I just bought the most beautiful candy apple red XK8 with only 40,055 original miles on it. What maintenance should I do other than the oil change. I read that the tranny fluid is sealed and good for life. I already changed the convertible top fluid and I am installing new Pirelli's next week. I am aware that these motors have timing chains and guides that need to be replaced around 100k but should I consider doing it earlier due to the age or just go by the mileage. This is a third car and will be driven mostly on weekends so I guess it may take another 10 years to get to 100k. Any suggestions.

 

Congrats on your new ride, may you get many enjoyable miles in.
One item to keep in mind is Miles are relevant to age. While miles wears down certain items age itself is a detriment. Things that use rubber (bushing, ball joints, isolators, hoses) all become stiff and brittle. All fluids will absorb water over time, trans / brake / Psteering etc and may need changed. While none of these and there re many more example may or may not be of immediate concern you will learn your car as you begin putting in miles.

Read thru the DYI sticky... Much you should become familiar with.

Many of us here will in the course of the first year change out all fluids, especially in a older car. This way we have peace of mind of the quality of the fluids which are the life blood of our cars.

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...y-luck-141848/

That guy just posted here, his timing chain issues were eminent at 55k. Look at his pics.

 

Upper chain tensioners are among the items that deteriorate with age, not just miles. You are at risk for a major engine failure by not changing them.

The transmission main pressure valve has been identified by ZF as a cause for failure of the A drum. They have a upgraded valve for replacement, and it does not require removal of the transmission. Sealed for life is no longer touted by the manufacturers. They recommend a change at 50 or 60K mi, I forgot which.

 

I'd do the tensioner kit now. You don't even want to know what a new motor costs. I posted photos of mine. Look at post "think I pushed my luck." Those were mine and ready to give out.

And, congrats on the nice ride. I'm relatively new to the site, too. Great bunch of people and lots of information on our rides here.

 

With only 40k miles I can see changing plastic and hydraulic parts but do you think I need a complete change of all related parts. Maybe it's not worth doing only a partial job.

 

if you are in there may as well do it all.

 

Changing the secondary tensioners with the zip tie method is a one day job. Changing everything is a major operation that many owners do not feel comfortable about.

The primary tensioners are not exposed to as much heat and do not fail often, nor do they typically result in engine failure. The guides do crack and sometimes fail, but can be observed with a mirror when the valve cover are off.

 

Why go in there twice? Replace everything now and be done with it. I should have posted better pictures of my guides. Don't know what was holding them together either. Cheap insurance to my way of thinking.

 

+1 on the secondary chain tensioners.

Also look at all the coolant hoses. Easy and cheap to change. These engines do not do well when overheated.

Front suspension rubber deteriorates as well. Especially check the top suspension mounts. Looking down at the top from the engine bay, if you see loose rubber bits they need to be changed. This not only affects ride quality, but will lower the suspension and throw off your alignment.

 

Thanks everyone for you info. I am starting my search for a competent mechanic in my area and as a retired shop owner I know how difficult this can be.

 

what region are you in..

 

I live on Long Island NY.