I'm hoping someone can answer this question before I buy a new XK8, which is in good condition in all respects.

Its a 2003 model, 4.3L. My understanding is that when Jaguar replaced the 4.0L in 2003, they also replaced the 5-speed auto gearbox with a 6-speed Mercedes box.

According to the AA check I had carried out on the vehicle, the gearbox is a 5-speed.

Is this OK? Should I be concerned?

Many thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

There are some inaccuracies in the above statements.

-4.0L normally aspirated had a ZF 5-speed
-4.0L supercharged had a Mercedes 5-speed
-4.2L (normally aspirated and supercharged) had a ZF 6- speed.

So...the 2003 4.2 should have a ZF 6 speed.

 

That's the first time I have heard of a 4.2 with a 5-speed 'box.

 

Welcome to the forum warwickhw,

As the others have said, a 2003MY should have a 6-Speed transmission.

Probably nothing more than a typo on their part but it would raise my concerns to check it definitely is a 2003MY fitted with a 4.2 litre/6-Speed and not a re-registered earlier 4.0 litre/5-Speed with some dubious history.

Graham

 

They could be confused with the numbering on the J gate.
Does it look like this with numbers up to 5?
If so it is a six speed box.

 

Good point. To a non-Jag nerd, the 6-speed selector does appear to indicate there are only 5 speeds.

 

@GGG - many thanks
@Norri - many thanks to you too - especially as your post seems to have cleared up my question. The AA engineer would have looked at the J-Gate layout and assumed 5-speed.

This is clearly an excellent forum and I look forward to buying my first Jag safe in the knowledge that there is a solid community supporting my choice.

I am now going to try and buy it!

 

Good Luck!

 

Ok, I'll bite - what's an AA engineer? Is Alcoholics Anonymous installing an ignition interlock on your car?

 

Lol. AA is the (non American) Automobile Association

Triple A minus one