedal works fine, it doesn't come anywhere close to the XKR's exhilarator pedal!

Life is short, so enjoy the ride! And good luck with your quest!

 

Hello Doc
Attached is some information on buying an 4.2 L X150. I found it useful in researching the purchase of my 2008 XKR. As Stuart says, there were substantial changes when the 5.0L motor was introduced. Good luck in your hunt.
Regards, Mike

 

Good Morning,

Thank you for your kind answers. This Morning my mobile ist quite kinky with updating my words

Stewart - I know, but I wasn't Sure about the US terminology of the models - so I added some more information to bei sure. My General Problem is that Jaguars and XKs in Special are rare in German speaking countries around me. You know for crazy reasons a lot of people think only BMW can build Sports Cars, only Mercs are comfortable and reliable and so in So nearly no one except some fanboys to Talk about Problems. So I have to broaden my view.

I really missed the information in Bodystyle. I want a Coupe for two reasons - either the weather ist too Bad to Drive Open or its to hot to so the Same. Additionally - I am not willing to pay the extra. Convertibles are 10-15k more expensive. Not that I cannot afford ist, but then I would Go for a netter conditioned Coupe.

In Special the age and continious use of this forum ist my Hope to geht answers I otherweise wont get . Typically I also Pin down my "Research" results in a buying Guide for Others to usw later. So of course - I will also Bring Back the Summer Up information, If it ist appreciated.

As far as I already know the 3.5L is a smaller Version of the 4.2L - but I don't know yet If it's Witz Variable camshafts or Not. So I assume the typical Problems will be identical.

The supercharged ones are also priced Premium - for the Money I want to Invest - I think I wont get a good one. But starting at around 260HP the naturally aspirated ones are Not really slow Cars.

So - Hope for more information and gossip around the XKs.

I will Later add a Shirt summary of my current results, but know its time for Work.

BR Doc K.

 

Doc,
There is a wealth of knowledge on this Forum. A good place to start learning is at the top of the first page with the "Stickies". Stickies are permanent threads that answer frequently asked questions, including how to do certain repairs and maintenance and links to download Owner's Handbooks, Workshop Manuals, and Electrical Guides.
Stuart

 

Check out these buying guides, should tell you all you need to know. 😊

Pistonheads & Autocar

Good luck

 

Welcome to the forums Doc K,

I can recommend this book:



A comprehensive guide to assessing a potential purchase.

Graham

 

Hi,

Also thank you for your new replies. Let me Stress, that I really Like it. I posted a quite similar Thread in a German Jaguar Forum about 1 Werk ago - and I received no answer so gar. So much netter results here.

To Help you a.bit Mode guiding me through für process - my alternatives are currently: a Merc SL300-24, SL320-24 or SL500-32 (R129), a Maserati 4200GT, a Volvo C70/I 2.3T5 and an Abarth 595 Competizione, Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0/3.3 (916 - probably mit Sold in the USA)

I already ruled out: Jaguar XJR, Jaguar XF SC - all horrible insurance, some TVRs - horrible Garage Situation.

So - I hope you can follows my ideas and Motivations in searching and later hopefully purchase a Car.

BR Doc K.

 

Hello from Germany, good choice with a X150 Coupe. And, by the way: you raised your questions in the german Jag forum yesterday evening at 7pm.. ;-)

bernd

 

Hi Bernd,

I tried Out in total three different ones

LG

 

This should help you too

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/u...uide-jaguar-xk