Hi Folks. I just wanted to introduce myself. I just bought a 2002 XK8 'vert from the Mecum auction last week in Schaumburg. It was a good deal, but man have I identified a lot of issues:
1. Broken antenna. Replacement mast ordered.
2. Passenger seat in full upright position-won't tilt back. Already switched controls w/ driver's side-no difference. Out it will come, after I figure out one of the stripped bolts.
3. Both buttons (cruise and S) on the center surround were punched through. Brought them back though and secured them. Both the cruise and S lights stay on...Eeek.
4. Passenger side window goes down each time I life the handle. Did the window limit reset function-success!
5. Both headrest motors sound, but no movement with way. Onward with that fix.
6. Driver side rear marker light out. Totally corroded-on order.
7. Console surround insert (parked with P, 1, 2, 3, 4) cracked all over. Apparently, replacements are widely sought, but seldom available.
8. ASC and Traction Control Not Available messages...Doing the cheapo wheel speed sensor cleaning this weekend...Fingers crossed!
9. Headliner and A-pillar fabric sagging and detached. Already took all out, put in the delicate cycle, cleaned off all old adhesive and replaced. Much better.
10. Cup holder keeps springing open. Took apart, cleaned, tightened bolts, and same problem. Oh well.
11. Front end clunking. Likely shock mounts, but will have to take into my cheapo repair shop to get checked out, as well as the check the tensioners (which have probably never been upgraded to metal) and chain.
12. Leather on steering wheel totally worn away. Will clean and try leather shoe dye.
Well, that's all I've found for now. at least the top seems to work! Thanks in advance for all the wonderful posts. I will very closely be following them.

 

Well welcome and good luck with your new toy!

 

My condolences and welcome to the forum! Someone will come along and ask you to post in the new member thread. I'm sure you will find this place extremely helpful and friendly as I have.



Dave

 

Thank you very much! Oh, and the rear tow eye cover's missing. Cheers!

 

Welcome to the board. I see you did your homework.

 

Poppyboy, hope you have a nice heated garage for the winter project. Just keep thinking how nice it will be come spring with the top down.
Pictures will be nice for the group. Let us know if you put them in you garage.
Good luck.


Wayne

 

Thanks. Surely one can understand how "glossy eyes" may prevail at an auction. Besides, the paint and top present very well! I have one pic of the Jag in my Garage. I'm rushing to get it sorted as soon as possible before six months of horrid weather set in. My garage isn't heated, so...

 

Poppyboy,

Welcome to the wonderful world of the XK8. One item of interest to me on your list is your steering wheel.

If you're interested, I happen to have an extra black/burled walnut wheel in decent shape. The leather is a bit smooth from use, but not peeling or worn away at all.

I also live in the Chicago area, so would be happy to meet up if you'd be interested in it for a very modest sum. PM me if you want!

Again, welcome!

 

Hey Matthew. Any suggestions for (reasonably priced) Jaguar service in the Chicago area? I'm trying to anticipate in case cleaning the wheel speed sensors doesn't mitigate the ASC/Traction Control messages...

 

Yes, I take all 3 of my cars to Imports Unlimited in Highland Park. Hands down the most knowledgeable shop I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

They specialize in Jaguar and Land Rover, and their techs are certified by Jag and LR. I've seen them work on Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston, and even a Morris Minor! I was just there getting some tires put on my LR3 this past week, and they were prepping a beautiful XK140 for a rally. They do everything from routine maintenance to full restorations.

Anyway, I believe their labor rate is $118/hr. Considering their level of expertise, I consider that to be reasonable.

Their website isn't up and running, but their contact information is below:

Address: 3250 Skokie Valley Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone:(847) 432-4200

Side note: have your timing chain tensioners been updated to the third generation? If not, that should absolutely be at the top of your to do list.

 

Welcome PoppyBoy! I see you are getting her ship-shape! You are gonna LOVE that car! On the visors, follow the repair info on the Sticky section. Use an epoxy as suggested, and take yor time carefully prying the mirror section out. On the ABS issue, if the cleaning doesn't bring it around, you may find it is a bad solder job inside the module. An easy fix. Lots of info in here on that. Front end clunking is most assuredy the front upper strut mounts have broken down. Shop price on these and save yourself $100 per side! Headrests are fixed by several methods. I chose to have longer cables made, rather than performimg the Jaguar bulletin fix. This seems to eliminate re-visiting the problem again later. There is NOTHING you wont find here to help you! Enjoy that cat!

 

Welcome to the best site on planet and surely you'll have fun with your XK8

 

Thanks, everyone. That's some very useful information. I sincerely appreciate it!

 

Although it may look like an enormous 'to do' list, they are all regular issues with the XK8. The FAQ 'sticky' at the top of the thread could be your new best friend!

Graham

 

Thanks, Graham. Much appreciated!

 

from the pic in your garage - she looks to be in nice shape! Well done and as others have said - you are in the best place to keep her running smoothly.