New 2012 Jaguar XKR-S Owner - Is there anything I should know?
 

Hi Everyone,

My name is Justin and I just joined the forums because I just purchased a 2012 Jaguar XKR-S with about 4,500 miles on it. I was just wondering if any current or previous owners had any information which is useful to know while owning this car.

Thanks,
Justin

Use the search function for threads on this subject. Review 'stickies' section on forum.

Where is the "stickies" section? Also, how to I add multiple cars to my account?

Welcome and enjoy the car. If you got it at a dealer then ask them to run the Vin# to see if any TSB's are open on the car. If you bought independent call or go to a dealer to get the car history info. Good luck.

Yeah, drive it like you've nicked it and you will have a constant grin!:icon_steer:

Really???? NOBODY has said anything about "Hook Up a CTEK"???
So anyway, Hook up a CTEK Battery Maintainer (or any other brand, but CTEK is much preferred in this forum) because these cars a a bit finicky when it comes to marginal voltage drops. When the battery drops power even a little bit, several Gremlins come out and play around with stuff like Nav Screens and Dash Lights.

Seriously, why doesn't CTEK already HAVE a Sticky in here???
MODERATORS!!!!!! Take heed!

Plus one on the ctek. Mine is permanently installed and lives in the vacant spare wheel well, with just the plug poking out. Park up, drop an extension lead in the boot, slam and go.

Without it you will get used to random headlamp and park brake faults cropping up on start up.

"Stickies" section is the permanently pinned posts at the top of the forum.

As already said, battery is the weak point. The only other thing is the water pump - doesn't affect many people, but if you ever get a 'low coolant' or engine temp. warning, or smell cooking coolant when you stop, DON'T drive on until you've checked the coolant level and checked the engine for leaks.

A few pictures would be nice.

I haven't picked the car up yet but I will post some pictures once I get it.

Thanks everyone for the information regarding the battery charger. Do you connect the charger directly to the battery? I believe I will use a NOCO charger because I have one of those laying around.

On the 5.0 cars, there's a battery monitor on the -ve terminal - it can become confused if you connect the charger direct to the terminal, because the charging current doesn't pass through it. So, connect the red clip directly to the +ve terminal, but connect the black clip to a convenient chassis ground - I use the metal frame that holds the nav system & bluetooth unit, which is just to the right of the battery, but anything screwed into the chassis will do.

Congratulations and welcome. Check to ensure your NOCO charger is also a battery maintainer. I use an Optimate 6 battery charger/maintainer and find it works great. However, I need to move my negative connection to a chassis ground point. Although, I haven't had any problems with the way it is now directly connected to the battery.0

I don't think dire consequences were predicted - it was a recommendation from Jaguar, to make sure that the battery monitor always has an accurate view of battery charge state. If the monitor believes the battery is low, it tells the ECM, which then starts turning off non-essential items. That's something you don't want to have happen unnecessarily.

Beware the handling. Better than other XK's but the A$$ will want to come around VERY easily!!

Welcome aboard. You are in for a constant "joy ride" in your XKR-S.

Any pics?

I should be picking it up Friday. I will take some pictures then.

Welcome Jagstin,
Since Jaguar has decided that gauges are no longer needed, and you don't even get a dipstick with which to check your oil, you might want to get the Torque app for your cellphone along with the plug in transmitter, so that you have a better idea of what your car is doing, especially if you are going to track your car as some of us do.

Enjoy your new car, there's a lot to like, and I'm sure you'll love it.

Hi again. I picked up the car Friday. I am very happy with the purchase. The car is absolutely gorgeous. It looks more like an exotic than a Jaguar. One of the only issues with the car is I cant seem to find a unlock button inside the car. For example if I drive up to someone and they want to get into the passenger seat I have to leave over to the passenger door from the drivers seat and unlock the passenger door for them.

Thanks again,
Justin