Hi All,
I have just become owner of 2005 XKR with 90k mileage and some issues. My long term plan is to try to convert her to LHD, if possible, depends on the feedback from here :-)
I had quick look by my mechanic and this is what needs to be done:
1) rear differential is leaking from all three sides, actually is pissing, therefore I do not drive it any more. I am after to get second hand diff and all seals new. My question is: having 2005 xkr will other diffs fit my car?
2)central locking is playing a bit, after switched to "P" and trying to open door, central locking is opening and closing for 3 times, always the same. Previous owner has changed one of the micro switches, believe driver door side. Question is: should I look forward to change central locking module or looking for source of problem elsewhere?
3)all bushing needs to be replaced including ball joints. My idea is to buy second hand wishbones replace all rubbers and keep my original for second turn. Question: has suspension changed since 1996? What years second hand parts I need to buy to allow fitment in my car?
4)there is a problem with electronics/center console: radio, sat-nav do not work, seats heating is but the led light does not come on when is on. Previous owner has mentioned that problem occurred after jump-start when cables not properly connected, believe wrong polarization.

Here are my main issues. I will be glad to get any feedback from this forum. Also any suggestions are welcome, like what I should look forward to change/replace.
I want to keep this car for rest of my life so please have this in mind, I understand that all issues I have will cost money, but I am prepared to spend bit.
Thanks a lot for reading and any suggestions.
Best Regards

Chris

 

Welcome and congratulations.

 

Welcome to the forum Chris,

Anything is possible if you are prepared to throw enough money at it but it could easily end up costing more to convert than buying a good LHD example.

With both the diff and the wishbones, I'd refurbish the originals. If it's only seals on the diff and bushes on the suspension, this is the lowest cost approach and removes any issues of compatability.

Jump starting by the PO suggests there was a battery problem. These cars are very sensitive to battery condition and all kinds of weird electrical faults can appear if it is failing. Best to check battery condition before troubleshooting electrical issues.

Graham

 

Surely LPG rather than LHD, unless there is another West Molesey somewhere.

 

I love to spend money for petrol, LPG is not an option ;-)
I use car weekends only so not many expenses.

 

Why the desire to convert to LHD? Has West Molesey moved 500 miles south?

 

Even I, an ex-pat convict more than 8 generations removed, know that West Molesey is somewhere near Hampton Court in the UK . . . or did the Coventry Jaguar crew move Browns Lane manufacturing when no-one was looking. Perhaps you plan to live on the edge by switching to drive UK on the "wrong" side of road? Now, that could be short term fun, but if so, I would choose a more practical vehicle . . . Sherman tank perhaps? Far too confusing for me . . . LOL

To your substantive question Chris . . . yes; you can convert RHD to LHD. I have seen a very successful opposite conversion on an ex-US imported XKR here. The owner reported that body-wise, all but only a minor couple of holes allowed direct interchangeability of components - the steering rack being an obvious issue. But, as to the interior . . . enter Graham's warning . . . cost !!! New power seats, seat control units, full R&R of IC, PATS & re-programming . . . do you still want to know more? This Oz owner had all the work shopped out and it almost doubled the cost of the car . . . and one forever tainted by its mixed origins.

Just my 2c so don't shoot me, but seriously?

Cheers,

Ken

 

Aha!!! Light bulb moment.
Perhaps, just perhaps, once car is sorted, you are planning to move to "La Belle Continente" . . . mais oui?

Same deal mate.
Spend nothing; sell car; move; buy a LHD on arrival.
Otherwise, IMHO, it's still crazy economics.
That's 4c now, so I'm outa here.

Cheers,

Ken

 

Good luck and welcome, sounds like you bought yourself a bag full of troubles but I've heard of worse. If you can do the work yourself this fourm will save you a lot, if you are planning on have a shop do the work you are braver or richer than me.

At any rate looking forward to your updates good and bad.

 

thank all for getting back and welcoming
Originally I come from Poland, however I lived in the UK since 2003, yest close to Hampton Court,cat_as_trophy. I am working within oil&gas business what involves lots of traveling, my last project was in Belgium, now Germany. Long term plan is to move back to the fathers land, where we drive on the right side of the road.
That is why I am thinking of conversion. In Europe xkr 2005 with such a mileage costs between 22-30k euros depends on the condition. Regards condition of the car I am not so worried, accept diff and electronic issues is not big deal. I wanted 2005 and I have it, I have paid for it 11k £. Firstly I want to bring it to good mechanical state:
-all filters bought and castrol ll3 5w-30 £200
-both belts (drive and sc) £100
-ball joints and powerflex bushing kit, anti roll bars £550
-heater pump and matrix as heating is playing a bit £100
-supercharger oil kit £20
-I am going to get second hand diff and recondition it, found one from XK8 for £250, recon job will cost me around £300, including bronze lining of the gears
Second stage will be:
-check radio,satnav and central locking
I believe that I will close all the issues within 2000-2500pounds
BTW car has been shipped to Poland where labor is still cheap. I managed to get jag specialists who charge 20-25pounds/h.
I am looking to leave it with spec in two weeks time, once I get it back I will let you know how it does.
And I will have first feedback regards electronics. Just let you know previous owner has changed battery when charged 14.4V, on standby 14.2V. Specialist pointed out earting coper cable under the car that is well corroded.

 

Yesterday, I placed quite dense reply but is waiting for moderator approval,
In the mean time I need help to get right diff for my car. I found one from XK8 2005 but not sure if will fit my one?

 

Hello again Chris. Dense reply needing Mod approval?
You aren't threatening to axe-murder us all for our advice are you? LOL.

Anyway, back to your diff . . . no change I am aware of betwixt '05 XKR & XK8. Induction, brakes, instrumentation ("Supercharged" in Tacho) and such . . . yes, all different . . . but not the diff.

Best wishes,

Ken

 

no cat_as_trophy will not murder anyone yet :-) I have listed all works I am planning to do now and some in the future.
I have found diff from 4.2 XK8, that is quite good state and is from 2005 model, and is only 150£-160£. I have also good gearbox/diff reconditioning company, who I want to send the one I find to make repair quicker, instead blocking garage slot
Before I make move I will top up oil in my diff and see if gets quieter, if yes then I might go only for oil seals.
Thanks.
Best wishes too,
Chris

 

Chris, that price sounds reasonable from where I sit, though others in your same market may better comment. Very wise not to just bolt it in, but get the experts to split & inspect. This will allow measurement of pre-load, pinion mesh & lash as well as a good visual of bearings before buttoning up with (hopefully) little more than new gaskets & seals. Very big tick off your list.

Best wishes and keep us posted with your progress.
Cheers,

Ken

 

I brought my XKR with me to Spain from the UK, so it is a RHD car driven on the right. Most of the time it is fine, the only real problem I have is the rear view mirror obscures the view from the left when approaching roundabouts. I have thought of removing the mirror from the windscreen and re-positioning it higher up, just below the roof latch.

That might be an easier fix than swapping the steering wheel over.

 

Chris, I got into this and couldn't believe what you want to do? If you have a bunch of money you want to give it away, which it appears you do...why not just sent it over here to TEXAS? I could probably find something to do with it! Trade the darn thing for a LHD and be done with it...Probably take a day or two ....That is unless there is something sacred about it.......? and I haven't seen many sacred Jag's!!!

Awaken to the World around you, Man!

Billy Clyde in Houston

 

Hi Billy,
Could be that it will stay as it is RHD, but will see...
Small update, for current state: I have changed all fuses, radio and satnav started to work so couple of thinks out of my list. New diff has arrived and is under re-con specialist. Next week I am starting on the suspension and new diff fitting.
Once all done will post how is handling

 

and one small detail Billy, only 583 models of xkr coupe were produced in 2005, ;-)

 

ChrisDab...My 2005 XKR was made in Coventry on 02/2004!

 

since 2002 till 2005 only around 3600 were produced, so still privilage to drive it!!