Phil Ellis

Morning All, My 2004 XKR convertible is running hot with the fans kicking in even after relative short journeys. I was advised this was due to a recent spell of (rare) hot weather but it's still happening in relatively cool conditions. I recently had the belts and tensioner changed so not sure if this is connected. Has anyone else experienced this? Kind regards Phil

Hi Peter, That's very helpful. I'll give them a try. Thank you Phil

I bought my XKR convertible from the East Sussex and had to travel the 200 plus miles to find the right car.

Hi, I've recently purchased a beautiful XJR import from Japan. I've had the car inspected by a Jaguar specialist and everything is spot on apart from the sat nav which is obviously set up for Japanese homologation. The specialist tried a UK disc but to no avail. He suggests trying to source a second hand unit from a breaker and has quoted £300 plus and that's just for the unit??? Does anyone have any experience of similar problems? I'd appreciate any help. Kind regards Phil

Hi everyone I'm considering buying a 2003 XJ 4.2 Auto from a local classic car dealer. He deals a lot in the XJ models mainly imported cars back from Japan. The one I'm looking at is a very low mileage one owner car which is in showroom condition. I'm not sure whether to go with this as it seems such a good buy or look around for a decent XJR supercharged. I already have a beautiful 2004 XKR convertible that I'm happy to sit on until I can sell it for a price I'm happy with. Does anyone have any views or advice that might help me with my decision? Kind regards Phil

Hi Peter. I had my wheels refurbed including new BBS stainless steel bands at AWJ automotive in Newcastle Staffs. First class job and the wheels now look amazing complete with a set of new Pirelli P zero tyres. I've used these guys several times now and can't praise them highly enough. Many thanks for your help and advice. Take care Phil

Hi Peter, Thanks for that. That is my main concern. It does appear that decent BBS bands are difficult to source. It seems the main supplier have outsourced the production hence the quality concerns. I might try your Lichfield contact as it's not too far from me. Phil

Good morning. Some time ago whilst getting a quote for a full refurb of my 20" Sepang alloys I was informed that they had stopped sourcing the BBS stainless bands due to poor quality of product. I was given the option of sourcing them myself and that they would be fitted if of the right quality or alternatively I could have a diamond cut polished edge where the bands would normally fit. I then found a well respected Jaguar specialist who said they would take the job on and that they were confident of sourcing and fitting good quality SS bands. Now received a call saying the bands have arrived and are a load of rubbish, despite a 4 week wait. I've now been offered the same polished edge alternative or wait in the faint hope that a decent set of bands can be sourced. My concern is what the wheels will look like and how much this will reduce the car's value in terms of authenticity. Does anyone have any views or comments. Kind regards Phil

Hi Everyone, I'm just about to get my 20" Sepang alloy wheels refurbished and would like the stainless steel bands replacing as one is badly kerbed whilst although the others aren't as bad I thought I'd replace them all. The workshop I've been recommended have refused to source the bands as they have had some bad experiences with their former supplier. Can anyone recommend a source for me? Id also appreciate a source for replacement valves and seals if anyone can help. I've also been told that a better option is rather than replacing the bands have the wheel rims chromed instead. Not sure if anyone has any views on this?? Kind regards, Phil

For anyone in the north midlands I'd highly recommend XJK Limited, Albany Road, Newcastle, Staffs, ST5 9EJ Former Jaguar technicians with a state of the art workshop and reasonable rates. Phil

I bought my 2004 XKR convertible from Arun cars last September after looking around for a number of weeks. I'm far from happy with mine. Issues with car going into restricted performance (limp mode) and knocking front suspension. Been back to Arun under warranty but the problems remain. I've had a diagnostic carried out by a (local) independent Jag specialist who say the limp mode issue is due to a faulty ACC unit which could be very expensive and sorting out the front suspension will not be cheap either. I guess these are the risks you take buying a car from a dealership over 250 miles away with the impracticality of backwards and forwards to the dealership who say they cant find anything wrong with it. I bought the car as an investment and still love it, I've just resigned myself to having to pay to fix the issues. C'est la vie. Phil Hi Leo, The specialists I'm referring to are well qualified and Arun recognise them as they agreed for me to have them carry out the independent diagnostic. I think I may well do as you suggest as the cost of the report doesn't concern me. The repairs could cost me in excess of £2,500 if I have to pay myself. I've been informed a replacement ACC unit will cost £2,000. I'm away next week but will contact the independent again and discuss it with them. Many thanks, Phil

I bought my 2004 XKR convertible from Arun cars last September after looking around for a number of weeks. I'm far from happy with mine. Issues with car going into restricted performance (limp mode) and knocking front suspension. Been back to Arun under warranty but the problems remain. I've had a diagnostic carried out by a (local) independent Jag specialist who say the limp mode issue is due to a faulty ACC unit which could be very expensive and sorting out the front suspension will not be cheap either. I guess these are the risks you take buying a car from a dealership over 250 miles away with the impracticality of backwards and forwards to the dealership who say they cant find anything wrong with it. I bought the car as an investment and still love it, I've just resigned myself to having to pay to fix the issues. C'est la vie. Phil

Count me in Peter. Many thanks, Phil

Thanks Joe. I'll check it out. Phil

Is there anyone out there that knows where I can purchase some replacement 20" SS bands/rims for my XKR wheels? I have received quotes to get the wheels refurbished but I need to source the bands myself. I'm advised to be careful what I purchase as there are a number of sub-standard products around. The only place I can think of for quality assured bands is BBS. Any help/suggestions appreciated. Phil