Anyone ever owned a early 90's XJS or late 80's 560SL?

[PaulFontaine]

I am curious as to what your experiences with the cars were and how you liked them?

[300bhp/ton]

PaulFontaine said:

I am curious as to what your experiences with the cars were and how you liked them?

I had an 82 XJ-S but seeing as the XJS hardly changed in its 21 year production run I don't think it was fundamentally all that different.

V12's are silky smooth, smoothest motor I've ever experienced and that includes riding in some Bentleys, twin turbo V8 ones and the W12 variant.

Sumptuous is a good word to describe the XJS. More high speed cruiser than sports car but still a good handling motor IMO.

Auto box does dampen performance sadly and the only manual V12's are conversions (but worth considering).

The latter (circa 1993) 6.0 V12 is highly powerful and rapid and uses a much more lively 4 speed electronically controlled auto.

6 cylinder motors are nice. Smooth compared to most cars such as a Cologne V6 or a Senator. But not as smooth as the V12.

5 speed manuals are available. Heavy clutch and chunky gearchange but I quite like the feel. They certainly feel more lively than a 5.3 V12 even if not quite as quick. Auto's performance is slightly blunted by comparison. Not slow, 0-60mph in 8'ish sec and 140mph+ top speed. But not fast by todays standards either.

The earlier 3.6 and the first AJ6 4.0 litre are very identical, 223hp vs 225hp. Although the 4.0 is slightly smoother and more mid range torque. I sort of prefer the more racey nature of the 3.6

Latter AJ16 4.0 litres make 241hp. Still essentially the same engine with a few tweaks.

Not been in the Merc, but a friend had an SL500 (1990 model). It had a claimed 320hp. It revved quicker than my V12 did and sort of felt more frantic, although I don't think it actually seemed to gain speed any better. Certainly wasn't a huge performance difference at any rate. Ride was choppy by comparison, interior looked cheap and nasty compared to the Jags and it handled no better. Worse steering feel in fact. It did feel smaller and less substantial than the Jag though, probably due to how low slung the XJ-S was and how long the bonnet was.

In isolation the Merc was good, but I felt the Jag was a far superior place to be and to drive. That said I'd like a drive of a 560SEC.

[bozmandb9]

PaulFontaine said:

I am curious as to what your experiences with the cars were and how you liked them?

I had an XJS, can't remember if it was late 80's or early 90's, but as post above said, little difference (pre-facelift anyway).

One thing was that it was a sidrat (reverse tardis), not a lot of room inside, not necessarily a bad thing, let's call it cosy, depends on how spacious you like your cars.

The V12 is sublimely smooth, but not fast especially in auto form, particularly by todays standards, but for a waft-mobile it's great. If you're looking for a rag top, let's just say the Jag is not altogether immune from the possibility of skuttle shake!

Overall, I can't imagine making a reasoned purchase of an XJS and being disappointed, there are some nicely cherished examples out there going for buttons, and great specialists to help keep them fettled. So long as you buy one for the right reasons, (sublime V12, smooth ride, cosseting, wafting) you'll be happy. Sorry can't comment on the SL having never had one!

[PaulFontaine]

bozmandb9 said:

I had an XJS, can't remember if it was late 80's or early 90's, but as post above said, little difference (pre-facelift anyway).

One thing was that it was a sidrat (reverse tardis), not a lot of room inside, not necessarily a bad thing, let's call it cosy, depends on how spacious you like your cars.

The V12 is sublimely smooth, but not fast especially in auto form, particularly by todays standards, but for a waft-mobile it's great. If you're looking for a rag top, let's just say the Jag is not altogether immune from the possibility of skuttle shake!

Overall, I can't imagine making a reasoned purchase of an XJS and being disappointed, there are some nicely cherished examples out there going for buttons, and great specialists to help keep them fettled. So long as you buy one for the right reasons, (sublime V12, smooth ride, cosseting, wafting) you'll be happy. Sorry can't comment on the SL having never had one!

Thanks for your feedback most likely i will have to wrap the fact that should one purchase a XJS they should be prepared to put some money and patience into it but i think they are still lovely cars

[randomwalk]

Back in the day my Dad had a 83 XJS and 88 XJS. As the others have said very smooth V12, not fast by todays standards but was faster than it felt. I still use it as a benchmark for a long distance trip, so effortless and quiet, it felt so heavy and planted on the road, the interior was a very nice place to be...writing about it here I almost feel like going out and getting myself one too!

[bozmandb9]

PaulFontaine said:

Thanks for your feedback most likely i will have to wrap the fact that should one purchase a XJS they should be prepared to put some money and patience into it but i think they are still lovely cars

True, though when I had mine it took surprisingly little to keep it on the road. Parts are cheap,(comparatively) and labour from a good specialist very reasonable!

[PaulFontaine]

bozmandb9 said:

True, though when I had mine it took surprisingly little to keep it on the road. Parts are cheap,(comparatively) and labour from a good specialist very reasonable!

The spark is starting...

[PaulFontaine]

Not a lot of ex 560sl (or 500sl) owners out there hmm.