I have recently purchased a lovely 2001 XK8 roadster (by no means my first Jaguar) and am in the process of making a few aesthetic enhancements. One such adjustment I am considering is to the steering wheel. I had always thought it a little disappointing that the XK8 of my vintage did not have a 'proper' Jaguar badge in the CENTRE of the steering wheel. Would it work if I substituted the steering wheel, say, from an XJ350? The steering wheels of those cars are, to my eye, aesthetically more pleasing due to the centrally placed and recessed round Jaguar head (what some people seem to call the 'growler'). Has anyone out there made such a change? Alternatively, I wonder if one could simply substitute the central part of an XJ350 steering wheel (the air bag bit) in place of the XK8 part. Would that work? Would the parts be interchangeable? All comments and suggestions gratefully received. John W

 

I've seen an xj350 steering wheel on a xk8. I actually saved the pic, but can't find it now. I do remember it looked too big though, making it kinda goofy looking. But I agree, that wheel does have better details than the one in the xk8

 

Before I bought my XK8 I had an X350 so I get the feeling of a "lesser" interior finish in the XK8.

My first instinct was to "fix it" and make it more like what I was used to driving.

Instead I decided to focus my effort on restoring the XK8 to its best possible condition and ride quality. That has proven to be a much better choice for me.

 

Speaking of steering wheel, I wish it had a flat bottom. But then that's more about function isn't it. I think I once read he Ftype has this.

Guess that was one good thing about the XJ6, iit only had a horn, you could swap steering wheel easily. In fact I put an XJS wheel on mine, smaller diameter felt more sporty in my mind.

Now you have to match all the controls. Keep us posted.

 

Someone a month or so ago posted a pic of him using a X150 wheel, looked nice but air bag is not functional.

 

Welcome to the forum John,

Please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST forum and post some info about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice about posting to the forum.

Graham