Hello to all!

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Nick and I'm the proud new owner of a 1997 XK8 convertible (almost sounds like something from a 12 step meeting).
I've been crawling around this forum for a couple of days and am VERY impressed by the wealth of knowledge, the willingness to share this knowledge, and the credentials of the those dispensing it. I've owned and still own Mercedes for over 15 years and have been a member of several Benz forums over the years. You guys blow them away in sheer content and enthusiasum by miles. I hope I can be as a productive member here as I was there.
A little background on the car...
105K on the odometer whereas the Nikosil engine was replaced 20K miles ago (2007) along with the front/rear suspensions, wheel bearings, control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rods. Service records for the last 11 years are on hand. Thermostat and water pump was also replaced in 2007. I've talked to and had a pre-purchase inspection at the shop that replaced all these components and they assure me that it is in great condition. They said that the 2007 engine has all the "bells and whistles" the 1997 engine did not. Would that include non plastic chain tensioners? The car has never had a "green shower" (I read on this forum that 1997 didn't really have that problem...true?) and has been garaged all it's life.

One strange issue has arose that I can't find a solution to on this forum...the stock radio was working until this morning. Upon starting, the antenna went up, the radio display lights are on and music is playing but all the buttons and knobs are unresponsive. Can't turn it on or off, volume knob does nothing, presets don't work. This, of course, only made the wind noise that much more noticeable but I guess that's another post after some research.

Any ideas?

Nick

 

Welcome to the forum Nick.

Plenty of like minded folk around here and I am sure someone will have an insight into your current problem.

Enjoy the car and the forum.

 

Welcome Nick ! Glad to see another Virginian here.

Do you know if the replacement engine was new refurbished or used? I would expect a new or factory refurbished engine would have the new tensioners.

You might try disconnecting the battery for a minute or so and see if the radio controls come back. You will need to reset the windows afterwards (See the users manual or countless posts on this).

 

. . . welcome Nick!

I too frequent forums for other cars and completely agree that this group of folks are head and shoulders above most in knowledge, experience and responsiveness. You can post a question here in the middle of the night and someone will provide a thoughtful answer in a short period of time from Australia, Russia, France, GB or any number of places around the world.

 

Thanks for the warm welcome, guys!

According to the service records, the engine installed in 2007 was new so I'm assuming the tensioners shouldn't be an issue. The car has minor valve cover gasket leaks on both sides so I guess that's when the definitive answer will be had.

I will disconnect the battery and research window resets. Unfortunately, the car didn't have any manuals. I'm in search of a really good factory service manual as I love working on cars. The Mercedes online manuals have saved me thouseands in repair costs.

Nick

 

Hey Nick--welcome!

I had much trepidation before buying my Jaguar and was able to get some measure of confidence by posting on this forum prior to the purchase. You will find that there will be typically be some person(s) here who will be able to provide guidance for virtually any problem you encounter with the car. The radio problem you asked about is one I have never seen posted here before but be patient and I am sure someone will have the answer.

Doug

 

Nick - welcome - I see this is your first post - please take a moment to visit the New Member section and post an intro:

New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

These folks here are great and the info/support is fantastic? Like you I also belong to 2 Mercedes forums - what a waste compared to the flurry of info and activity here.

 

Hey Nick! Welcome aboard. There are quite a few first-time owners here; including me. We've all had our share of horror stories, successes and "oops". You're correct - everyone is willing to share and help.

How much are you planning to drive it? I'm one of those who bought her to DRIVE her. 30,000 miles in a year and a half (and one engine replacement - cringe) and I still love taking her out.

Ciao!

 

Done! Posted in the new menber intro

 

Check out the Stickies above for links to on line Owner Manuals and free down loads of the official Jaguar repair manual; Jaguar Technical Information System (JTIS).

 

I tried to download the JTIS but had trouble downloading
It onto vista. Will try again after 10 posts

 

I had trouble with Vista as well. It is a little confusing, but if you keep reading in the sticky thread, there is a section on Vista that works.

Now if I could just get it on my MacBook.

 

I tried to port it with Wine as well as with the CodeWeavers product.

No dough. It seems like VBox and a pirated copy of M$ Winders will be my solution.

 

Hands down, this forum is BY FAR the best forum I've ever had the pleasure to be a part of.

Those dang digital gremlins manage to get into every modern car radio I've owned. I miss the old vacuum tube radios ……….

 

Well, climbed into the car. The radio was stuck on a channel, all the knobs and buttons were unresponsive with no sound. Jabbed my index finger into the Mode button quickly, multiple times, and hard!

Viola!

$100.00 of labor charges saved!
Been working ever since.
I'll post a video as soon as the swelling goes down.

Nick
'97 XK8 verte