I have a 2009 XKR Portfolio with just over 50K on it. I am thinking it is time for major maintenance such as brake fluid, coolant, super charger oil, trans fluid. The dealer says leave it alone, no need to do anything but oil changes to up to 100K. Does anyone with higher mileage cars disagree. Usually dealers will jump at easy money such as this so I am tending to listen. Any feedback is appreciated.

 

Look in the owners manual and see what items are due for 50K miles. You might also look back at past service records to see what was done or not done . Then bring everything up to date.

 

Oil and filter - yes. Brake fluid - absolutely. Trans fluid - probably not until 60K. Supercharger fluid - not likely. Coolant - not quite yet. Cabin and engine air filters - yes if they haven't already been done. If it needs new cabin air filters don't pay for labor at it takes maybe 3-5 minutes to do yourself.

Brake pad and rotor check, check water pump for any leaks

 

There are numerous things that car makers are now labeling "sealed for life" and therefore don't even get listed on maintenance schedules. However, it's very important to understand two simple points:

1. Life = Warranty Period + 1 day.

2. This is a product marketing/channel support decision, not necessarily an engineering one.

So the dealer is correct, that Jaguar doesn't specify fluid changes prior to 100K, yet he is also giving you poor advice because he only cares about your car while it is in the warranty window. How it performs past that point is either not his problem, or how he's going to pay his kids' college tuition.

Though modern fluids and oils last longer, they still start oxidizing and breaking down as soon as they go into service. You don't have to change it as often, but you will get longer total service from your car if you research and understand when each type of fluid reaches a less than ideal state.

Trust your instincts on this one, not the dealer.

 

Yes Jaguar does recommend fluid changes before 100k miles - Per my owners manual

Brake fluid - flush every two years regardless of mileage. Flush is due on your vehicle.

Coolant - Jaguar uses OAT coolant (Orange color aka Dexcool here in the U.S) and OAT lifecycle for automotive use is 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, however the manual says every 4 years or 60,000 for the XK. Either way - flush is due on your vehicle.

Transmission - ZF transmissions were originally intended to be sealed for life but now ZF recommends the following ( you won't find this in your manual):
ZF automatic transmissions are filled with specially developed semi-synthetic oils.
At very high operating temperatures, the oil ages faster than under normal conditions. Examples:
 Many trips at high speeds.
 Many trips with a trailer in tow.
 Sporty driving.
Depending on the driving style, ZF therefore recommends a transmission oil change every 80 000 to 120 000 km, or after 8 years at the latest. 80 000 km is 49,709 miles.

 

It depends on what has been done already. Your 2009 is due for a fuel filter based on the time table, but not the mileage table.

The rubber suspension parts can age with time, or wear out from use, and as each car gets its own environment, it would be hard to say if anything was needed.

 

Thanks for the info. Perhaps I'll just pull it in my shop this fall and do it all myself. It will be cheep that way and given I don't drive it in the winter I can just putter on it. I must say I do love this car. Had Jags in the past that were cool looking but were really a piece of crap. This one just works, goes like crazy and is super comfortable. Only issue is everybody always stares at you. Supercharger was definitely worth the extra bucks!! Only real concern is no spare tire, makes me a bit nervous on a long trip. Is there any way to jam a 20" in the hole?

 

The spare was an option and I have a 20" steel wheel spare in my 2012

 

WOW, the dealer told me it would only hold the 19 and mine came with a compressor and some slime or similar. Are the 20's common enough that I might find one at a salvage yard? I hate the idea of calling a tow because of a flat. I also carry a plug kit but a spare is way better, especially if it takes a good hit, not just a nail. Thanks so much for the info, cant believe I have been driving without it. I'll suck it up at the dealer if I have to.

 

Huum, just checked again and only 19 available. Also did a national search at salvage yards and no 20 listed for spare. I'll try another dealer tomorrow.

 

He did say some dealers will put in a 19 but not good for the rear end but ok on the front but will throw a code due to rotational differences.

 

I'll have to check tomorrow when I take the car down .

 

Not sure why it would be a problem, since the total tire diameter should be the same. The 19" just uses a tire with a taller sidewall than the 20". I suspect all spares are 19" (maybe only 18"?), have to look at mine too.

 

No need to be nervous; it can be done. See my post #3: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...14-xkr-130464/ and the link in the 3rd paragraph.

You'll also need the OEM jack, tools, and tray as pictured below. I also bought a torque wrench from Harbor Freight - the spec is 92 lb.-ft. If your car has a liner in the trunk, you'll have to remove it to have enough room to get the spare wheel/tire in. It's a tight fit, but everything will fit. My torque wrench is in the long rectangular black box in the upper left corner, above the yellow and black OEM 12v tire inflator.


Stuart

 

When I first looked at my spare I thought it was great. Then I started to laugh and think what the hell do I do with the tire I take off especially if it is a rear tire. Maybe it will fit in the back seat but I hope I'm not on a trip with golf clubs and a weekend bag. So I have some extra bongy cords to tie it to the roof , lol.

 

A followup on the ZF trans.
I have this document I copied from somewhere here on the forum I believe.

I cannot vouch for its validity, but I saved it for my own reference. It might spur someone to dig deeper for proof to back it.


Just an FYI
Vince

 

I like the way you have yours shifted to the side, makes more space for those other tools. My factory spare is mounted in the center, leaving little room for anything around it. Have to see if I can shift it, and still secure it (it uses a rubber bungy around the jack handle to secure everything to the floor, to keep things from rattling).

 

From ZF directly

 

Will ZF service their own transmission in the States? Do they have a service center?


Loth

 

If you go on their web site, they do show service centers in the US, you can find the closest one by entering your ZIP code.