Planning a big trip in my XJR
Discussion
Hi guys,
I'm toying with the idea of driving my XJR (from London) down to Croatia coast this summer (and back of course). With a bit of driving around Croatia, I estimate the trip would be around 3000 miles, more or less.
I know, in theory, these cars are built for long cruises like this, but I want to be as sure as I can the car will be reliable, and won't suffer any problems on a long trip like this. The car is 7 years old and has covered just over 60000 miles, and has been regularly serviced, last time in January this year (the major service), 3 months before I bought it.
It drives and starts fine (after the headache it gave me initially after I bought it, and when the problem was eventually traced to a faulty MAF (mass airflow) sensor, which has since been replaced), without any odd noises. Although, I do seem to notice a barely perceptible knock from the front (I think), when going over speedbumps. It doesn't happen at any other time, i.e. over smaller bumps or potholes... Any ideas what this might be, and is it something I should worry about in terms of going on this trip?
Another issue with it that I'm aware of is something that was identified at this last major service in January, but not addressed. This is what the dealer who did the service told me - "Differential pinion flange splines leaking – where prop shaft goes into differential". He said it wasn't anything major, and I never noticed anything (signs of oil leakage) under the car when parked. I have no idea what that is and how serious it is, but I'm not sure I like the sound of it... Again, do you think it's something that should be address prior to me going on this trip, and how much might it cost, roughly, to put right?
And finally, I notice a slight vibration from the steering wheel, at around 50mph. It isn't noticeable below and above that speed (roughly). Again, what are your opinions on this?
Other than that, I'm planning on changing the oil before I go. Oh, and getting breakdown cover!
Any other tips, ideas, suggestions?
Thanks in advance guys.
I'm toying with the idea of driving my XJR (from London) down to Croatia coast this summer (and back of course). With a bit of driving around Croatia, I estimate the trip would be around 3000 miles, more or less.
I know, in theory, these cars are built for long cruises like this, but I want to be as sure as I can the car will be reliable, and won't suffer any problems on a long trip like this. The car is 7 years old and has covered just over 60000 miles, and has been regularly serviced, last time in January this year (the major service), 3 months before I bought it.
It drives and starts fine (after the headache it gave me initially after I bought it, and when the problem was eventually traced to a faulty MAF (mass airflow) sensor, which has since been replaced), without any odd noises. Although, I do seem to notice a barely perceptible knock from the front (I think), when going over speedbumps. It doesn't happen at any other time, i.e. over smaller bumps or potholes... Any ideas what this might be, and is it something I should worry about in terms of going on this trip?
Another issue with it that I'm aware of is something that was identified at this last major service in January, but not addressed. This is what the dealer who did the service told me - "Differential pinion flange splines leaking – where prop shaft goes into differential". He said it wasn't anything major, and I never noticed anything (signs of oil leakage) under the car when parked. I have no idea what that is and how serious it is, but I'm not sure I like the sound of it... Again, do you think it's something that should be address prior to me going on this trip, and how much might it cost, roughly, to put right?
And finally, I notice a slight vibration from the steering wheel, at around 50mph. It isn't noticeable below and above that speed (roughly). Again, what are your opinions on this?
Other than that, I'm planning on changing the oil before I go. Oh, and getting breakdown cover!
Any other tips, ideas, suggestions?
Thanks in advance guys.
If you can't see any evidence of oil on the ground, or sprayed all over the rear axle then it's probrably a tiny weep. May be best to get the level checked and topped up for peace of mind 'tho or better still have it changed.
The knock you have may be wear in the steering column joints. I found when mine went there was no pattern to the knock. Somtimes a small bump in the road would do it, other times a huge pothole wouldn't A quick check is to locate where the steering column dissapears in the footwell, hold the lower joint with one hand and with the other very gently make tiny movements of the stering wheel. If you can feel any relative movement between the wheel and the column, or if you can feel any lateral movement in the column when you push and pull it from side to side, that could be the problem.
Might be worth finding out where the Jaguar dealers are located on your trip just in case.
JS
The knock you have may be wear in the steering column joints. I found when mine went there was no pattern to the knock. Somtimes a small bump in the road would do it, other times a huge pothole wouldn't A quick check is to locate where the steering column dissapears in the footwell, hold the lower joint with one hand and with the other very gently make tiny movements of the stering wheel. If you can feel any relative movement between the wheel and the column, or if you can feel any lateral movement in the column when you push and pull it from side to side, that could be the problem.
Might be worth finding out where the Jaguar dealers are located on your trip just in case.
JS
Sounds like a great trip.
The 50mph "shimmy" is a common problem I think - my 1999 XJR had exactly the same issue at the same speed. It's nothing serious, but it can be annoying.
General opinion from others was that the X308 XJ (not just the XJR) is very sensitive to wheel balancing and new tyres and/or a rebalance may well cure this at least for a while.
The 50mph "shimmy" is a common problem I think - my 1999 XJR had exactly the same issue at the same speed. It's nothing serious, but it can be annoying.
General opinion from others was that the X308 XJ (not just the XJR) is very sensitive to wheel balancing and new tyres and/or a rebalance may well cure this at least for a while.
Hi there!!
As almost everyone has said, find a good Jag garage or indie and get either the next service done and/or get the various checks carried out. Just tell them what you are planning and they will know exactly what to look for! They are more than capable of trips like that so go for it and have a bloody good time! (Just make sure your alarm/immobiliser is working, and be careful where you leave it!)
We are taking the XKR over to Denmark and Sweden next week and have just had the next scheduled service done! Cost a bit more than a 'std' service but only as the front discs and pads needed changing, and I had them sort out a few 'niggles' for me. Now it feels like a brand new car!!
Enjoy your trip and take plenty of photos, we will be doing the same!!
Scottman
As almost everyone has said, find a good Jag garage or indie and get either the next service done and/or get the various checks carried out. Just tell them what you are planning and they will know exactly what to look for! They are more than capable of trips like that so go for it and have a bloody good time! (Just make sure your alarm/immobiliser is working, and be careful where you leave it!)
We are taking the XKR over to Denmark and Sweden next week and have just had the next scheduled service done! Cost a bit more than a 'std' service but only as the front discs and pads needed changing, and I had them sort out a few 'niggles' for me. Now it feels like a brand new car!!
Enjoy your trip and take plenty of photos, we will be doing the same!!
Scottman
groomi said:
jagseven said:
The 50mph "shimmy" is a common problem I think - my 1999 XJR had exactly the same issue at the same speed. It's nothing serious, but it can be annoying.
Yep, it comes and goes. You get used to it after a while. The obvious cure is to drive faster. 
I had the same problem, really careful wheel balancing has almost cured it. Oddly enough playing around with tyre pressures made a bit of a difference too, What may have been happening is the tyres were flatspotting when on the max comfort pressures (6psi lower than normal) and the car was left standing for a while....guess I'll just have to use it more
I was apprehensive too Vladman as i bought the car and left for italy within a week,didn't know her at all but felt good.The car fairly turns some heads overseas,not so many of them around in europe,well italy anyway.After getting to destination after two of us splitting the driving i felt like just going on and on,never seem to get drowsy wafting along on my flying carpet
I use this very good website: http://www.fuel-economy.co.uk/calc.shtml
According to it, and if I enter 3000 miles, average fuel consumption of 21mpg, and average fuel cost of 0.89p/litre (fuel is cheaper in Europe), it returns a figure of £578.
According to it, and if I enter 3000 miles, average fuel consumption of 21mpg, and average fuel cost of 0.89p/litre (fuel is cheaper in Europe), it returns a figure of £578.
Griffithy said:
You will really enjoy your trip to Croatia.
It is wonderful there.
Get it serviced and enjoy a wonderful trip.
Get it filled up in Luxembourg, than try on the German Motorways.
In Austria petrol is about GBP 0,8 or less, the same in Croatia.
Good luck!
thanks griffithy! It is wonderful there.
Get it serviced and enjoy a wonderful trip.
Get it filled up in Luxembourg, than try on the German Motorways.
In Austria petrol is about GBP 0,8 or less, the same in Croatia.
Good luck!
yes, i figured out petrol in austria is cheaper, so will try and cross germany on one tank (fill up just before germany)... although, as you noted yourself, that may be hard to achieve, because i will just HAVE to see what it can do on one of those unrestricted sections of their autobahns!
regarding my route, still trying to figure out what the best thing to do is... viamichelin website suggests not the most straightforward route, but one which takes me mostly on motorways, thus being the shortest in terms of time, but not miles. a shorter route distance-wise, would take much longer, as it doesn't favour motorways as much, but would probably be more scenic. also, have to figure out where to stop for a break in the evening and sleep over... some nice spot somewhere roughly in the middle of the trip, or a bit past the middle...
I would recomend the route via Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany. As there are no road tolls.
Going hundrets of miles on French and Italien Motorways is very costly.
Belgium motorways are restricted to 75 mph and you would do good in keeping to the limit there.
Coming via Luxembourg the German motorways are not that restrictet, depending a bit what route you choose. You really win distance here.
Especially for good progress on German motorways choose Saturdays and Sundays, as then is lorry traffic restricted. Best is Sunday morning or Saturday night.
There are some stupid speed restrictions to suddenly 50 or 65mph, you usually can already see the ending sign of it ahead, do not! ignore these.
For Austria is a 80mph speedlimit, doing sensibly 90-95 woud be no problem. Keep an eye on suspicious unmarked cars or parked on the side or behind bridge pylons. Take care on buildingsites, there are always gatsos. For Austria you need a toll sticker, you can choose of some for a few days or a few weeks or months. So not that expensive. You will get them at the border and already on fillingstations before the border.
The motorways in Slovenia and Croatia are asking for toll as well, costs are similar of France and Italy.
There are many nice places on the way over.
If you need help in choosing one or in need of more advise you are very welcome.
Best luck,
Griffithy
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