Discussion
Woo-hoo! 
This was just too good an opportunity to pass up. 52-plate, 19000 miles!
I'm utterly delighted with the car. I never had any complaints with my old XJR, on the contrary, I though it was excellent in every sense (except fuel economy), but this is even better! The ride and the handling are just sublime. Taut, but that quality, tight, damped feeling, but not too mushy and vague. Other little things too. It's quieter inside, you don't hear the supercharger whine at very low revs like in the XJR (I like the sound, but only when pressing on, it was a bit irritating hearing it all the time). All the windows are one-touch open/close. Dual climate. The most unexpected and welcome difference is a significant improvement in fuel economy (no doubt thanks to that 6-speed gearbox). On the motorway, I'm getting 29-31mpg without trying especially hard to drive economically. With the XJR, I never saw over 23-24mpg.
Some things I miss from the old XJR. I loved the analogue clock, this has been replaced by a boring digital one. The dash in the XJR was nicer, I liked the always-lit message screen, this one only lights with the headlights, and it looks a bit non-descript. And of course, I prefered the sleek looks of the XJR, although the S-Type R and its... umm, "chunkiness", is growing on me!
Anyway, I was wondering if someone could advise me on something.
I can't get the entry/exit feature to work. I remember it being a pain in the backside in the XJR to get working too, but I managed in the end. In the S-Type R I just can't get it to work, including after disconnecting and reconnecting the battery (yes, I've then re-calibrated the parking brake and the windows anti-trap feature). The manual simply says by setting it to AUTO, on removal of the key from the ignition, the seat will slide backwards, and the steering wheel will retract fully (and then vice versa when the key's put back in the ignition). This doesn't happen, no matter how much I fiddled. All the controls (steering wheel, seats, mirror and pedals) themselves work fine. Has anyone figured out a sure-fire way to get this to work?
Also, is there any way to set the mirrors (they're powerfold) to fold/unfold automatically on locking/arming and disarming the system?
Has anyone had adaptive cruise control module and/or voice-control module and/or rain-sensitive wipers feature retro-fitted to their cars? Are the costs reasonable?
These are, as you can tell, trivial little things I'm asking about, which means I can't find anything major wrong with the car (as I did with the XJR when I first bought it - that looooong old post), which is absolutely fantastic, and I hope it stays that way for a long time to come!
P.S. Hello James.
This was just too good an opportunity to pass up. 52-plate, 19000 miles!
I'm utterly delighted with the car. I never had any complaints with my old XJR, on the contrary, I though it was excellent in every sense (except fuel economy), but this is even better! The ride and the handling are just sublime. Taut, but that quality, tight, damped feeling, but not too mushy and vague. Other little things too. It's quieter inside, you don't hear the supercharger whine at very low revs like in the XJR (I like the sound, but only when pressing on, it was a bit irritating hearing it all the time). All the windows are one-touch open/close. Dual climate. The most unexpected and welcome difference is a significant improvement in fuel economy (no doubt thanks to that 6-speed gearbox). On the motorway, I'm getting 29-31mpg without trying especially hard to drive economically. With the XJR, I never saw over 23-24mpg.
Some things I miss from the old XJR. I loved the analogue clock, this has been replaced by a boring digital one. The dash in the XJR was nicer, I liked the always-lit message screen, this one only lights with the headlights, and it looks a bit non-descript. And of course, I prefered the sleek looks of the XJR, although the S-Type R and its... umm, "chunkiness", is growing on me!
Anyway, I was wondering if someone could advise me on something.
I can't get the entry/exit feature to work. I remember it being a pain in the backside in the XJR to get working too, but I managed in the end. In the S-Type R I just can't get it to work, including after disconnecting and reconnecting the battery (yes, I've then re-calibrated the parking brake and the windows anti-trap feature). The manual simply says by setting it to AUTO, on removal of the key from the ignition, the seat will slide backwards, and the steering wheel will retract fully (and then vice versa when the key's put back in the ignition). This doesn't happen, no matter how much I fiddled. All the controls (steering wheel, seats, mirror and pedals) themselves work fine. Has anyone figured out a sure-fire way to get this to work?
Also, is there any way to set the mirrors (they're powerfold) to fold/unfold automatically on locking/arming and disarming the system?
Has anyone had adaptive cruise control module and/or voice-control module and/or rain-sensitive wipers feature retro-fitted to their cars? Are the costs reasonable?
These are, as you can tell, trivial little things I'm asking about, which means I can't find anything major wrong with the car (as I did with the XJR when I first bought it - that looooong old post), which is absolutely fantastic, and I hope it stays that way for a long time to come!
P.S. Hello James.
Edited by vladman on Monday 28th April 19:34
Best colour IMHO. Well done. Private or dealer? 
On the adjustment stalk on the steering column you should rotate it to activate the auto steering wheel movement for exit/entry? Thats how you dfo it on most other jags.
The retro fit of those other options I would say is a no go. Factory fit.
Get a Racing Green exhaust put on the back. (Just the rear boxes, quad tail pipes) and then it sounds nuts!
G
On the adjustment stalk on the steering column you should rotate it to activate the auto steering wheel movement for exit/entry? Thats how you dfo it on most other jags.
The retro fit of those other options I would say is a no go. Factory fit.
Get a Racing Green exhaust put on the back. (Just the rear boxes, quad tail pipes) and then it sounds nuts!
G
V,
Glad to see you decided on an S-Type R even though you were not originally convinced! Good too that you have got the first edition which looks far better than the second IMO.
Re the auto seat and steering adjustment on inserting/removing the ignition key, on the steering column below the steering wheel and on the left hand side you'll find a knob. This activates and deactivates the feature, whatever you wish. Looks like it's switched off.
Regarding the mirrors, I do not think there is an auto fold feature. However, what you can do is on the driver's door locate the two electric mirror switches, put the option L or R mirror switch in the central position, and then you push the adjustment button and the mirrors fold to order. I do this every noght to get my S-Type into the garage.
R.
Glad to see you decided on an S-Type R even though you were not originally convinced! Good too that you have got the first edition which looks far better than the second IMO.
Re the auto seat and steering adjustment on inserting/removing the ignition key, on the steering column below the steering wheel and on the left hand side you'll find a knob. This activates and deactivates the feature, whatever you wish. Looks like it's switched off.
Regarding the mirrors, I do not think there is an auto fold feature. However, what you can do is on the driver's door locate the two electric mirror switches, put the option L or R mirror switch in the central position, and then you push the adjustment button and the mirrors fold to order. I do this every noght to get my S-Type into the garage.
R.
Hey guys, thanks for the replies.
Yes, I'm aware of the knob on the left of the steering wheel column and as I said, it is in the AUTO position, but it's still not doing what it should. Also, as mentioned, this seemed to be tricky to get to work (but once working, it then worked fine) in my old XJR too. I wonder why... It's bugging me now!
Re folding mirrors, yes, I know how to fold them manually, but wondered if they could be set to auto-fold... I think this can be done on X350 XJs...
Thanks anyway!
Yes, I'm aware of the knob on the left of the steering wheel column and as I said, it is in the AUTO position, but it's still not doing what it should. Also, as mentioned, this seemed to be tricky to get to work (but once working, it then worked fine) in my old XJR too. I wonder why... It's bugging me now!
Re folding mirrors, yes, I know how to fold them manually, but wondered if they could be set to auto-fold... I think this can be done on X350 XJs...
Thanks anyway!
Found this on www.jaguarforum.co.uk. No idea if it applies to the XJ in the same way.
Electronic Park Brake (EPB) –
Re-Calibration Procedure
2003 MY-ON
S-TYPE
M44998-ON
Issue:
On some 2003 MY-on S-TYPE vehicles, a customer may report a concern of premature
parking brake pad wear or the brakes binding. This condition can result if the electronic
park brake (EPB) system is not re-calibrated after the removal of the rear brake calipers
to replace the brake pads.
Action:
Should a customer express concern regarding the above, refer to the calibration
procedure detailed in this bulletin.
1. Reset the EPB module:
a. Switch off the ignition.
b. Disconnect the battery for 30 seconds. For additional information, refer to STYPE
Workshop Manual Section 414-01.
c. Reconnect the battery.
2. Start the engine.
3. Firmly apply and release the footbrake five times.
4. Confirm that the message ‘NOT CALIBRATED’ or ‘APPLY FOOT AND PARK
BRAKE’ is displayed on the instrument cluster message center. This indicates that
the parking brake is in calibration mode.
5. Lightly press the footbrake pedal.
6. Apply the parking brake by using the EPB switch.
7. Release the parking brake.
8. Release the footbrake.
9. Confirm that the brake warning lamp is no longer illuminated on the instrument
pack and that the ‘NOT CALIBRATED’ message is no longer displayed in the
message center.
10. Apply and release the EPB five times to ensure no error is present.
Electronic Park Brake (EPB) –
Re-Calibration Procedure
2003 MY-ON
S-TYPE
M44998-ON
Issue:
On some 2003 MY-on S-TYPE vehicles, a customer may report a concern of premature
parking brake pad wear or the brakes binding. This condition can result if the electronic
park brake (EPB) system is not re-calibrated after the removal of the rear brake calipers
to replace the brake pads.
Action:
Should a customer express concern regarding the above, refer to the calibration
procedure detailed in this bulletin.
1. Reset the EPB module:
a. Switch off the ignition.
b. Disconnect the battery for 30 seconds. For additional information, refer to STYPE
Workshop Manual Section 414-01.
c. Reconnect the battery.
2. Start the engine.
3. Firmly apply and release the footbrake five times.
4. Confirm that the message ‘NOT CALIBRATED’ or ‘APPLY FOOT AND PARK
BRAKE’ is displayed on the instrument cluster message center. This indicates that
the parking brake is in calibration mode.
5. Lightly press the footbrake pedal.
6. Apply the parking brake by using the EPB switch.
7. Release the parking brake.
8. Release the footbrake.
9. Confirm that the brake warning lamp is no longer illuminated on the instrument
pack and that the ‘NOT CALIBRATED’ message is no longer displayed in the
message center.
10. Apply and release the EPB five times to ensure no error is present.
Thank you Scottman.
The official name for the interior colour is, I think, "sand". It's kind of cream coloured, with black leather inserts in the doors, around the centre console, dash and the armrest is black leather too (as is the steering wheel - no wood - much nicer in my opinion).
The official name for the interior colour is, I think, "sand". It's kind of cream coloured, with black leather inserts in the doors, around the centre console, dash and the armrest is black leather too (as is the steering wheel - no wood - much nicer in my opinion).
vladman said:
Thank you Scottman.
The official name for the interior colour is, I think, "sand". It's kind of cream coloured, with black leather inserts in the doors, around the centre console, dash and the armrest is black leather too (as is the steering wheel - no wood - much nicer in my opinion).
That sounds really nice, any chance of a few pics? Always nice to see slightly different coloured interiors as opposed to the usual 'Ivory' etc..... My XKR has 'cranberry' seats and centre console/door panels but everything else is warm charcoal. The official name for the interior colour is, I think, "sand". It's kind of cream coloured, with black leather inserts in the doors, around the centre console, dash and the armrest is black leather too (as is the steering wheel - no wood - much nicer in my opinion).
As I said before a cracking car!!!!
Scott
Cerbman, it's still early days, I haven't really had the chance to put the car through its paces yet.
Initial impressions regarding power are that they're very similar, but the new car's ride is much tauter and more controlled, less roll, altogether a better feeling, which has surprised me to be honest, because I thought the XJR had a really nice feel and ride, but this is even better - possibly also due to the fact that this car is 2.5 years younger and has done a third of miles my old one had. Also, the new 6-gear auto-box is even smoother than the old 5-gear one, which again, I thought was really nice and smooth itself! Another difference, although in perception mostly I think, is the fact that the new car uses 1st gear sport mode or not (unlike the XJR which only used 1st gear in sport mode), so it's really very snappy from standing starts, you have to be VERY gentle with the throttle, or it snaps your head back! I think I actually prefered the old set up, with 1st gear only being used in sport mode only. But I guess the S-type R was being marketed as a sportier car than the XJR, so performance was a higher priority than on the XJR, which was more of a luxury (and very powerful) saloon.
I'm still getting acquainted with the car and all its nuances, I'll report back with more impressions after I cover a few more hundred miles, but so far, it's .
Initial impressions regarding power are that they're very similar, but the new car's ride is much tauter and more controlled, less roll, altogether a better feeling, which has surprised me to be honest, because I thought the XJR had a really nice feel and ride, but this is even better - possibly also due to the fact that this car is 2.5 years younger and has done a third of miles my old one had. Also, the new 6-gear auto-box is even smoother than the old 5-gear one, which again, I thought was really nice and smooth itself! Another difference, although in perception mostly I think, is the fact that the new car uses 1st gear sport mode or not (unlike the XJR which only used 1st gear in sport mode), so it's really very snappy from standing starts, you have to be VERY gentle with the throttle, or it snaps your head back! I think I actually prefered the old set up, with 1st gear only being used in sport mode only. But I guess the S-type R was being marketed as a sportier car than the XJR, so performance was a higher priority than on the XJR, which was more of a luxury (and very powerful) saloon.
I'm still getting acquainted with the car and all its nuances, I'll report back with more impressions after I cover a few more hundred miles, but so far, it's .
piquet said:
i have the xj350 and the interior looks very similar, in mine you can switch on the powerfold mirrors and the double lock through the menus via the touch screen
do the seat have a memory function?
pk
yes, the seats have the memory function.do the seat have a memory function?
pk
regarding the mirrors autofolding, that's only available on the XJs, as i've found out.
Just spent the last 3-4 hours browsing through the mass of files and information available on Jaguar GTR (Global Technical Reference). Paid just under a tenner for one day access.
Amongst other things, of particular interest to me was the following:
Amongst other things, of particular interest to me was the following:
- Removal of 2D/3D option in SatNav menu with installation of software update released either end of 2003 or January 2004. Navigation from then on only available in 2D (bird's eye view) mode. This really confused me, as when I installed the 2007 maps DVD, it upgraded the software, and I then noticed I could no longer switch the map to 3D mode. I wonder why they got rid of that... Kind of like a step backward...
- Answer to my question regarding entry/exit mode. It functions slightly differently to the way it did in my X308 XJR. In the XJR, the steering wheel would retract fully inwards, and go fully up, and the seat would move fully back, on removal of the key from ignition. On introduction of the key back in ignition, the steering wheel and the seat would resume their memorised position. In the S-Type R, the steering wheel is supposed to only move to its uppermost position (so won't move at all if already fully up in its memorised position) but NOT retract inwards. Also, the seat only moves backwards slightly, and if the memorised position is 50mm or closer to the rear-most position, then the seat won't move at all on entry/exit either.
NST, I'm loving the car. So smooth, poised, controlled, comfortable, stable... Savagely FAST (when you want it to be, will snap your head back if you're not prepared for the shove of acceleration, at almost any speed)! Slows down and stops well. Real pleasure to drive fast AND slow. Great fuel economy (at least compared to my old XJR)...
The boot's fine, I don't have a need for a massive one, so it's ok for my needs, but I know it's smaller when compared with BMW, etc. It's quite long and wide, but a bit shallow.
The boot's fine, I don't have a need for a massive one, so it's ok for my needs, but I know it's smaller when compared with BMW, etc. It's quite long and wide, but a bit shallow.
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff