I have been looking at a 2003 XKR. 120,000 miles on it.
Is there any reliability between an XK8 and an XKR if both are 2003?
Did the XKR ever come with the gauges instead of the navigation unit?
Can you replace the navigation unit with a set of gauges from another XK?
Also, the headlights on this car seem to have a grey color instead of clear on the lens. Can't see anything like a film added. Is this original?

Thanks

 

Is there any reliability between an XK8 and an XKR if both are 2003?
Reliability is same.. XKR has a tad bit more maintenance requirement due to supercharger.

Did the XKR ever come with the gauges instead of the navigation unit?
Never seen original gauges in XKR as of 2003+. Could have been an option. Not sure about the earlier years.

Can you replace the navigation unit with a set of gauges from another XK?
Yes. there is a conversion kit available for the electronics. You have to source the gauges and wood yourself.

Also, the headlights on this car seem to have a grey color instead of clear on the lens. Can't see anything like a film added. Is this original?
Lenses are clear glass. Must have a film on them. Never seen an aftermarket lens for this model.

All that being said if you can share more about the specific car the knowledgeable folks here will gladly give you opinions on purchase viability.

 

I’ve the early GEN1 1999 XK8 so have no direct experience on the later models.

However the reliability of the 2003+ Gen3 models seems a lot better than earlier models. On this forum I’ve not seen alot of reports and/or complaints about the supercharged AJ-V8.

The biggest consideration is the pros and cons of the supercharger. More power and better sports car set up on an XKR. However with that comes complications of additional maintenance. XKRs also came with other options like active suspension.

Having had had a couple of turbo charged BMWs and Porsches, I would say home DIY mechanical wrenching is more complicated, and the Jag’s supercharger sits bang on top of the engine.

I guess it’s a balancing act as to whether you think these complications are worth the better more powerful car.

In terms of reliability, the active suspension seems to be the most problematic not the engine.

 

The supercharged cars don't have VVT, which of course goes wrong from time to time - so take your pick if you want VVTs that need occasional maintenance or a supercharger that needs occasional maintenance.

On the 4.0 cars the big advantage to the XKR is the 5 speed Mercedes gearbox versus the weaker 5 speed ZF - obviously on the 4.2 cars, they all use the 6 speed ZF, so no difference there.

Personally the huge power increase is worth the extra cost, but others might prefer to keep themselves out of trouble by having less power temptingly on tap. Oh, and the CATS suspension is brilliant, again, well worth the extra complication.

 

Yes the 2003 does come with 3 dials. I have a 2003 and it definitely has the 3 dial setup.

As stated before the reliability of the XKR is the same as the XK8 actually it may be better. I has more power so its not such a strain on the engine to maintain speed. The XKR however has many things as standard that the XK8 has as optional. Take it from me id buy an XKR any day over the XK8. There is nothing wrong with the XK8 they are very good cars but they have just that little bit more X factor. More sought after too.

 

In the USA, The first year that the XKR was available was 2000. That was the only year (in the USA) that the Nav was an option in the XKR.

You got gauges if you did not select the Nav.

Starting in 2001, USA XKRs got Nav as standard, with no gauges on Nav cars.

For reference, my 2000 XKR has gauges and no Nav.