Without thinking I could afford one of these beautiful machines, it all started when I noticed a 1999 XK8 with a for sale sign of $9,500. I needed a used car and seeing that hit me like a bolt of lightning that such a car "could" be within reach.

During my two-month search I asked a local British Repair shop tons of questions and asked many here as well. Through the entire process you have all been extremely helpful and never once treated me as a newbie; but instead were enthusiastic to share your own experiences, providing much needed insight and advise for which I am extremely grateful.

Last night my 2003 XK8 arrived. It's a freaking beauty. With just 34,000 miles, xeon headlights, premium sound, etc, like a little kid (I'm 57), drove it to my British Repair Shop this morning. Got a smog check and inspection. They couldn't find a thing wrong with it and said it was immaculate and congratulated me.

I just need to find another electronic key mechanism since it only came with one. They said I should look on ebay (any suggestions) because the dealer charges a lot for them.

Again, just a big thank you to all that so patiently helped me along the way. This car is just a delight to drive.

Cheers -Terrapin

 

Beautiful car. Congratulations! I'm in similar situation with similar sentiments. This forum, and all its members, is the greatest.

 

Welcome to the CLUB!!! Very nice!!! This is the BEST forum around for help!

Enjoy the Ride!!!

 

Congratulations! You're going to love it!

Do you need the fob or the actual key? My car came with no fobs but I bought two on eBay for $25 each. I was able to easily program them myself thanks to instructions on this forum. The keys are more of a problem, though. If you need a key, you'll probably need to get it from the dealer.

 

Welcome terrapin, I agree, when I got my 2003, i found this place to be invaluable, and still do, plus just plain good ole foke. I have special thanks to several who have helped greatly as well, white xk8 and reverend sam, and h20boy, as well as the tech guy, cant remember his "handle", and everyone else I gleaned insight from. anyhow, enjoy it.

 

You'll add this site to your favorites terrapin cuz there's only one thing more exhiliarating than driving your Jag and that's the feeling you get when you can actually fix stuff on it!

 

Thanks all

Hi Reverend Sam - Just the fobs. I'm going to let my repair guy deal with the key & dealer. Thank you -T

 

Terrapin - thanks so much for such a positive post and for sharing your story.

The car looks great too and I hope you enjoy it for years to come

 

I am beginning to see a pattern, and dare I draw a conclusion as well?...I think we have, by far, some of the most grateful and humble forum membersl. It really means so much to get that little thanks to an original reply for help, to follow up after absorbing so much advice and recommendations, rather it be for a technical matter or in your case, pre-purchase research...well, we all get a little gratification by hearing how pleased you were with the Jaguar 101 crash-course in xk8 ownership, and we definitely take great satisfaction in hearing about, while we can certainly imagine your expression as you do (cuz we all did the same). There isn't many 8,9,10... 13 year old models that can cause the same sense of excitement in a person, nor last as long as these.

When you get done driving that thing around 24/7, be sure to come on back and begin your daily experience as an owner, its almost as fun.

congrats!

 

Good for you , I wish you have many trouble free driving

 

In regards to the fob, just look on eBay. Here's one for $40 plus $7.50 for shipping. Most fob sellers include the part number in the details of the sale. Just make sure the part number they are selling matches the part number on the back of your existing key fob. This one matches mine, which is also a 2003, so it should match your's too.

JAGUAR REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY KEY FOB XJ XJ6 XJR XKR XK8 | eBay

 

Thanks Reverend Sam. It looks perfect except the last two letters on my part number is "AC", not AB or AA. It may not matter but not sure. I'll ask my repair guy tomorrow unless you or others know. Much appreciated !!

Edit: I found my part number with your help here. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JAGUA...item20bc370d8f

Not sure why one 2003 remote would have a different part number from another, but like you suggested; best to match up the part number.

ps: I am in heaven with this car. After waiting forever at the DMV to register it I get a call a few hours later they made a mistake and asked if I could come back in for a few minutes. I was so happy to have a reason to take another drive I was actually happy they made the mistake ;p Top still down, 6 CD's loaded, qued up a good tune and on a beautiful bay area sunshine blue sky day; off I went. I'm seriously hooked on this pleasure mobile.

-Terrapin

 

I have an XK8 1997 and the rubber buttons on the fob have become detached. I have researched programming fobs but my jag never enters the programming mode with that chirp everyone talks about here.
I inset the key pull the headlight flasher turn the key to I flash the headlights 4 or 5 times it makes no difference and there is no chime or chirp or anything.

What am I missing?

I finally purchased a cheap brand new $19.98 fob on ebay from mykeyless.com I swapped out the rubber button backing, which is the same size as the original, and now my fob works great. I just wish I could program the new fob.

Does anyone have any other method for programming these fobs????

 

Have you looked for a red flash on the shifter bezel instead of the chime? Some cars may not chime.

 

Congrats on your car, it looks great! Might I recommend clear markers & repeaters for that color? The clear lenses are a less-jarring contrast and have amber bulbs behind them so they will still pass inspection.


FORD Escort 6, Mondeo 1 (96-00), Cougar, Scorpio; JAGUAR S-Type, XK Side Repeaters - Clear | Performance Lights.co.uk

I'm sure someone here has a better source--I got mine off eBay but can't find them there now. Cheers

 

Fabulous looking car, congrats. I would never have dared buy such an expensive and temperemental car as the XKR if I hadn't been able to rely on all the friendly advice available here, especially as Jaguar dealers in France are very thin on the ground.

 

Did you buy the old one ? I have a 98 and think of buying a newer one and wonder how to escape the flaws of the old one. Enjoy!!!!

 

This was the color combo that I really wanted when I started hunting around for a used XK8/XKR a few years ago. I found one local 2003 XKR that was pretty pristine and low mileage but timing wasn't quite right. White is always a smart looking color (non-color?) and looks particularly good on the XK8/XKR.


Doug