Looking for gearbox/service between Reading and London?

[Piersman2]

Hi All,

Recently started new contract in Sunbury, London.

The car needs a service, (which i could use the dealer in Reading for again) but I'd like to get the gearbox looked at by a specialist who can actually diagnose whether it can be fixed or needs replacing as I'm starting to get a bit irritated by the first to second change quality. It's like there's a gap or slip in the power dilivery when it changes from 1st to 2nd most of the time. And a few other bits and pieces maybe.

Anyways... can anyone recommend a decent jag specialist somewhere between Reading and West London that I could use?

Loan car or would I have to make travel arrangements/hire a car myself?

Thanks in advance guys.

Rgds

[Markymark69]

I think Swallows have a branch in that part of the world.

I havent used them myself though, so not sure what they are like.

[a8hex]

I have always been happy with the service from the main dealer in Reading. Lancaster's used to look after my XJ6 till I got to know Chris Window (near Guildford) and he started to look after it for me.

There is also The Fenn Motor company just across the road who specialise in Jags. They sorted the gearbox in a friends S-Type after another so called specialist had been unable to fix it for some months. Fenn have also done a couple of bits of work on the Mrs' MB which has been good work at very reasonable prices. I know there is an MB service note about the auto box in her car which is also used on the SC 4.0L V8s, suggesting a fluid and filter change at 100K. The local MB MD would have none of it, insisting that it is a sealed for life unit. Since I knew it is the same box in the Jags I asked Fenn and they knew all about it and only charge about 150 if IRC. They also checked out her rear diff which MB wanted to replace (again sealed for life, but weeping a tiny fraction).

If it wasn't for Chris, my XJ would be going into Fenn for it's services these days.

I'm sure NormD will be along soon to recommend his man, Tom, near Camberley. Tom looks after a few of the regulars here's cars and no one seems to have a bad word to say. So that would be another option, if Camberley is convenient.

[NormanD]

a8hex said:

I'm sure NormD will be along soon to recommend his man, Tom, near Camberley. Tom looks after a few of the regulars here's cars and no one seems to have a bad word to say. So that would be another option, if Camberley is convenient.

That's correct, although he has moved.

Give Tom at TLJaguar a ring on 0118-976-2899 postcode RG40 4TS

[a8hex]

That sounds close to Berks Jag Spares

[Piersman2]

a8hex said:

I have always been happy with the service from the main dealer in Reading. Lancaster's used to look after my XJ6 till I got to know Chris Window (near Guildford) and he started to look after it for me.

There is also The Fenn Motor company just across the road who specialise in Jags. They sorted the gearbox in a friends S-Type after another so called specialist had been unable to fix it for some months. Fenn have also done a couple of bits of work on the Mrs' MB which has been good work at very reasonable prices. I know there is an MB service note about the auto box in her car which is also used on the SC 4.0L V8s, suggesting a fluid and filter change at 100K. The local MB MD would have none of it, insisting that it is a sealed for life unit. Since I knew it is the same box in the Jags I asked Fenn and they knew all about it and only charge about 150 if IRC. They also checked out her rear diff which MB wanted to replace (again sealed for life, but weeping a tiny fraction).

If it wasn't for Chris, my XJ would be going into Fenn for it's services these days.

I'm sure NormD will be along soon to recommend his man, Tom, near Camberley. Tom looks after a few of the regulars here's cars and no one seems to have a bad word to say. So that would be another option, if Camberley is convenient.

Actually I had the same argument with Lancasters last year when I put the car in for a 100K service. I asked them to check and change the gearbox fluid at the same time as the service. They said that the gearbox was sealed for life and did not need changing. I said I was aware that was the advice but that I wanted it done all the same. They still insisted it didn't need doing until I pointed out (firmly) that my previous XJR had had a sealed for life box... and that it had gone kerput at 110K so would they please do the fluid change.

Turns out the gearbox pan/filter had been leaking and strangely enough all the funny graunching noises the box was starting to make stopped once they'd replaced the pan and fluid. I think I may have been getting very low on gearbox fluid!

[a8hex]

Yes.
I've not heard that there was an official statement/memo from Jaguar about the fluid change on the MB box. But I'm sure someone here posted a reference to a MB service document about it. Didn't stop the MD denying it. I think the independents are more used to seeing cars with 100K on the clock.

[Cecil]

Bristol Transmitions have a great reputation also, if you are going the other way

I am sure that I read an article that said MB recommended a fluid and filter change on the gearbox that is in the XJR at 80000 Miles, IIRC it is in the 500SL.

[piquet]

there is a service update about this very subject, it claims it just needs a new gearbox flash, i keep meaning to get mine done

[NormanD]

a8hex said:

That sounds close to Berks Jag Spares

Yes less than 2 miles away

[Piersman2]

Thanks for the replies guys, I guess I'll give the garage in Rading a call shortly to see what they say.

Thanks again.