X Type 3.0 - Auto or manual?
Discussion
I've had both automatic and manual cars in my previous car history and both have positives and negatives.
I'm starting to look at X Types for my next car (probably won't buy until the summer, though). I have no preference for either auto or manual.
Obviously I will drive one of each before I make my mind up, but I am curious as to which is seen as best for these cars?
Does one 'box suit the car better than the other?
Is one more reliable than the other?
I'll be looking at a 2001-2003 3.0 with about 50-70k on the clock if that makes a difference.
I'm starting to look at X Types for my next car (probably won't buy until the summer, though). I have no preference for either auto or manual.
Obviously I will drive one of each before I make my mind up, but I am curious as to which is seen as best for these cars?
Does one 'box suit the car better than the other?
Is one more reliable than the other?
I'll be looking at a 2001-2003 3.0 with about 50-70k on the clock if that makes a difference.
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
Blue or red?
I guess the question falls in the same category...a matter of personal preference?
I have no personal preference - I had a Volvo T5 Automatic and loved it's lazy nature, but that said I also loved the control of the manual T5.I guess the question falls in the same category...a matter of personal preference?
What I am asking, I guess, is which 'box suits the car/engine? or; Are there any inherent problems with either?
I have driven neither so far but will certainly drive both before I buy. There appears to be an equal amount of manual/auto cars in the price/spec range I am looking for with no price differential.
I always imagine the transmission suits the driver, rather than the car. (auto for Americans, Londoners, the disabled and persons over 55, manual for enthusiasts) 
disclaimer: just a view I've built up over the years, and not intended to be a statement of fact
Edited by 2 sMoKiN bArReLs on Sunday 3rd January 20:08
I was reading a magazine earlier this year that had a feature on used X types, I distinctly remember them stating auto boxes can go with no warning, but the manual was bulletproof. Otherwise they said at current prices what a bargain.
Just found a link to the mag, November 2009 Car Mechanics
http://www.carmechanicsmag.co.uk/cgi-bin/purchase....
Sorry we were in Tenerife with Ryanair, every gram counts with their measly baggage allowance so I chucked it.
Just found a link to the mag, November 2009 Car Mechanics
http://www.carmechanicsmag.co.uk/cgi-bin/purchase....
Sorry we were in Tenerife with Ryanair, every gram counts with their measly baggage allowance so I chucked it.
Hi,
We've got a '06 X-Type 3.0 V6 Sovereign. 100% go for the manual, I did my work experience with Jaguar a couple of years ago, and really do not get on with the Auto 'box in the X-Type. The XJR, S-Type (Later ones), XF and XK all have 6 Speed Auto's built by a German firm called ZF Transmissions. This is a world renown company and it shows, the 6 speed gearbox is a peach, massively fast but seamless changes, the software being updated for the newer XKR and XF models to incorporate the paddle shift system.
However, the Jatco 5 speed is a different story altogether, it is an old school style auto, housing dated technology. The shifts under full throttle are especially something to note, it will rev all the way up to around 6000-6200RPM, at which point it will then take an age to slur the change into the next gear, however, that is something it cannot even do properly, because as the next ratio up is selected, the is a slight lurch for no reason I can fathom. (This was not a one off, it was every X-Type Auto!) Because of this slurring, and the fact the 3.0 AJ-V6 is hardly the most torquey engine in the world, the auto really blunts performance. (Shifts take nearly a second, as opposed to 0.29 for the 6 speed ZF 'box in the XF, XJ etc). The V6 does have to be revved to be used, (It produces it's maximum power at 6800RPM!), and the Jatco simply does not allow this. Also, due to it's extra weight, and it's occasional inability to decide if it wants to change up a ratio or not, the fuel consumption, that isn't amazing with the manual, is truely woeful.
The 5 speed manual 'box however, is one of the nicest gearboxes that I have ever had to use, it is slick, nicely weighted with a short throw and positive action, it makes the car a thousand times more satisfying to drive, and it is wonderfully easy to double-de-clutch down a ratio with it, as the V6 is such a free revving engine.
Take an auto and a manual out back to back, you'll hardly think that they are the same car.
Hope this helps,
All the best,
Jack.
We've got a '06 X-Type 3.0 V6 Sovereign. 100% go for the manual, I did my work experience with Jaguar a couple of years ago, and really do not get on with the Auto 'box in the X-Type. The XJR, S-Type (Later ones), XF and XK all have 6 Speed Auto's built by a German firm called ZF Transmissions. This is a world renown company and it shows, the 6 speed gearbox is a peach, massively fast but seamless changes, the software being updated for the newer XKR and XF models to incorporate the paddle shift system.
However, the Jatco 5 speed is a different story altogether, it is an old school style auto, housing dated technology. The shifts under full throttle are especially something to note, it will rev all the way up to around 6000-6200RPM, at which point it will then take an age to slur the change into the next gear, however, that is something it cannot even do properly, because as the next ratio up is selected, the is a slight lurch for no reason I can fathom. (This was not a one off, it was every X-Type Auto!) Because of this slurring, and the fact the 3.0 AJ-V6 is hardly the most torquey engine in the world, the auto really blunts performance. (Shifts take nearly a second, as opposed to 0.29 for the 6 speed ZF 'box in the XF, XJ etc). The V6 does have to be revved to be used, (It produces it's maximum power at 6800RPM!), and the Jatco simply does not allow this. Also, due to it's extra weight, and it's occasional inability to decide if it wants to change up a ratio or not, the fuel consumption, that isn't amazing with the manual, is truely woeful.
The 5 speed manual 'box however, is one of the nicest gearboxes that I have ever had to use, it is slick, nicely weighted with a short throw and positive action, it makes the car a thousand times more satisfying to drive, and it is wonderfully easy to double-de-clutch down a ratio with it, as the V6 is such a free revving engine.
Take an auto and a manual out back to back, you'll hardly think that they are the same car.
Hope this helps,
All the best,
Jack.
Agreed the Jatco , the same box used by Rover years ago.Its a jap box. Internals have been changed and updated, but it still has the same drum issues . It is a duo component and is just not man enough for the job.They split after low mileages losing two top gears and reverse.Not as violent a breakdown as the 5hp 24, but Its a 
of a job to do it properly .Cleaning out the box means everything out as the filter is enclosed within,total strip, engine etc and can be the difference between scrapping and repairing. The manual is a far better option.
of a job to do it properly .Cleaning out the box means everything out as the filter is enclosed within,total strip, engine etc and can be the difference between scrapping and repairing. The manual is a far better option.Kivster said:
Hi,
We've got a '06 X-Type 3.0 V6 Sovereign. 100% go for the manual, I did my work experience with Jaguar a couple of years ago, and really do not get on with the Auto 'box in the X-Type. The XJR, S-Type (Later ones), XF and XK all have 6 Speed Auto's built by a German firm called ZF Transmissions. This is a world renown company and it shows, the 6 speed gearbox is a peach, massively fast but seamless changes, the software being updated for the newer XKR and XF models to incorporate the paddle shift system.
However, the Jatco 5 speed is a different story altogether, it is an old school style auto, housing dated technology. The shifts under full throttle are especially something to note, it will rev all the way up to around 6000-6200RPM, at which point it will then take an age to slur the change into the next gear, however, that is something it cannot even do properly, because as the next ratio up is selected, the is a slight lurch for no reason I can fathom. (This was not a one off, it was every X-Type Auto!) Because of this slurring, and the fact the 3.0 AJ-V6 is hardly the most torquey engine in the world, the auto really blunts performance. (Shifts take nearly a second, as opposed to 0.29 for the 6 speed ZF 'box in the XF, XJ etc). The V6 does have to be revved to be used, (It produces it's maximum power at 6800RPM!), and the Jatco simply does not allow this. Also, due to it's extra weight, and it's occasional inability to decide if it wants to change up a ratio or not, the fuel consumption, that isn't amazing with the manual, is truely woeful.
The 5 speed manual 'box however, is one of the nicest gearboxes that I have ever had to use, it is slick, nicely weighted with a short throw and positive action, it makes the car a thousand times more satisfying to drive, and it is wonderfully easy to double-de-clutch down a ratio with it, as the V6 is such a free revving engine.
Take an auto and a manual out back to back, you'll hardly think that they are the same car.
Hope this helps,
All the best,
Jack.
I also hear that autos are unreliable and there are so many needing repair, you often have to wait?!We've got a '06 X-Type 3.0 V6 Sovereign. 100% go for the manual, I did my work experience with Jaguar a couple of years ago, and really do not get on with the Auto 'box in the X-Type. The XJR, S-Type (Later ones), XF and XK all have 6 Speed Auto's built by a German firm called ZF Transmissions. This is a world renown company and it shows, the 6 speed gearbox is a peach, massively fast but seamless changes, the software being updated for the newer XKR and XF models to incorporate the paddle shift system.
However, the Jatco 5 speed is a different story altogether, it is an old school style auto, housing dated technology. The shifts under full throttle are especially something to note, it will rev all the way up to around 6000-6200RPM, at which point it will then take an age to slur the change into the next gear, however, that is something it cannot even do properly, because as the next ratio up is selected, the is a slight lurch for no reason I can fathom. (This was not a one off, it was every X-Type Auto!) Because of this slurring, and the fact the 3.0 AJ-V6 is hardly the most torquey engine in the world, the auto really blunts performance. (Shifts take nearly a second, as opposed to 0.29 for the 6 speed ZF 'box in the XF, XJ etc). The V6 does have to be revved to be used, (It produces it's maximum power at 6800RPM!), and the Jatco simply does not allow this. Also, due to it's extra weight, and it's occasional inability to decide if it wants to change up a ratio or not, the fuel consumption, that isn't amazing with the manual, is truely woeful.
The 5 speed manual 'box however, is one of the nicest gearboxes that I have ever had to use, it is slick, nicely weighted with a short throw and positive action, it makes the car a thousand times more satisfying to drive, and it is wonderfully easy to double-de-clutch down a ratio with it, as the V6 is such a free revving engine.
Take an auto and a manual out back to back, you'll hardly think that they are the same car.
Hope this helps,
All the best,
Jack.
So, if we go for the manual, what about DMF issues if increasing power by sw upgrade re-map? - Can somebody explain what probs are with these items?
Hey,
Yes, the Jatco Auto 'box IS unreliable, we had 2 or 3 in over a couple of weeks, and one of them was our OWN forecourt car!
We took it out, the "mechanical problems" light lit up on the dash, we pulled up at a junction and it cut out, the gearbox had decided not to disengage and keep the gearbox locked in third. We got it going again, and only by pinning the throttle got it to a layby, we then left it for around 5 minutes with the battery disconnected, (We thought it might be a software problem), and alas, when we started it up again it was no longer stuck in third! We drove off got up to second and suddenly realised that the gearbox wasn't changing...up OR down!, I can tell you from experience that driving 19 miles at 50mph while stuck in second gear is noisy and frustrating.
The huge waiting list has been overcome now, by not sending the fuc...damn things away for repair. Most dealerships now will still send them away, but instead of waiting for repair, will bung a new one in, and let the other 'box be reconditioned and sold on.
It is such a shame, because with an Auto, the 17" alloys and the touring suspension the X-Type could has been a very smooth car, however the gearbox ruins it. Instead, go for the Manual, 18" alloys and the sport suspension and enjoy the free-revving V6 and the taught chassis!
I was unaware that the V6 had DMF issue's...care to clarify?
Yes, the Jatco Auto 'box IS unreliable, we had 2 or 3 in over a couple of weeks, and one of them was our OWN forecourt car!
We took it out, the "mechanical problems" light lit up on the dash, we pulled up at a junction and it cut out, the gearbox had decided not to disengage and keep the gearbox locked in third. We got it going again, and only by pinning the throttle got it to a layby, we then left it for around 5 minutes with the battery disconnected, (We thought it might be a software problem), and alas, when we started it up again it was no longer stuck in third! We drove off got up to second and suddenly realised that the gearbox wasn't changing...up OR down!, I can tell you from experience that driving 19 miles at 50mph while stuck in second gear is noisy and frustrating.
The huge waiting list has been overcome now, by not sending the fuc...damn things away for repair. Most dealerships now will still send them away, but instead of waiting for repair, will bung a new one in, and let the other 'box be reconditioned and sold on.
It is such a shame, because with an Auto, the 17" alloys and the touring suspension the X-Type could has been a very smooth car, however the gearbox ruins it. Instead, go for the Manual, 18" alloys and the sport suspension and enjoy the free-revving V6 and the taught chassis!
I was unaware that the V6 had DMF issue's...care to clarify?
On the topic of the manual box, I have an S-Type 3.0 Manual. I don't know if it is the same five speed box, but I can tell you that box is a delight.
The throw is short, the action firm and precise. It is miles better than the six speed in the Boxster S I used to have which was supposed to be a precision engineered sports car.
The throw is short, the action firm and precise. It is miles better than the six speed in the Boxster S I used to have which was supposed to be a precision engineered sports car.
cardigankid said:
On the topic of the manual box, I have an S-Type 3.0 Manual. I don't know if it is the same five speed box, but I can tell you that box is a delight.
The throw is short, the action firm and precise. It is miles better than the six speed in the Boxster S I used to have which was supposed to be a precision engineered sports car.
Different box - Transverse V6 Engine install in X-type - hence MTX75 (also in a trannie van The throw is short, the action firm and precise. It is miles better than the six speed in the Boxster S I used to have which was supposed to be a precision engineered sports car.
- this is why these are unburstable)Getrag 5-Speed in S-Type Manual. Suits longditudinal V6 engine install and is shared with usual facing German competition (5-er etc). Another tough gearbox.
Manual Jags are heavily discounted versus auto
, yet IMHO make for a stronger product and more driver focused car.Took me a while to find my black 3.0 Sport with manual, but definitely worth it over the automatic IMO. Change seems slick enough and like other people have said, I rarely hear about any issues with the manual box - seems pretty happy to be driven hard and likes to rev:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0O4o4A7OM8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-zRNcR_qxw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv96PbzHlTk
Good luck with he search...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0O4o4A7OM8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-zRNcR_qxw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv96PbzHlTk
Good luck with he search...
effkay said:
Took me a while to find my black 3.0 Sport with manual... seems pretty happy to be driven hard and likes to rev:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0O4o4A7OM8
I'm sorry but that's just WRONG for a Jaguar!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0O4o4A7OM8
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