My XK8 frankly, a bit scary
Discussion
Emubiker said:
Hi folks, dont mean to highjack the thread, but Im interested in possibly buying an early XK8 in the near future and since most of you seem to have experiance with them,
I was wondering what the general service costs are for them. Thanks in advance
A good starting point would be to join the XK8/R Owners Club www.xkec.co.ukI was wondering what the general service costs are for them. Thanks in advance
A mountain of advice in their Members Forum
Try and find a good Independant Jaguar specialist in your area to keep service costs down, although I think there are thin on the ground in your area
OK, I have the oldest of XK8's an early 96, in fact one of the first 50 off the production line in 96 n Antigua blue (launch colour).
I replaced all of my springs and shocks with 2002 ones (lower) and also fitted poly bushes all around, so my suspension is significantly harder than the norm.
I have regular two wheel alignment adjustment and every couple of years a full 4 wheel, that said the rears have never needed adjustment.
As to tyre type appreciate that since the XK was born they have had 4 separate tyre manufacturers, here in the UK as long as the same type/load/size are fitted no one (inc an insurer in the event of an accident) will raise an eyebrow.
For me the good tyres have been:
Summer:
Michelin Pilot Super sport
Goodyear GSD3's
Nokian Zline
Winter
Conti T810S
All of the above have lasted in excess of 25k miles
The bad
Pirelli Pzero
Avon ZZ3
These were either too noisy less responsive or wore out too quickly.
For my next set of Summer rubber I shall be fitting Michelin Pilot Sport 4 all around, I've had these fitted to my Audi (A6 quattro) and they without a doubt the best tyre I have ever used.
Pressures are run at 36 front and 34 rear for summer and 39/37 for winter
I replaced all of my springs and shocks with 2002 ones (lower) and also fitted poly bushes all around, so my suspension is significantly harder than the norm.
I have regular two wheel alignment adjustment and every couple of years a full 4 wheel, that said the rears have never needed adjustment.
As to tyre type appreciate that since the XK was born they have had 4 separate tyre manufacturers, here in the UK as long as the same type/load/size are fitted no one (inc an insurer in the event of an accident) will raise an eyebrow.
For me the good tyres have been:
Summer:
Michelin Pilot Super sport
Goodyear GSD3's
Nokian Zline
Winter
Conti T810S
All of the above have lasted in excess of 25k miles
The bad
Pirelli Pzero
Avon ZZ3
These were either too noisy less responsive or wore out too quickly.
For my next set of Summer rubber I shall be fitting Michelin Pilot Sport 4 all around, I've had these fitted to my Audi (A6 quattro) and they without a doubt the best tyre I have ever used.
Pressures are run at 36 front and 34 rear for summer and 39/37 for winter
wack said:
Edited by wack on Thursday 20th May 20:40
You're scaring me now that sounds expensive, is it something that would be obvious by looking or is it take it apart and see.
Edited by wack on Thursday 20th May 20:42
I'm not sure if the XK8 has CATS suspension. The XKR does and my XJR was fitted with CATS and for a big car, it handled beautifully. Not 'scary' at all. As with previous comments, getting the suspension checked and aligned might be a wise move.
CharlieAlphaMike said:
wack said:
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 20th May 20:40
You're scaring me now that sounds expensive, is it something that would be obvious by looking or is it take it apart and see.
Edited by anonymous-user on Thursday 20th May 20:42
I should think he knows that now, assuming he still has the car 6 years on....
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