Howdy Folks!!...
Just curious...I've been eyeballin' XJR's... and was wonderin'...do they have the same problems with the 4.0 as the XK8??... I looked at an 03, and noticed that the engine hadn't been changed to the 4.2...

Thanks

Fast Freddie

 

The XJ8/R uses the same engine as the XK8/R. For further information, take a gander in to the XJ section of the forums.

 

Hi Fedoraja!!... and thanks for your reply. As an aside, I had a B/B 95 Zee and loved it. However, I never understood why...they put the distributor (good Ol' Opti) directly below the water pump. Tuning up your Zee is a PITA...especially runnin' the new plug wires. I can think of a few more knuckle scrapers, but I imagine you experienced a few...;>)))
Drive On!!...

Fast Freddie

 

Hey Fred, same engine as in the 2002 XK8s up to 2003 XJ8. The 4.2L and 6HP26 trans didn't come until the 2004 X350, then so many other changes came with the X350 as well.

Keep the smoke in front!

 

Hahahaaa....Thankee Sar!!... I waltzed over to the XJ forum and took a squint.And yes...They show the 2004 has the 4.2 They just took a year longer. Actually...the smoke is behind th' cab nowadays (road units)... But still in front on switch engines (yard goats). I've operated both since 1976... I was a brakeman on th' Haywire (BNSF) and hired out in "74". I retired in "09" and haven't looked back...;.)))

Drive On!!...
Fast Freddie

 

Funny, I'm sitting here in the SD airport on another business trip drinking a Pyramid "Haywire" wheat ale...bet we're on different Haywires, huh??

X350s are very cool XJs. Very refined, all aluminum...many other goodies. Some prefer the X308...not me...Of my three Jags, all can go, but the X350 you'd have to pry from my cold dead hands.

OK then, if you're going to be particular....While marshalling in the yard, keep the smoke in front...How'd I do?

 

Steve... Pyramid is a great Seattle micro brew. If you are ever in Seattle, go to their restaurant right across the street from Safeco field.

As to the XJR's, Steve is right on the differences in the XJ series, the x308 1998-2003 and the x350 2004-2008. The x350 is a much more refined, modern vechicle. The x308 is a wonderful vehicle, but if you want to stay away from the engine issues, get the 2002 or 2003. As to the x350, you will have new issues, but they aren't really engine related. It will be the air suspension as the big repair item. As always, test drive them and pick the one you like best! The are both great!

 

Yes - about 10 years ago I happened upon a brew in a Chicago pizza place called Pyramid Apricot Ale. Being quite fond of apricots, I found a new love in beers and keep Apricot Ale in our beverage refrigerator all the time. This Haywire was new to me. Surprised the AP had it. Very good because I like Blue Moon, a similar wheat ale.

Freddie - As midlife says - you owe it to yourself to try both the 350 and the 308. I like both for different reasons - 308 for that more retro look and traditional low profile; 350 for a more modern stance, more cabin room because the driver sits in a more "chairlike" position, but all in all, the 350 rises to the top for me...an absolutely striking Jaguar example. I have black on black with 20% tints and when this car pulls up anywhere you'll be noticed.

 

Thank you steve11... for the info. In fact...I'm getting hungry and thirsty for pizza and'a brew. Now I can eyeball some 350's with a more informed attitude...
Drive ON!!....

Fast Freddie

 

I have had my 2004 XJ8 for 4 years and absolutely love it, almost as much as my XK8. The only real problem we had was with the air suspension, the pump went out but was replaced under the Select Edition. Great car, you will love it.

 

Yes, I've done a lot of air suspension pump replacements. In fact, I'm working on a rebuild on one of the old pumps I've removed. Like every Jag I've ever owned including SIIIs, X-Types, XK8s, X300, X308, X350s they all have some chronic idiosyncratic issues. The tradition continues - just look at the posts already on the brand new 2011 XJ, including the consumer reports post.

Take a look at the new 2011 forum and particularly the consumer reports post. I love them all just the same because I am usually able to find or come up with cost effective fixes (Like the resistor fix for the XK8 top - thanks Dennis) that makes them work for me.

Freddie - Definitely look at the 350 with attitude. Especially check out the seating fit compared to the 308. Let's have a beer and pizza next time I'm up in Washington.