BMW 335i to XK 4.2/5.0
Discussion
I have owned a BMW 335i Msport-A for about 18 months and now have the itch to change. The 335i has been a great car and proving quite difficult for me to find a replacement - performance v reliability v runnng costs. Having looked at many cars over the past month I keep coming back to the XK (post 2007 shape) love the looks / sound / refinement......
I have looked at a few XK's 2008/2009 4.2 and 5.0 models, I wanted to get your views on running one of these. (reliability / running costs / mpg (I do 180 miles a week 90% motorway)
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
I have looked at a few XK's 2008/2009 4.2 and 5.0 models, I wanted to get your views on running one of these. (reliability / running costs / mpg (I do 180 miles a week 90% motorway)
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Hi,
Made the exact same swap 18 months ago (335i to 4.2 XKR)
Performance wise, not much in it to be fair unless you are regularly into 3 figures.
Economy wise, again, not much in it. I would say that the Jaguar is more sensitive to hooligan driving, hitting low 10's when you cane it :/
Tech on board in the Jag feels a little more dated that the BMW, but the sat-nav at least accepts full UK postcode !! The gearbox in the Jag is very similar to the BMW (assuming you had an auto), but I think the software and ratio's on the BMW suit the UK motorways better. There was always that great 80-100 sprint on kickdown in the BMW, which doesn't seem quite as sharp in the Jag.
The one thing I have noticed is that the Jag breaks traction much easier than the BMW, and I always thought the BMW was not the best. Wheel spin at 80 on a wet motorway anyone
However, the Jag get complimentary looks and compliments wherever you go, where as the BMW could always get mistaken for a 320. The Jag rides much much better than the BMW, even on 20's. It is a real mile muncher.
Other than the looks, the best part without doubt is the noise!! It was that V8 rumble which sold it to me.
Happy with the swap?? I would be completely honest and say I was expecting a little more pace, but the 335i is a stunning performer! Really miss that Q car, and there was very little that could combine the pace and practicality in such an understated package. But when the Jag is cleaned and standing on the driveway .... best thing I have done in quite a while
Made the exact same swap 18 months ago (335i to 4.2 XKR)
Performance wise, not much in it to be fair unless you are regularly into 3 figures.
Economy wise, again, not much in it. I would say that the Jaguar is more sensitive to hooligan driving, hitting low 10's when you cane it :/
Tech on board in the Jag feels a little more dated that the BMW, but the sat-nav at least accepts full UK postcode !! The gearbox in the Jag is very similar to the BMW (assuming you had an auto), but I think the software and ratio's on the BMW suit the UK motorways better. There was always that great 80-100 sprint on kickdown in the BMW, which doesn't seem quite as sharp in the Jag.
The one thing I have noticed is that the Jag breaks traction much easier than the BMW, and I always thought the BMW was not the best. Wheel spin at 80 on a wet motorway anyone
However, the Jag get complimentary looks and compliments wherever you go, where as the BMW could always get mistaken for a 320. The Jag rides much much better than the BMW, even on 20's. It is a real mile muncher.
Other than the looks, the best part without doubt is the noise!! It was that V8 rumble which sold it to me.
Happy with the swap?? I would be completely honest and say I was expecting a little more pace, but the 335i is a stunning performer! Really miss that Q car, and there was very little that could combine the pace and practicality in such an understated package. But when the Jag is cleaned and standing on the driveway .... best thing I have done in quite a while
Thanks for the feedback. I put down a deposit on a 58 reg XKR over the weekend and collect it Saturday. I looked at several XKs both the 4.2 and 5.0 but even though on paper they are as quick as the 335 they lacked that 'punch' which the 335 and XKR has. I know what you mean about the 335 being a Q car and I will be sorry to see it go but love the looks of the Jag. What also surprised me is the XKR was cheaper to insure.
Searching around various jag forums I have struggled to find and 'negative reliability' trends for the Jag unlike the BMW (which i did not experience any of)
So last question is are the Post 06 XK's XKR's reliable ?
Searching around various jag forums I have struggled to find and 'negative reliability' trends for the Jag unlike the BMW (which i did not experience any of)
So last question is are the Post 06 XK's XKR's reliable ?
Great choice, I am sure you won't be disappointed. As you said, the Q car is nice at time, but walking back to the XKR is a car park in the sunshine never gets old
I do feel you would have missed the go of the 335 if you had gone for the N/A version, and the XKR is the full on, daddies version
What colour combo have you gone for?
As for reliability, mine has done 60k now, and in 2 years I have had the washer jets for the headlights replaced and the AC condenser both replaced. Not too bad I think, as mine is an 08 car. Both were replaced under warranty, which costs me around £900 per year (so far, I am about evens this years with 6 months to run).
Other than that I have not heard of any major issues.
With regards to insurance, I think you have picked the perfect time to move on the BMW. I reckon that the policies on them are going to go through the roof with all of this key cloning issues that they are having at present!
I do feel you would have missed the go of the 335 if you had gone for the N/A version, and the XKR is the full on, daddies version
What colour combo have you gone for?As for reliability, mine has done 60k now, and in 2 years I have had the washer jets for the headlights replaced and the AC condenser both replaced. Not too bad I think, as mine is an 08 car. Both were replaced under warranty, which costs me around £900 per year (so far, I am about evens this years with 6 months to run).
Other than that I have not heard of any major issues.
With regards to insurance, I think you have picked the perfect time to move on the BMW. I reckon that the policies on them are going to go through the roof with all of this key cloning issues that they are having at present!
EuroBHP said:
Thanks for the feedback. I put down a deposit on a 58 reg XKR over the weekend and collect it Saturday. I looked at several XKs both the 4.2 and 5.0 but even though on paper they are as quick as the 335 they lacked that 'punch' which the 335 and XKR has. I know what you mean about the 335 being a Q car and I will be sorry to see it go but love the looks of the Jag. What also surprised me is the XKR was cheaper to insure.
Searching around various jag forums I have struggled to find and 'negative reliability' trends for the Jag unlike the BMW (which i did not experience any of)
So last question is are the Post 06 XK's XKR's reliable ?
You lucky boy. Hope you enjoy Jaguar ownership.Searching around various jag forums I have struggled to find and 'negative reliability' trends for the Jag unlike the BMW (which i did not experience any of)
So last question is are the Post 06 XK's XKR's reliable ?
In terms of reliability, modern petrol-engined Jags are very good, the AJ-V8s being particularly well engineered. The wife's 4.2 has went from 10k to 50k miles under our ownership with no issues whatsoever.
Away from the engines, it's worth changing the gearbox oil if you intend to run the car for a few years, 'sealed for life' is utter rubbish.
Some minor electrical problems can manifest themselves, we had the rear park sensor main unit pack up, and a heater control module. Both done under warranty no problems.
Anyway, enjoy
Congratulations on your purchase. I swapped from an Aston V8 Vantage to my 2007 XKR Convertible not long ago and the attention it gets in car parks rivals if not surpasses the Aston.
It's my 3rd XKR and (touch wood) they have all proved to be very reliable with only normal wear and tear items needing replacing. They do get quite hot though and as such it's a good idea to have it serviced regularly with a main dealer or a good independent specialist, frequently changing the oil.
Performance compared with a 335i is similar but as mentioned above they do have a tendency to step out or light up the tyres even at speeds where you really wouldn't expect it. I own a vehicle tuning company so I've uploaded my own remap which gives a healthy chunk of extra low down torque and delivers a much linear power delivery which slightly eases the wheel spin, it's also improved fuel economy by around 15%.
The 335i is an amazing car but I'm quite confident you'll be happy with your new toy........enjoy that V8 rumple and supercharger whine
C
It's my 3rd XKR and (touch wood) they have all proved to be very reliable with only normal wear and tear items needing replacing. They do get quite hot though and as such it's a good idea to have it serviced regularly with a main dealer or a good independent specialist, frequently changing the oil.
Performance compared with a 335i is similar but as mentioned above they do have a tendency to step out or light up the tyres even at speeds where you really wouldn't expect it. I own a vehicle tuning company so I've uploaded my own remap which gives a healthy chunk of extra low down torque and delivers a much linear power delivery which slightly eases the wheel spin, it's also improved fuel economy by around 15%.
The 335i is an amazing car but I'm quite confident you'll be happy with your new toy........enjoy that V8 rumple and supercharger whine
C
Hi
Thanks all for your positive comments, it gives me a warm feeling about Jaguar ownership and the feeling i have made the correct choice with the XKR. Looking forward to collecting it saturday morning (not looking forward to paying the balance ;-)
'Fast Jonnie' asked which colour combo I went for - Its Liquid Silver ( i believe its called) with Black leather and a silver carbon fibre looking trim.
I am purchasing it from a Jaguar main agent so I have 12 months warranty. Hopefully enough time for me to get any faults rectified.
I will let you know how i get on after my first week of ownership.
Thanks.....
Thanks all for your positive comments, it gives me a warm feeling about Jaguar ownership and the feeling i have made the correct choice with the XKR. Looking forward to collecting it saturday morning (not looking forward to paying the balance ;-)
'Fast Jonnie' asked which colour combo I went for - Its Liquid Silver ( i believe its called) with Black leather and a silver carbon fibre looking trim.
I am purchasing it from a Jaguar main agent so I have 12 months warranty. Hopefully enough time for me to get any faults rectified.
I will let you know how i get on after my first week of ownership.
Thanks.....
Hi All
My first 24hours of Jag XKR ownership.....
I love this car....In many ways the power and the way its delivered is quite similar to the 335i but the XKR has a real wow factor. Never had a car before that turns heads and attracts so much attention ( just hope it does not attract the wrong sort of attention ;-) and being the first V8 i have owned the engine and exhaust note is gorgeous.
On the journey back from the dealer (driving easily - motorway) it averaged 33.2 over 50 miles and after getting used to he car this averaged out at 28mpg, which i think is exceptional and no worse than the 335i, i was expecting 20mpg or less... and an added bonus both my young daughters fit in the back...
So summary after 24hours. I believe this is the start of a great relationship.
My first 24hours of Jag XKR ownership.....
I love this car....In many ways the power and the way its delivered is quite similar to the 335i but the XKR has a real wow factor. Never had a car before that turns heads and attracts so much attention ( just hope it does not attract the wrong sort of attention ;-) and being the first V8 i have owned the engine and exhaust note is gorgeous.
On the journey back from the dealer (driving easily - motorway) it averaged 33.2 over 50 miles and after getting used to he car this averaged out at 28mpg, which i think is exceptional and no worse than the 335i, i was expecting 20mpg or less... and an added bonus both my young daughters fit in the back...
So summary after 24hours. I believe this is the start of a great relationship.
Edited by EuroBHP on Monday 30th July 06:48
EuroBHP said:
Hi All
My first 24hours of Jag XKR ownership.....
I love this car....In many ways the power and the way its delivered is quite similar to the 335i but the XKR has a real wow factor. Never had a car before that turns heads and attracts so much attention ( just hope it does not attract the wrong sort of attention ;-) and being the first V8 i have owned the engine and exhaust note is gorgeous.
On the journey back from the dealer (driving easily - motorway) it averaged 33.2 over 50 miles and after getting used to he car this averaged out at 28mpg, which i think is exceptional and no worse than the 335i, i was expecting 20mpg or less... and an added bonus both my young daughters fit in the back...
So summary after 24hours. I believe this is the start of a great relationship.
Pics pleaseMy first 24hours of Jag XKR ownership.....
I love this car....In many ways the power and the way its delivered is quite similar to the 335i but the XKR has a real wow factor. Never had a car before that turns heads and attracts so much attention ( just hope it does not attract the wrong sort of attention ;-) and being the first V8 i have owned the engine and exhaust note is gorgeous.
On the journey back from the dealer (driving easily - motorway) it averaged 33.2 over 50 miles and after getting used to he car this averaged out at 28mpg, which i think is exceptional and no worse than the 335i, i was expecting 20mpg or less... and an added bonus both my young daughters fit in the back...
So summary after 24hours. I believe this is the start of a great relationship.
Edited by EuroBHP on Monday 30th July 06:48
Maybe a bit of a tangent here but I had considered a 335i back in 2008 when it came time to finally sell my 1995 Corvette. My previous BMW experience was when I owned a 1986 325es for 9 years. That pretty much cured me from wanting to consider another BMW (endless problems, high maintenance, etc.) Still, when the 335 came out I was intrigued enough to test drive and it felt like a pretty nice car. Luckily, based on my first BMW experience I was smart enough to check out a few BMW forums. What I found was countless significant problems with the 335 including overheating (due to lack of an oil cooler), transmission problems, and fuel pump problems.
I ended up with a 2005 XKR which was less costly than a new BMW 335 by a large margin. After 4 years of ownership the Jaguar still brings a smile to my face every time I drive or look at it. I have had a few problems, mostly to do with the convertible top which was a chronic issue with the first generation cars but, otherwise, has been pretty reliable.
Doug
Los Angeles, CA
I ended up with a 2005 XKR which was less costly than a new BMW 335 by a large margin. After 4 years of ownership the Jaguar still brings a smile to my face every time I drive or look at it. I have had a few problems, mostly to do with the convertible top which was a chronic issue with the first generation cars but, otherwise, has been pretty reliable.
Doug
Los Angeles, CA
EuroBHP said:
Hi All
My first 24hours of Jag XKR ownership.....
I love this car....In many ways the power and the way its delivered is quite similar to the 335i but the XKR has a real wow factor. Never had a car before that turns heads and attracts so much attention ( just hope it does not attract the wrong sort of attention ;-) and being the first V8 i have owned the engine and exhaust note is gorgeous.
On the journey back from the dealer (driving easily - motorway) it averaged 33.2 over 50 miles and after getting used to he car this averaged out at 28mpg, which i think is exceptional and no worse than the 335i, i was expecting 20mpg or less... and an added bonus both my young daughters fit in the back...
So summary after 24hours. I believe this is the start of a great relationship.
Congratulations on your car, great mpg figures! Best I've ever had is 25 although pulling the exhaust fuse probably doesn't help! ask your local Jaguar dealer for a Jaguar allegiance card, gives you 20% off parts and labour come service time plus cheap MOT invites to launches etc etc.My first 24hours of Jag XKR ownership.....
I love this car....In many ways the power and the way its delivered is quite similar to the 335i but the XKR has a real wow factor. Never had a car before that turns heads and attracts so much attention ( just hope it does not attract the wrong sort of attention ;-) and being the first V8 i have owned the engine and exhaust note is gorgeous.
On the journey back from the dealer (driving easily - motorway) it averaged 33.2 over 50 miles and after getting used to he car this averaged out at 28mpg, which i think is exceptional and no worse than the 335i, i was expecting 20mpg or less... and an added bonus both my young daughters fit in the back...
So summary after 24hours. I believe this is the start of a great relationship.
Edited by EuroBHP on Monday 30th July 06:48
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