XJR, does it suffer the same gearbox problems as the rest?

[jim_1976]

Hi, I'm considering buying a car to run around in for a few months, something with a bit of luxury and good performance, and for obvious reasons, the XJR ticks all the boxes! Late '90's cars are going for a very good price nowadays! A lot of car for the money. My Dad had a 2001 XJ 3.2 V8, and he's having problems with the gearbox. Now upon doing a bit of digging, it seems that the gearboxes are quite problematic on a lot of these cars. Is this the same with the XJR? I'm wondering if due to the hike in power output from the XJR engine, that Jaguar used a different gearbox?? Any info much appreciated.

[Jaguar steve]

The 97 - 03 XJR has a different gearbox which is generaly believed to be more durable than the ZF 5 speed 'boxes fitted to the 3.2 and 4.0 ltr n/a cars. It's still a "sealed for life" gearbox 'tho so the same needs for regular oil changes apply if you want it to last.

[jim_1976]

I think I might go and see a few of these when I get home, they are a very good buy just now in my opinion.

[Jaguar steve]

jim_1976 said:

I think I might go and see a few of these when I get home, they are a very good buy just now in my opinion.

Lots of posts on PH covering all you need to know about any potential V8 XJ purchase. Have a trawl through before you part with any beer tokens.

[Cecil]

The X308 XJR has a Mercedes gearbox.

[a8hex]

Only the 4L ones, they later 4.2 engine also brought a change of auto box.

[P700DEE]

Did they make X308 XJRs with 4.2s ? I thought the 4.2 was only in the X350 ?

[a8hex]

Sorry, you're right, I should learn to read the whole question.

4.0 SC engine uses MB box, and if the Mrs MB is anything to go by it's a great box.
4.2 SC engine uses a ZF

X308 uses 4.0
X350 uses 4.2

X100 XKR has both 4.0 and then 4.2

X150 XKR has 4.2 or 5.0 engine

XK150 uses a proper gearbox, a nice manual Moss box (OK you could have an XK150 with an auto)