X350 XJ6 - Information Please

[Lewis's Friend]

Hi All

Having recently researched an X-type for my brother, I'm now in the market for an X350 XJ6 myself.

I have done some cursory research, and it seems the main things to watch are paint/corrosion issues and suspension.

I have read about suspension compressors failing and the like? However, I'm not clear if this is on all of these cars, or only high spec ones? Are lesser models normally sprung?

Is there any other things to be aware of with these cars, or are they generally pretty reliable? I previously had an x308, and the list of buyer beware things was quite lengthy!

All feedback is appreciated...

[Tame Technician]

I personally prefer the S type to the X350, very similar to drive. I never liked the air springs, yes they are fitted to all cars even low spec xj6's

But the XJ is lighter due to the aluninium construction and this means the XJ is slighty faster and slightly better on fuel with the same engines and box's fitted.

If you are looking at Diesel you get double glasses acoustic glass, makes for an even quiter ride very nice.

Electrical (usuall corroided wiring) and ocasional auto gearbox failures are the only real nastys of jags if this age.

If you got diesel you need a cam belt at 100,000 or ten years, Jaguar dealers are doing them so cheap now (special price) its mental not to get them to do it.


I strongly advise change the gearbox oil and filter before 80,000 to 100,000 miles and should prolong its life significantly. Make sure its the correct ZF life guard 6 or the official Jaguar oil that is used.


As you say corrosion causing bubbles under the paint is the bigest concern when looking over the cars.


I have all the wiring diagrams and some workshop manual type info, so if you need anything like that just shout.

[Lewis's Friend]

Thanks for the reply.

I probably should have said, I would be looking at a petrol car. I had a diesel Mondeo for 2 years, and the experience has put me off them for life!

I understand the gearboxes are sealed for life. Is a fluid change an easy home job, or is it something an indie would do?

Regarding the air suspension, is it just the pump that is a weak spot, or is it the whole suspension setup?

[Lewis's Friend]

Tame Technician said:

I have all the wiring diagrams and some workshop manual type info, so if you need anything like that just shout.

Also, this would be much appreciated if you didn't mind.

[Tame Technician]

The air springs are basically just rubber bags on the top of the struts, so like all weathered rubber they can perish crack and leak. If they leak they need replacing, and last time I checked they came integral with the shock so not cheap like £500 a corner. But that said failure is not that common but pump / compressor failure is, plenty of info and repair kits available depending on how is has failed.

http://britishparts.co.uk/products/5967-air-spring...


ZF oil change is totally doable at home, oil filter is built into sump and bolts dont always want to come out.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-ZF-OEM-6HP26-Auto...

google should find a number of guides is pretty straight forward.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brx6aIMOMG4



NOt sure how to send the manuals etc, large PDF's PM me an email address and I'll try

[Lewis's Friend]

Tame Technician said:

The air springs are basically just rubber bags on the top of the struts, so like all weathered rubber they can perish crack and leak. If they leak they need replacing, and last time I checked they came integral with the shock so not cheap like £500 a corner. But that said failure is not that common but pump / compressor failure is, plenty of info and repair kits available depending on how is has failed.

http://britishparts.co.uk/products/5967-air-spring...


ZF oil change is totally doable at home, oil filter is built into sump and bolts dont always want to come out.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-ZF-OEM-6HP26-Auto...

google should find a number of guides is pretty straight forward.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brx6aIMOMG4



NOt sure how to send the manuals etc, large PDF's PM me an email address and I'll try

Again, thanks for all the info. I can't PM you at the moment - it says it is not permitted. Would you be able to PM me, and we can go from there?

Cheers

[alecescolme]

A fun car to drive for its size, the 3.0 engine gets it moving easy enough.
See my garage page for costs for mine.

[mr_spock]

I have a 2003 XJ6. It's lovely. Smooth, quiet and pretty economical. I'll need a new compressor or repair soon - my local specialist reckons £250 to do it, which is probably using an identical compressor originally labelled for another car (lots use them). Some report an odd problem of surging slightly when cold and under part load, like going up a shallow hill. Apparently this can be the gearbox software, torque converter or something. But great to drive, and I don't even mind traffic now.