XJR running costs

[stevep944]

I've been quoted £1100 today to replace all tensioners, together with new chains and water pump...looks about right then.
Still a hefty bill but not compared to a new engine.

[Jaguar steve]

Jaguar steve said:

CHJ said:

NormanD said:

groomi said:

Yep, can tally up with all those figures except the timing chain tensioners which are typically between £800 - £1000 to get replaced by a specialist. CHJ - where on earth did you get such a good price?

Looks like only 2 secondary timing chain tensioners (fitted) £275 inc VAT

Not the full set and chains.

I wish it was the full set

Yes, secondary tensioners only - done at Dorset Jaguar Centre ... www.dorsetjagcentre.co.uk

Had excellent service from there.

You've had an expert look at the primary chains and the rest of the guides and tensioners when he changed the secondary tensioners. You can bet he had a bloody good look too - it's his balls on the line if there was a problem or any concerns about the condition of the remaining timing components which he either didn't spot or ignored. If he had found anything amis he'd have beeen able to show you there's evidence to justify changing the whole lot and make a lot more profit on the job.

I'd not worry about not having the whole set done. Clean oil is a engine's best friend, and frequent changes will help preserve the chains and rest of timing gear in good condition. Get out there and drive it

Edited by Jaguar steve on Tuesday 9th September 09:01

[NST]

Jaguar steve said:

And, while you've got your wallet out have a chat with the garage about a oil change for the gearbox and 'diff. If you're keeping the car for a long time money spent on oil is worth every penny.

Steve,

How much would the gearbox and diff oil change cost??
local jaguar dealer says no need to change gearbox\diff\supercharger oil at all.

maybe getting the work done at an indie would be better for such servicing?

cheers
NST

[Jaguar steve]

NST said:

Jaguar steve said:

And, while you've got your wallet out have a chat with the garage about a oil change for the gearbox and 'diff. If you're keeping the car for a long time money spent on oil is worth every penny.

Steve,

How much would the gearbox and diff oil change cost??
local jaguar dealer says no need to change gearbox\diff\supercharger oil at all.

maybe getting the work done at an indie would be better for such servicing?

cheers
NST

Jaguar dealers all maintain there is no need for gearbox and 'diff oil changes. Jaguar reduced the service requirements and introduced the concept of "sealed for life" as a sales tactic to make the percieved cost of ownership as low as possible when the cars were new to keep company accountants happy. A real triumph of marketing over engineering IMO. They also get to sell a lot of replacement 'diffs and gearboxes too...

The 'diff has no drain plug and on the sport and XJR models the rear anti roll bar has to be removed to access the oil filler plug. The old oil has to sucked out of the 'diff through the filler hole using an oil extract pump. Then refilled with fresh oil in the usual way. Capacity is 1.9l. I'd use a GL5 fully synthetic. A Indy should charge no more than a hour's labour.

Same procedure for the supercharger. Suck out and refill. Easy access.

The XJ8 and XJR have different gearboxes. The procedure for draining and changing the intregal filter is the same on both but the refill technique is a bit more complicated. The XJR has a tube which a dipstick can be fitted to, but the XJ8 has to be quickly filled from cold whilst monitoring the gearbox temp on diagnostics. Ideally it should then be allowed to cool right down and the fill procedure repeated.

The XJ8 Must have Esso LT 71141 transmission oil. Nothing else will do, and this stuff is expensive at £23 litre from a Jaguar dealer. You can Google for suppliers - I paid £67 for 20 ltr.
An indy should charge no more than 2 hours for the XJR and perhaps 3 for the XJ8 if he does a road test too.

My own gueses on workshop time 'tho, best ring round and get some prices.

[Capri]

I don't know if it's any help here, but I thought I'd add to the discussion by saying that I've just bought my first Jaguar, an X300 XJR. I'm smitten; I absolutely love it. I went for the X300 because I am on something of a budget and I didn't want the nikasil/tensioner/gearbox fluid issues that the V8 has.

As to price, values are tumbling at the moment so I wouldn't pay more than £4,000, and that would be for a really really mint example with low mileage. I just paid £3,000 for mine and it's in excellent condition with 83k on the clock, full Jaguar service history, owned by the dealer principal of a Jaguar main dealer for the last 5 years and dry stored for the last two. Sure, it's not perfect - there are a couple of minor chips and scratches - but it's a 13-year-old car. Mine's this one, bought from Pistonheads classifieds, and finished in Sapphire Blue with Ivory leather:





I put the pics up simply to emphasise what outstanding value these cars are nowadays. Let me say again: the above car cost me £3,000. Don't pay over the odds, because it's only you, me, and a few other mad sods who are looking for them these days!

Edited by Capri on Wednesday 10th September 20:26

[NST]

Jaguar steve said:

Jaguar dealers all maintain there is no need for gearbox and 'diff oil changes. Jaguar reduced the service requirements and introduced the concept of "sealed for life" as a sales tactic to make the percieved cost of ownership as low as possible when the cars were new to keep company accountants happy. A real triumph of marketing over engineering IMO. They also get to sell a lot of replacement 'diffs and gearboxes too...

The 'diff has no drain plug and on the sport and XJR models the rear anti roll bar has to be removed to access the oil filler plug. The old oil has to sucked out of the 'diff through the filler hole using an oil extract pump. Then refilled with fresh oil in the usual way. Capacity is 1.9l. I'd use a GL5 fully synthetic. A Indy should charge no more than a hour's labour.

Same procedure for the supercharger. Suck out and refill. Easy access.

The XJ8 and XJR have different gearboxes. The procedure for draining and changing the intregal filter is the same on both but the refill technique is a bit more complicated. The XJR has a tube which a dipstick can be fitted to, but the XJ8 has to be quickly filled from cold whilst monitoring the gearbox temp on diagnostics. Ideally it should then be allowed to cool right down and the fill procedure repeated.

The XJ8 Must have Esso LT 71141 transmission oil. Nothing else will do, and this stuff is expensive at £23 litre from a Jaguar dealer. You can Google for suppliers - I paid £67 for 20 ltr.
An indy should charge no more than 2 hours for the XJR and perhaps 3 for the XJ8 if he does a road test too.

My own gueses on workshop time 'tho, best ring round and get some prices.

Thanks Steve exactly wanted i wanted to know!

Capri, the car looks lovely! all 3K as well blimey a very nice barge bargin!