Discussion
A couple of questions on these if I may chaps:
1. Can a detachable tow bar be retro-fitted easily/cheaply? Any ideas who?
2. I assume it would then be up to the task of towing a race car? (circa 1350kg)
3. Do they all have cruise control?
4. I can't find a buyer's guide - anything to watch out for over a standard 4.0 V8? Affected by Nikasil? Big potential costs?
Thanks!
1. Can a detachable tow bar be retro-fitted easily/cheaply? Any ideas who?
2. I assume it would then be up to the task of towing a race car? (circa 1350kg)
3. Do they all have cruise control?
4. I can't find a buyer's guide - anything to watch out for over a standard 4.0 V8? Affected by Nikasil? Big potential costs?
Thanks!
Jaguar made a detachable tow bar (I have one on mine). I'm not sure what the weight limit is, will try to find out tonight.
Cruise control was optional on early X308s but may have been standard on later models.
There are loads of threads on here about the known issues with X308s. Have a search around for them - Broadbean747's thread being the most comprehensive.
Cruise control was optional on early X308s but may have been standard on later models.
There are loads of threads on here about the known issues with X308s. Have a search around for them - Broadbean747's thread being the most comprehensive.
Here's a link to Broadbean747s posting. http://tinyurl.com/6psugh as it can be a bit of a pain to find.
Broardbeans is certainly the most comprehensive and there's also quite a lot of useful info on Honest John's (Daily Telegraph) site as well as on previous XJ posts here.
On thing not often mentioned is that some - not all - XJs are having problems with corrosion of the reinforcing plate where the front subframe V mounts are fitted to the body. Worth a look behind the front shock absorber as it's a tricky repair if it gets bad.
Full fluid change including the sealed for life gearbox and 'diff and fitting of the third generation metal bodied secondary timing chain tensioners is essential to avoid tears later on.
A good 308 XJ8 / XJR is a fantastic car - there's lots of happy owners on PH.
IIRC Cruise became standard on all XJs from 2000MY on, but was standard on all XJRs whatever the year
On thing not often mentioned is that some - not all - XJs are having problems with corrosion of the reinforcing plate where the front subframe V mounts are fitted to the body. Worth a look behind the front shock absorber as it's a tricky repair if it gets bad.
Full fluid change including the sealed for life gearbox and 'diff and fitting of the third generation metal bodied secondary timing chain tensioners is essential to avoid tears later on.
A good 308 XJ8 / XJR is a fantastic car - there's lots of happy owners on PH.
IIRC Cruise became standard on all XJs from 2000MY on, but was standard on all XJRs whatever the year
Edited by Jaguar steve on Monday 1st December 16:49
groomi said:
Jaguar steve said:
IIRC Cruise became standard on all XJs from 2000MY on, but was standard on all XJRs whatever the year.
I have a '98 XJR and it doesn't have cruise.I've just looked in an old brochure (how sad is that - and posting at this time in the morning too) and cruise became standard - although it's not always shown in the brochure photos - in 2000. Apologies to the OP.
387 ft/lbs of torque on the x308 XJR with massive, grippy tyres. You could tow an f-ing train mate.
I bought a mint one a few months ago.
The links will explain further but basically your main worries are basically the tensioners and nikasil linings. Both of which have a heavily over-reported failure rate IMO.
The nikasil will only affect early cars and can be diagnosed with a "blow by" test at a Jag garage. Although I personally settled for a compression test. You'll hear many horror stories on nikasil and may be tempted to fork out more for the steel lined replacement but my advice would be not to (Assuming compression is good). The nikasil engine warms up faster, uses almost no oil and will outlive it's steel sisters. Hence it's use in many racing engines. It's also a common bargain due to perceived problems with the engine.
Obviously you should ask if the tensioners have been changed and negotiate based on the cost of having the job done.
You won't regret buying a good one. They're incredible cars if not a little thirsty.
I bought a mint one a few months ago.
The links will explain further but basically your main worries are basically the tensioners and nikasil linings. Both of which have a heavily over-reported failure rate IMO.
The nikasil will only affect early cars and can be diagnosed with a "blow by" test at a Jag garage. Although I personally settled for a compression test. You'll hear many horror stories on nikasil and may be tempted to fork out more for the steel lined replacement but my advice would be not to (Assuming compression is good). The nikasil engine warms up faster, uses almost no oil and will outlive it's steel sisters. Hence it's use in many racing engines. It's also a common bargain due to perceived problems with the engine.
Obviously you should ask if the tensioners have been changed and negotiate based on the cost of having the job done.
You won't regret buying a good one. They're incredible cars if not a little thirsty.
Towing weight has not got so much to do with with engine power but is relative to the towing vehicles ability to brake and control the towed load.
For all the X308's the values are.
Recommended braked trailer weight 1500kg. Maximum recommended 1900kg
Unbraked maximum recommended 750kg
Max nose load 76kg
So you may be able to legally tow a car on a braked - almost certainly 4 wheel trailer to comply with tyre loading limits and fitted with the appropriate tyres with an XJ - but it's unlikely you can legally tow any car on an unbraked trailer.
I know these are manufacturers recommendations - not hard and fast rules - but if you exceed them you'll get nicked.
For all the X308's the values are.
Recommended braked trailer weight 1500kg. Maximum recommended 1900kg
Unbraked maximum recommended 750kg
Max nose load 76kg
So you may be able to legally tow a car on a braked - almost certainly 4 wheel trailer to comply with tyre loading limits and fitted with the appropriate tyres with an XJ - but it's unlikely you can legally tow any car on an unbraked trailer.
I know these are manufacturers recommendations - not hard and fast rules - but if you exceed them you'll get nicked.
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