I've come upon my first Jaguar 02 XKR 42000 mi.
Cars in good condition from the south (I'm in NY).

On some previous purchases when getting a 'used' car it was suggested to replace many of the fluids since one didn't know the age/condition of them.
The common ones being, Oil/Filter, Cooling system but then there are others.
Transmission/Filter, Rear Differential, Brake fluid. I've read thru many of the how tos and am comfortable with most work. The brake fluid I'll flush when I recondition the Calipers, but I'd like some feedback on the others (or missing ones) I know there is SC oil that can be replaced but that seems a mixed opinion.
I'm one to want to know what's there, but I also know if it ain't broke don't fix it! Thanks in Advance.

 

First, welcome to a great car. Hope you enjoy it as much as everyone here does theirs.

My 2 cents: Oil/filter, yes. Coolant, why not (easy and cheap). Brake fluid, yes since you're already doing caliper and pad work.

Transmission and diff? You said it yourself, don't fix it if it ain't broke. The transmissions on these cars were "sealed for life". That usually means about 100k or so. Yours has low miles, so maybe sooner since it wasn't driven a normal amount for those years.

There are some preventative maintenance items that could do you more overall good. Take a peek at the DIY sticky on the main page for suggestions.

 

$0.02 worth follows ... do them all since you should at least check the level. Having gone that far, it might as well be new fluid.

 

Lots of leaking seals on the differentials...unusual to see puddles so it easy to be fooled into thinking it is OK. Get up under there with a good flashlight and see if there are any wet area's around the axles. Mine was very low on my old '97 and the rear end was replaced under warranty by the dealer (would have been $4K).

I got the fill plug off of my 2001 shortly after buying it. It was a bear. I found the fluid slightly low but I vacuumed out the old fluid and pumped in new with Jaguar fluid from the dealer ($90- ouch). But the peace of mind to "know" was well worth the aggravation and the $ for me.

 

The differential is sealed for life ... until it loses its seal ... then its life is over

And despite being installed in a cat, it does not have nine lives.

 

Thanks for the advice, I have two other cars in my bay this week that need finishing up then the Jag will get up on stands and a good inspection will be done. I'll certainly check the seals closely.

 

A common problem is the diff breather at the top right hand side. It gets clogged and then the gear oil gets pushed out the side seals when it gets hot. Might as well make sure that it is functioning. Usually reachable through the right rear wheelwell.

 

I just had the transmission fluid replaced (not flushed) and it also solved an intermittent groaning noise at low speeds that I found distasteful. Replacing the coolant reservoir and sensor is a good idea as its cheap too.

 

I recently purchased an 04 XKR with 60k miles and plan on having all fluids replaced (as soon as I can get the bloody thing registered) - including the SC and differential.