I am in the process of looking for a 2003 or newer XK8 and have found a couple that have become available recently. They are supposedly 2003's but don't have the badge on the driver-side rear that displays 4.2. When talking with dealers that have XK8's for sale, how can I have them verify which engine the car has in it? I don't want to buy a car from the east cost and have it shipped to me in Kansas to find out it has the 4.0 engine. Thanks.

Also, it seems like there are some 2003 that don't have the 'chrome' accents around the dash, is that an option?

 

If I remember correctly, a full Carfax report will tell the engine size on the top left box.

 

An alternative is to check how many speeds the transmission has. I believe the 6 speeds came at the same time the engine was changed from 4.0 to 4.2. Doug

 

Yes, '03 changes included the 4.2 engine, 6 speed trans, and side inpact air bags. I think the HiD self-levelling headlights also became an option. Good luck with your search!
Alfred

 

JaginKC - another option you can ask the dealer to take a picture of the label on the driver side of the engine compartment. The displacement should be spelled out clearly.

 

The only 'easy to see' test (unless someone has changed them) is to look at the cylinder heads.

The 4.0 has lifting eyes incorporated into the casting the 4.2 does not and has a bolt hole for a lifting plate to be fitted. The coil pack covers are also different.

HTH

 

That's right, the easiest way to tell the 4.2 is that the coil covers are not screwed on, they have hidden fasteners.

 

Look for this label at the back of the engine, near the firewall, close to the bell housing on the drivers side. The label will provide all the data you need plus date of manufacture.

Cheers!

 

MY2003 and newer all have the 4.2L engine and 6 speed transmission.

The chrome rings around the gauges are on MY2004 and newer. You will also notice the side guards missing from MY2004 and newer.

 

Check the VIN....

 

Side guards are missing on my 02MY.

 

It's my understanding that the very early 2003's still had the 4.0. You can simply go to decodethis.com and plug it the VIN. It will tell you the size engine installed in the car with that VIN.

 

That sure is pretty Steve, but not original. A prior owner definitely took them off at some point in its life.

 

I think steve did that himself