I was wondering what you guys are using for engine oil. I can't remember which one Jag recommends but I expect it's expensive. Does anyone have any good experience with other brands? By the way, I'm in Tokyo so it may be hard to get stuff that's easy to buy in North America or Europe. I have a 2004 XKR.

 

Do you have the Driver's Handbook for the Japanese market? If so, you can't go wrong using one of the Jaguar recommended oils in Section 7.

Jaguar recommends Castrol 5W-30. This may not be available in Japan but oils meeting the following specifications are approved:

Preferred Specification
WSM2C913 A or B

Alternative Specifications
API SJ / EC
ACEA A1-98
ACEA A3-98

Beyond that anything else is down to personal preference or availability and the subject of endless debate!

Service oil change on your 4.2 litre takes 7.8 litres.

Graham

 

5W50 Motorsport Oil is designed for high performance and multivalve engines and in extreme temperatures, it offers maximum protection and ultimate protection. So go for it, it is best suited for the engine.

 

Here is a good read if you want to know more about the oil's viscosity amongst others:
FerrariChat.com - FAQ: Motor Oil Articles by Dr. Ali E. Haas (AEHaas)

You can't go wrong with M1 0w40

 

Wow, that was a tough read. I'm using Quaker State 5w-30 full synthetic with K&N Filters. Might have to switch to the 0W-30 ,after reading that article though.

 

Extra virgin olive oil with a hint of nutmeg....

 

Does my 2000 XKR use a dif weight oil than newer versions?

I wonder if Texas heat makes a dif too?

 

With all due respect to Dr. Haas (a plastic surgeon by trade, not an engineer) his article is long on theory and short on practice.

The engines in our Jags have demonstrated to live long and healthy lives without the benefit of synthetic oils, over-marketed and over-priced filters, and most of all without people second-guessing Jaguar's own engineering results.

Follow what the owner's manual says and you'll sleep well. GGG above is correct.

 

His info is copied from "bob is the oil guy"


I think Ill be using RP 0w-40

 

Same comments apply. Use whatever oil makes you happy- your car most likely couldn't care less.

 

With the right oil I could be looking at 500 more HP!

 

The engines in our Jags have demonstrated to live long and healthy lives without the benefit of synthetic oils, over-marketed and over-priced filters, and most of all without people second-guessing Jaguar's own engineering results.

Except for a few small items like tensioners and plastic waterpump blades, etc.....................

 

Haven’t read the article like some here (although I may have forgotten parts from it as it was a long time ago).

What I remember from it was that it is important to choose an oil based on the manufacturer specification/viscosity. Being it synthetic or not plays a less important role, except that under cold conditions synthetic oils work quicker better (which is why I use the 0w-40 amongst others).

As long as you change oil at the recommended intervals (so 1 year, or 10Kmiles at normal use, or 5Kmiles at heavy usage, which also includes driving short distances!!!), a mineral oil within the specs would do fine. A synthetic allows heavier usage though.

 

Check the authors name ;-).

Bitog has added his article a couple of years later, and enhanced the appearance somewhat.

 

Key word is 'demonstrated'. There's no evidence that the Jag engineers were wrong about the oil recommendations. Do you know any different?

I'll presume that you're not drawing a correlation between the tensioners and oil type.

 

Thanx for the info. Will check out the auto stores here for something appropriate along the lines of the suggestions.

 

Just as there is no evidence that the Jag engineers were right. Or, that their wishes were not filtered by corporate mandates.

There is however, a difference in emphasis between design goals and the goals of the typical enthusiast owner.

Some of those differences are fuel economy ratings under CAFE, emissions considerations, and legislatively mandated emissions equipment warranties.

Professional journals typically note that the fuel economy advantage is at most 1.5 percent as measured in real over the road miles. That would be $15.00 on a $1000.00 fuel bill. Not really meaningful to an owner in the overall scheme of things, and a drop in the bathtub when compared to the cost of rebuilding an engine. But, it is of great importance to achieving the almight CAFE rating.

As for the often quoted 5W30 "specification", those quoting it should go back and read the line again. It is qualified with "for best fuel economy". Notice how it does not say "for best engine life" or "for maximum wear protection". The chart underneath that sentence is the actual specification/recommendation and it is simply an API grade along with applicable viscosities for temperature ranges.

 

I will trust in the good old Castrol thanks an institution for decades!

 

The fact that we commonly see these engines with hundreds of thousands of trouble free miles on them, despite the abuse and neglect of at least some owners, is indicative of sound decision making by Jaguar.

Do you know of a trend of shortened engine life attributable to any particular brand, type or viscosity of oil?

 

No, I don't know of any oil-related problems with Jaguar engines. I was just poking fun at the thought of Jag engineers knowing what is best. Sorry to offend you.