A 2005 XK8 convertible followed me home last Saturday, and I think I'll keep it! Of course, it doesn't have that "new car" smell any more. In fact it the smell kind of reminds me of Grandpa's '58 VW. Anybody else remember that old Volkswagen smell? Is that normal, or has something gone funky? I did not notice on the test drive, but did after sitting over night closed up.

I'd try some of those car smell products that you can get at most stores to see if they help, and I'd also spray some Febreze or other scent product all inside of the car, mostly on the carpet. If that does not work then you have a smell, most likely coming from your carpet or padding.
A lingering smell is often in the carpet or the padding. If I were you, I'd clean the carpet and padding with one of those machines that you can get to do it at home. If that doesn't work, you may have to pull out the carpet and padding to thoroughly clean or replace them. I had a car that got flooded with about three inches inside the car and the only thing that finally got the smell out was when I pulled out the carpet and padding, cleaned up the inside with some cleaning products and steam cleansed the carpet and padding. If a bad smell gets down into the carpet and padding they have to be thoroughly cleaned or replaced.

Thanks for the suggestion. It's not a musty or moldy smell. (I did hit the carpet with Febreze.) It's really just a weird smell and the only way I can describe it is that it reminds me of the way all the old VWs smelled when I was a kid. I think it has something to do with the upholstery. Would be something to do with the leather or the Alcantara suede?

Lexol leather cleaner will help and give the car a new leather smell. Not a bad idea to give it some treatment in any case. Got mine at Advance.


Wayne

You could try changing out your pollen filter and setting off an A/C bomb, this will probably help enormously.

Before that I'd recomend a thourough deep clean and the use of your favourite Febreze on the carpets etc.
Also be sure to use a good leather cleaner followed by a leather conditioner

I'm sure these steps will help to make all the difference

My XK8 smells just like my X1/9 smelled when it was almost new.


Dave

Welcome to the forum 05XK8cfe,

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

Thanks. I did a good deal of cleaning and a leather treatment yesterday, and let it air out all day. Hopefully that will improve.

Could be yours needs some cleaning in the air duct like mine. You can read about my adventure here.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...94/#post786248

I am familiar with the VW smell of which you speak. It came to me that it is possible that that smell could come from the Convertible top lining and padding. If I were you I'd clean that lining and spray it with some Febreze as well.

Oh, finally someone that knows what I'm talking about! I did apply copious Febreze on Sunday. I thought the smell was improved tonight when I got in it. It really is not noticeable with the top down or with the top up and A/C on. Its really just when I get in after the car has been closed up. I hope it improves because VW stank is not the experience I was after.

Is that the same Crayon smell New Beetles have?

Hey maybe it's you stinky... LOL j/k........

Deep shampoo the carpet, headliner, clean/condition leather including all panels... Plus as mentioned above replace cabin filter and clean ducts. Good luck!

To me my '99 XK8 smells like a nice rich leather smell. Cannot stop wondering if its the remains of the oil leak from my top pistons. I's reather think of it as a nice leather aroma.
By the way, anyone know where to obtain the foam insulation material under the rear seat. Not Jag, I am sure its bo cu $$... Rich

I've had lots of XK8's with that smell. Sometimes an interior scrub will fix it and sometimes not. I've had the best results just leaving the top down with the vehicle indoors for a long time.

Brett

I love opening the doors to go somewhere with our 03. That leather smell that jags have hits you so good. Love it.

I'll give it a good airing, and see what happens.

We have a winner! Kevin D was right. The liner in the convertible top is the source of the smell. I treated it last night, so we'll see if Febreze helps.