So, we just purchased a 2006 XK8 convertible. It is a very clean, beautiful example that we hope to enjoy for years to come. A couple common issues I am capable, I hope, to rectify. The passenger side seat back tilt feature is not working, a well-documented issue with these cars. It is attempting to work but seems to be jammed up. The forward/backward operation works well as do the headrests for both seats, go figure. Also, the front strut mounts are toast, new ones on order. Other that that, with 70K on the clock, this car proves to be a fun purchase. So, since we have the convertible, we've always wanted, we are selling our equally beautiful but issue laden XJS. It too is a very nice car, but some stuff doesn't work and I'm not willing to address it all. A/C system needs completely replaced, cruise control doesn't work, radio doesn't work, and it has a mystifying power steering leak. Some of you have probably seen my previous post concerning a possible XK8 purchase. I know this isn't a conventional investment so I'm gonna go with the "smiles per gallon" mindset. I will certainly be engaging the experience and knowledge contained in this forum as there are a couple things I want to enhance. I really want to improve the exhaust note. Something not objectionable but it just needs a little more growl. Thanks to all who have offered advice in our pursuit.

 

I just fitted the Adamesh Stage 1 and 2 for the new to me XK8. It provides a nice exhaust note for not much money.

It is a royal PITA to install though, even with the shorter over-axle pipe. It's doable (I did it laying on my back with only 18" of space under the car on jack stands).

I cut the over axle OEM pipe in half to remove it. That preserves the back half if someone doesn't like the full Stage 1/2 they can keep the Adamesh over axle (removes two mufflers) and reinstall the back half of the exhaust (two mufflers) and still get a better sound over the OEM.

Not sure what an exhaust shop would charge to fit - and there's a video out there by To The Garage on fitting them. I highly suggest sanding and cleaning the stubs off the center exhaust once you have yours removed, and using exhaust assembly paste (not the sealing paste!) and/or dielectric grease (that's what a muffler shop recommended). Dummy fit the stage 2 piece to the center and make sure that it turns evenly and cleanly with no binding at all, because once it's all fitted it really needs to swivel to get in place. If it is tight or binds it will add hours to assembly. I also ended up cutting off about 1/2" from the new Adamesh Stage 2 (axle) pieces to get mine to fit. There's still plenty of material for them to go together but I couldn't see ever getting them in place without doing that.

Shipping from the UK to the US was $150 and arrived in less than a week.

 

Changing your Jag’s exhaust note would not be my first priority, but of course it is your car. It is possible you may discover more pressing needs in the coming weeks…

 

I agree. The strut mounts are first on the list and then the seat issue. The exhaust mod will come later, it is just something I want to do. I did get the car up on the lift today to inspect more closely than I could before the purchase. It looks very clean, no evidence of leaks or road scrubs. Greased the four points I could find at the rear half shafts. The car was recently serviced with a NAPA gold filter and Castrol synthetic oil.

 

Well, these beauties do love to “growl”. Did you receive any maintenance documentation with the purchase? I notice you already have a little smudge of grease on your face there…
Enjoy your latest acquisition!

 

Congrats on the purchase.

With 70K on it, while you are doing the upper strut mounts you should plan to do the upper control arm bushings and the sway bar bushings. They will need it for sure, even if they have been replaced before. If the lower bushing in the shock is worn then I would just replace the shocks. I would also do the rear sway bar bushings since they are cheap and easy. I covered all this in my working thread with plenty of pics.

Best of luck and outcomes on your future efforts with this XK8. And many happy miles....

 

i had a shop,,that i know,,remove several mufflers from my XK8,,,not afraid to use a torch,,,install flowmasters w quad stainless tips,,a very nice growl and a sexy rear,,good luck w your cars,,

 

i recently did all that,,well said

 

My car looks exactly like yours and is a 2006 as well. I had to replace my front upper strut mounts and got new tires. It made a world of difference. I have the same issue with the front passenger seat not tilting as you do. It makes noise but does not move. I haven't gotten to it yet - its on the list. If you do figure out a fix, can you post up?

 

Congrats on the purchase! I have had my 2005 XKR for 16+ years now which is longer than any other car I have owned (13 was the previous for my 1970 Roadrunner and 1995 Corvette). But even more scary is the thought that the car will soon be 20 years old. The fear is the stupid little things that tend to break or go wrong and sources for repair/replacing parts become scarcer. My last adventure was getting the rear quarter window regulators replaced. Other "major" items over the years have been convertible hoses, convertible pump (both covered under the original warranty thankfully) and upper shock mounts. But it is the little gremlin things that are most annoying like warning lights coming on for no particular reason and then going away the next time the car is started and the breaking of the plastic bits and pieces that are used in various places. Still I smile every time I take a long hard look at the car and it still looks better to me than most of what is offered these days.

 

Concerning the seat tilt issue. I want to remove the seat and provide axillary power from a separate supply to test function aiding my attempt in problem solving. Anyone out there have experience doing this? Also, understanding that these cars need a reliable battery supply, do you keep yours on a battery maintainer 24/7?

 

If you ever plan on selling the wheels please message me! I’ve been dying to get a pair of those in chrome. Enjoy the new XK!

 

Tackling the front upper strut mount replacement on our 2006 XK8. Inspecting the shocks, I see the rubber boot/seal has degraded but the spherical joint is still good. Anyone have experience replacing these? Less than $100 each from a well-known vendor. Shock prices are.....well, shocking and these seem to work well. I'm seeing a couple options from Jagbits. Input appreciated.

 

I had to replace my entire suspension setup when I got my XK last year! I purchased a new set of bilsteins without the CATs, it was much cheaper. If you’re already going to be tackling the suspension you might as well replace everything. You can go with the stock suspension or a coilover kit like the one Swallows racing makes for our model!

 

When I did my front suspension, the springs and shocks were good but, like you, the tops were disintegrating and the rubber on the bushings had rotted. The bushings are pretty easy to replace IF you have access to a press. They'll zip right out and the new ones will zip back in.

 

Front shocks are available at Rock Auto for $110, includes lower shock bushing.
I would get new bump stops too.
While you have it apart, upper control arm bushings.
Get your upper shock mounts from Wayne on this forum, superior material, long-lasting.
Maybe sway bar bushings too, but they are not part of this assembly, so can be a different job.

Good luck, plenty of instructions on the forum.

 

I did mine with and a 30mm socket. Not as convenient as a press obviously, but not hard.

 

When replacing the lower bushings, did you have to remove the rubber seals before installing the bushing? Actually, my spherical ends are good, it is just the rubber dust/grease seal that have failed.

 

Yes, but only on the side you're pressing from. I used a small flat screwdriver wrapped with duct tape to pry of the seal rings (two of them). My sphericals didn't have any noticeable slop in them but rotated VERY easily compared to the new ones (and the rubber seals were almost completely gone, meaning gunk was had most likely gotten in there), so installing the replacements was obvious to me.

 

After having a bad experience with my old two-piece spring compressor, I'm going to purchase a better option. I have experience renting stuff from the local parts stores but more times than not, those tools are damaged and/or missing parts. Anyone have experience with this offering from Vevor?