The 03 has supposedly 900+ new improvements over the earlier MY. Is reliability that much better also? How much better does it drive?

Cheers,
Wolfy

 

I've been in the same situation as you. Was looking at XK8/XKR MY 2000/2001 and up. I ended up with a MY 2003 XKR.

This is a good read for learning more about the new features.

The most notable changes (for me) in the 2003 model are:

• Cam Chain tensioners switched from cracking plastic versions to better metal versions. For earlier versions you NEED to replace them, or risk a 95% chance of a complete engine failure at any given time.
• Transmission in earlier models were ZF 5sp (XK8) and Mercedes 5sp (XKR), both notable for not lasting very well. The 2003 model gets the much more solid ZF 6-sp tranny. Jaguar always stated "Sealed for life", although ZF themselves state "100k miles interval for filter/oil change". It is up to you to choose who to trust there.

 

The Mercedes 5 speed on the early XKRs is a rugged and reliable unit. That being said, the ZF 6 speed definitely is a factor in better gas mileage on the 2003+ XKRs.

 

Interesting, everything I heard/read told me that both 5-speeds were to stay away from. Regarding mileage, I really cannot complain. A trip from Zurich to Vaduz the other day, I had an average MPG of 30.1! My normal combined figure so far hovers around 20-21.

I'm at 95k miles right now, and unfortunately my car has no history regarding transmission service. Perhaps it would make sense to go in for an oil/filter change on my ZF 6HP26?

 

Your decision should also take into account who is going to repair/maintain your car. I do my own repairs and the thousands I saved on my '97 vs. a newer car will probably support it for many years. I will not replace the wheel bearings when the time comes, but I will remove the stub axles and take them to a dealer. Replacing the trans. A drum is not simple, but the information is available.
Without this forum I probably would not have bought a XK8;
RJ __________________
'97 XK8 Conv. 85K mi

 

As written by White XKR
I've always heard that Mercedes transmission was reliable also, if your reading about it in a forum it's usually a small percentage of failures. In actuality most of what your reading here is because of people having problems. With 90,000 units produced over ten years this is a small percentage on this forum. I know of a couple of owners that don't even know about this forum.

 

The Mercedes 722.6 (in the XKR I think it was called the W5A580) is a very nice unit. It can take some serious punishment. That said, regular fluid changes is required on them(just like any other unit), regardless of sealed for life claims.

My 2000 XKR has been upgraded to the metal bodied tensioners, so that is no longer and issue. The Nikasil lined engine is in fantastic condition and all I really have to do is remember not to run really short trips that don't warm up the engine (not that any car likes short trips). The transmission though, I see as a plus being the Mercedes unit, not a negative. Rebuild parts are available and are affordable. It's also not as big of a PITA to work on compared to the ZF units I've worked on before (out of a e38 7-Series and a C5 A6 4.2).

 

Anybody notice the extra airflap on the airbox for more POWER

 

The mercedes transmission is the very best ever fitted in a jaguar.
Strong as hell and cheap to maintain.
Wouldn't want to swap it or a ZF and who cares about the mileage in a V8!

 

I see. I might actually have had the same box in my car in the early 00's, in my 1999 Merc CLK 430. I never had any issue with the transmission, except it really started making some very rough changes when the MAF went bad. Replacing the MAF made gear changes smooth again.

 

how does the tranny provide better fuel econ from the zf to the merc?

 

It's a 6 speed rather than a 5 speed, so the better ratios and a higher overdrive.

 

I decided to go with a 2003 last year after looking at a few 98 to 2001 MY.

Certainly mechanical reliability was a big factor, as was not having to worry about weather water pumps and tensioners had been addressed.

But as I plan on holding on to the car and it is only a summer Sunday driver I also considered possible future value.

Every generational car ever made has it's "sweet" years. Years, where in the future, the car will be considered as having really hit it's stride in terms of styling and performance.

The XK8 went out of production in 06, for that particular model, I saw the 03 to 06 as the best years in terms of possible future value.

Of course if this car is your everyday driver and in a few years you plan to move on, forget everything I just said.

Good luck. Have fun.