Carole Simpson-Hadley

Hi Bill Reference Cubist's information : As an aside, Claude ( that's our friendly, well most of the time, Welsh fire-breathing dragon who is safely coralled at the moment and happily reading his daily copy of The Sun (see what I did there) and munching his packet of extra strong Fisherman's Friends, having had his last mission to an oak-beamed pile occupied by Mr Cubist somewhere in Shropshire curtailed). With regard to the other fella who, apparently, is too scary to contemplate..............he's elsewhere in the house contemplating at the moment. Now that really is scary! (For further reference, try other threads posted upon by Cubist!). As always, happy growling

Hi again Dennis, and, of course, not forgetting Cubist; yep, we say fair does and here's some info : Our main Jag Indie is Elite Performance & Jaguar in Derby (yes, we know it is a fair way from our domicile, but well worth it as several articles in Jaguar World magazine will bear testimony). Main contact is a chap named John (also the joint proprietor) on 01332 265826. Always happy to help and don't seem to have the default setting of "bring it in first". With regard to jump-starting from the S, having the ignition off and engine not running is exactly right.........using the S as the donor car with engine running could cause damage. In the Wiltshire area, how far are you from Chiltern Jaguar? Sadly, we quite concur with regard to Jag Main Dealerships; not forgotten that when we collected our XK from one such, we quickly discovered that the tyre pressures were way out, uneven, and clearly hadn't been checked as part of the PDI. Good luck Dennis

Hello Dennis MOH (my other half) says that is a hell of a CO increase and there is clearly a fault in the engine management. We should suggest an exploratory call to a Jaguar Independent Specialist near enough to you; our experience is that they are usually happy to talk and point the way. We wouldn't have thought that simply changing fuel and using an additive would solve a problem like that; more importantly, an Indie should be able to sort out why your ECU isn't talking to the diagnostics Good luck

Hi to flat battery/low battery folk! Relevant to all sorts of threads and posts which involve issues put down to potential battery problems, my other half (MOH) and I thought we'd put in our two p'worth. Whilst it must be accepted that car batteries do have a finite life which can vary according to the use to which the vehicle is put, we feel that careful maintenance and "keeping on top of things" are of prime importance. We have 3 Jaguars......... our '07 S-type SE is used roughly 4 days out of each week, covers usually about 150 miles each week, and lives outside. The date label on the battery tells us it is the original battery (thus almost 11 years old) and, since we bought the S 18 months ago, has not been charged nor shown signs of needing so. our '07 XK X150 has covered just 9800 miles from new and lives in a Carcoon. Again, the date label on the battery tells us it is the original battery, and since we bought the XK almost 2 years ago, similarly has not needed charging etc. Recently, after having stood for 6 weeks (including through the very cold spells), she fired up instantly and enjoyed a run. our '98 XJ8 X308 which we bought 3 months ago lives outside for the moment and might only be used once a week covering 40 or 50 miles or so. When we first had her, mindful that the previous owner had only pottered about (she has covered 65K from new), we gave the battery a charge to fully charged, the meter showing around 70% charged. The battery appears to be 5 years old. Since then, no issues, even after the recent cold spells where she had stood outside for almost a fortnight. The common factor for all three.......on buying each car we accessed the battery, lifted out, cleaned around thoroughly, cleaned all terminals and leads, refitted terminal posts with petroleum jelly and coppaslipped each nut/bolt thread, cleaned and checked all earthing connections likewise. Similarly with the battery mounting brackets/bolts etc., particularly on the S-type! Every month we simply check terminal tightness etc. Doesn't take long. The only electrical issue we thought we might have was on the XJ8.......both entry fobs worked intermittently and had to be right up close to the car for them to work. MOH opened up both fobs, replaced batteries (which were probably the 20 year old originals!), dismantled the fobs, cleaned all contacts and the back of the rubber buttons with iso-propyl alcohol and cotton buds (20 years worth of crud in the fobs!), re-assembled and re-programmed them to the car. Voila and all is well with the (Jaguar) world! Not the cure-all for battery drain issues, but it does go a long way to avoiding unnecessary grief and having to get the jump leads out in a downpour etc!! As always, happy growling

Hi Dave We had a word with our Jaguar technician (who does the servicing etc on our 2.7D Twin turbo S-type, as well as our XK X150 and XJ8)....he says that removing or blanking the EGR on the X (or any motor, for that matter) is not recommended, not least because it could cause a MOT fail plus it makes the DPF work harder. Also, he is not keen on additives as they have been known to cause other problems on occasion. We have had our '07 2.7D S-type for 18 months now, starting at a mileage of 53K; it now shows 71K. We did have a DPF full warning coming up in the first couple of months of our ownership; 1 of the 2 EGR valves was found to be gummed up and so was replaced. Since then we have switched to premium fuel (e.g. Shell V-Power or BP Ultimate) and had no further problems, even with extended short local use from time to time. The topic of additives has been covered in some depth here on the forum and opinions are very divided. Each to his own, but we have achieved the desired result without. Further, removal of EGR counts as a modification in the eyes of some (maybe not all) insurance companies, whilst rechipping most certainly does. Just a note of caution! A friend of my other half (MOH) had a similar model X to yours up to a couple of years ago and produced similar mpg figures, so you are certainly in the right range. Our Jag technician said that the figures you quoted are about what should be expected. Likewise, he (MOH's friend) never used additive, never had DPF warnings and continues in the same vein with his diesel XF. Hope this helps and, as always, happy growling

Good morning both, significant other and I were delighted to move into the world of flappy-paddle on our '07 V8 XK but initially did have a concern. Whenever we went into paddle mode it would work fine for a short while then suddenly top gear would be selected irrespective of what we were doing. A little off-putting on the approach to a wide open curve, tight corner or whatever. We then discovered that the paddle system will default into top gear after a certain time UNLESS you have selected Sport Mode. Since then, delight and when we do go out in the XK (high dry days and holidays) we have great fun with the paddle system where appropriate. Moral........read the handbook properly!! Paddle or not paddle, enjoy, and happy growling

Hi Ecky, we have same on our XJ8 X308. Our S and our XK have the later climate control, but with the XJ8, if the climate is set to auto, then the a/c light will be on also. This is as per the handbook; the aircon is not working but is live should the temperature in the car rise above what is required as per the temperature setting. Same applies to the X-type. Basically, don't change anything...it's working as it should! Happy growling

MOH says he certainly didn't pay for the experience, other than if you count his PAYE from years previously. Any further requests for information may result in the Hon Cubist of Shropshire becoming a customer, black plumes et al, and, of course, Claude is always there to lend a hand. He (Claude) would, of course, tread extra carefully in view of the litigatious nature of your extended family but does, apparently, hold concise and detailed plans of all oak-timbered residences in the Marches and beyond, whereupon you may be surprised to find that there may be a hitherto undiscovered(by yourself) entrance to your understairs closet. He is well-versed in the intricacies of silent approach, although he does, occasionally, give the game away when breaking wind after a particularly nice single malt accompanied by hot chilli pepper crisps. He can be distracted by TV (or VHS) re-runs of London's Burning, and particularly likes the episode where that big house by Westminster Bridge is seen to be engulfed in flames whereupon the entire government has to reconvene to the Welsh Assembly and do as they are told by the descendants of Owen Glyndwyr, and all wear black pointy hats. With regard to your apparent similarities to Mr Sachs L, we wonder if, also, somewhere along the line there is a connection with the venerable lexicographer Mr Pepys S who, apparently, apart from having a way with words, was also very good at secreting himself in closets and pepysing (see what I did there?!). Lord Clarendon walked quickly on, but naughty Samuel Pepys etc etc. Neither MOH nor I shall attempt to match your versatile verbalism which surely may result in a veritable verbiage, and when it comes to the programming languages, you are indeed speaking Dutch twice to us. Finally, just to annoy you : MOH says that if you look carefully, you might just pick him out in one of these photos.......or will you. Claude, get your running shoes

Brilliantine in the first degree, Steve (Cubist). I shall compose a suitably suitable response in due course, once my other half (MOH) is sat with me. At this moment he may be somewhere near Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwndrobyrllantysiliogogogoch scouting out another addition to our collection..................or is he? Watch how you go when you put the cat out (or in, in the case of Bess). Indeed, Claude would be a far safer bet as a visitor. Or would he? And don't forget, the barman said "Sorry sir, we don't serve time travellers." A time traveller walked into a bar. Watch this space. Or that one. What about that one.

Well said Cubist...........it happened to my other half on one occasion during his Rover SD1 V8 racing days.......other half was the hittee rather than the hitter, but couldn't believe that the other fellow seemed to have zeroed in when there appeared to be plenty of room to avoid. And this was production circuit racing, not short circuit contact sport! As readers of previous threads of myself and my partner will recall, we fall squarely in the traditionalist arena, subscribing clearly to the protocol "if it didn't leave the factory with it, it doesn't get it", although we have erred slightly with more powerful headlight bulbs in our '07 S. The XK stays as intended whilst the XJ8 hasn't sprouted any add-ons, although a set of mudflaps beckons. All that said, Jim, each to his own and it would be a strange world if we all drove around in identical wheels. In line with what Cubist says, better to be played with than consigned to the crusher, although we shan't be adding any go-faster stripes any time soon! Good luck in promoting your business but we'll pass on the business card! Fair does. Is that the JOC company vehicle I see approaching? ......

Aha, having read and enjoyed your last post on this thread, we think (due to the extensive use of words no longer in regular use, and replaced with "sort of you know like and I was like totes amazeballs" etc etc) that we have found the scriptwriter for the compere in the old BBC "The Good Old Days". This may, of course, be an erroneous assumption and unfounded, gadzooks, but gives rise to much mirth and another excuse to partake of victuals rather than heavily processed Welsh water. Looks like we have, also, joined the Lexicon club. With regard to Christmas (such fun, as Miranda's mum would doubtless say), well, we don't have the usual trials and tribulations of the family hostilities etc etc etc., not to mention the deep joy of yet another game of Monopoly, Scrabble or Gin Rummy. With no juniors and offspring to keep happy, neither of us drinkers of anything other than tea/coffee or elderflower cordial, we do our own thing! Last Christmas we had a bonus, in that the weather was bright, crisp and dry (as opposed to deep and crisp and even) and so we spent the day out in the XK, tootling around the countryside with odd stops to admire scenery etc, followed by a festive dinner of our choice on return. No re-runs of "Singing In The Rain", "Sound of Music" or "Best of You've Been Framed" for us. Sadly, this year the weather was rubbish, so the XK stayed in the Carcoon and even the S decided to lower masts and rigging on account of the b.... awful downpours. Friday before Christmas was a joyful time as our Worcester Warriors Premiership Rugby Team beat London Irish at Sixways giving us a helpful push up the table, followed by announcement of a new and respected Head of Rugby. Yay. See photo below. Ref the Classic Sales, the principle of deferred gratification is understood (unlike the Dalek as it was dismounting from the dustbin), although it goes hand in hand with the principle of "Too many Jaguars won't fit in the cathouse" as, whenever we attend, there is usually something tugging at the purse strings (or in the case of significant other , wallet straps); that said, it is also a good place to detect bodge jobs and less than perfect restos and, thus, learn the tell-tale signs. We should have caught a definite cold (even flu) had we gone for a '89 XJS some months ago, whilst the ex-Japan V12 XJS more recently looked lovely, but close inspection under the bonnet proved it to be a real dog (or should that be tomcat?). Never mind, the already open catalogues for the first two sales don't, at this moment, have any Browns Lane/Castle Bromwich products listed. It is also interesting to get a handle on the auctioneers' parlance........."Use and improve" usually means drive to the garage and await a big bill. "Find another" usually means why would you want to or, this one has survived but only just. "Subject to a historical restoration" can mean that there's been a typo and for historical, read hysterical. And so on and so on and so forth (or, in these days of inflation, so fifth). Similar concurrences with regard to the fly-by-wire items found nowadays; we aren't so sure either, having memories of the fly-by-wire Airbus aircraft which thought it best to take to the woods at a French air show some time ago. In a similar vein, we were puzzled whilst, recently, looking at battery chargers in our local Halfords (just in case, although our Carcoon has an inbuilt trickle device which, amazingly, we haven't had to use........the XK had stood for 6 weeks until this morning and fired up instantly) we noticed that they can't be used on vehicles with auto stop/start....you know, the ones with the inbuilt stall device!! Also reminds us that if you go flat with an EPB, you are basically tatered....charge or jump, but definitely no pushing to a more convenient place. We have looked everywhere but definitely can't find the starting handle for the XK! Onwards into 2018, enjoy the rest of 2017 one and all, and don't forget......reading "Famous Familial Axe Murders" could be offered in evidence showing intent, although Judge Rinder is easily distracted by the offer of a pink gin. As always, happy growling

Just bye the bye, Denso came out of Magneti Marelli, which came out of Lucas. Whilst on one of our frequent visits to the Jaguar Collection at Gaydon a while ago, the tech team were attempting to start a racing XJS exhibit and having little joy. One of the techs was heard to say "suspect anything with Lucas stamped on it!" May be it therefore follows "suspect anything with Denso stamped on it". Automotive parts named similarly to a washing powder might not be off to a good start (no pun intended.....then again). We, too, like to keep original, although it can be a little off putting when, due to lack of update, the satnav indicates that we are crossing a field near to the (old) main road. Ah well, bear right......grrrr, hello Yogi. Too much brandy sauce......hic

Do they even pay for things nowadays? Oops, looks like Christmas will be spent in the Tower. Significant other says he, also, was liberated in Pontypridd as his first girlfriend was from there. Too much information! The S is now about to depart for Worcester Sixways where Worcester Warriors Rugby are playing London Irish. We don't need Tomas Tomas as we know the way well. Happy growling and good luck with the new battery/seat presets et al.

Perhaps the Yorkshire King bought his satnav in Glasgow market. Dead (!) loss. I can feel the walls going up in the Welsh Marches. Tis the season to be jolly. Ho ho ho and gadzooks.

Just an amendment to the Classic sales at Leominster........the next Modern Classics is Thursday February 01, followed by the Classic and Vintage on Wednesday March 07. The next Jag Spares day at Stoneleigh is Sunday March 18. Sorry, Cubist, you'll have to get the typex on your pass-out chit! As always,happy growling

Aha, food for thought Ron! We did consider the factor of concentration/dilution as we have known a few folk in the past who have carried on buying everything in sight of their chosen marque/model, then ended up with a yard/garden full of "not-so-goods". Fortunately, we have the time and thoroughly enjoy our tinkering and cleaning/carnaubaring (is that even a word?!), not to mention riding around in our favourite Shropshire/Herefordshire/Worcestershire/Welsh Marches by-ways. We have set ourselves the task of keeping well up to speed on all 3, and, of course, although they are all Jaguars, they are 3 very different ones. They are all under strict instructions to behave whilst in the Cathouse, and get on very well. Purr, purr, purr. So far, the jobs identified are the weak driver's door check strap, a non-standard windscreen washer pipe (clear rather than black, and way too long), need to fit a set of mudflaps (which somehow improve the look of the model) and the usual antifreeze strength checks etc. MOT is due in February; we always use a local authority site where we always have the same tester (who is an ex-Jaguar technician and knows all the models inside out) and get an excellent report without any of the potential for unecessary jobs, as the local authority site doesn't, of course, do any repair work, and is, therefore, totally impartial. We sympathise entirely with regard to supermarket car parks etc. We never cease to be amazed by the abandon with which folk park, completely oblivious to the damage which is caused by carelessly opened doors etc. The S-type is, of course, with its unprotected doors, quite vulnerable whilst our XK, which is all aluminium, would damage very easily. Fortunately (with regard to parking) I have a blue badge, having had both knees done and it is essential to have doors fully open to enable getting in and out of any car, otherwise I am in trouble. Consequently we have the advantage of the large spaces with plenty of clearance, with the bonus that nobody can ding the panels. Needless to say, no blue badge spaces and we don 't park! Absolutely right with regard to the Mk2 and early S-type. There were some pretty poor restos out there, plus we are well aware that taking on a basket case effectively means an open cheque book and a very depleted bank balance! Significant other remembers doing all sorts of jobs on his '65 S-type back in the 70s with little more than a basic toolkit and a Jag workshop manual which he found in a closing-down dealership. You are definitely right with regard to the heavy steering etc etc. and my partner harks back to the late 90s and 2000s when he piloted his 1950 Wolseley 6/80 around which was VERY heavy, not really an option now. We shall all grow old gracefully, aided by PAS, servo brakes and parking sensors!! Rest assured we don't have a closet collection of Nissan Micras so the men in white coats can look elsewhere. One problem we do have though......how do two people get 3 Jaguars to the Breakfast Club meets or similar? Hmmm. As always, happy growling

Oh dear, what have best partner and myself done??!! How weak willed we all are. The next sale at that well known place not very far from your domicile, and ours, is March 07 (Classic & Vintage) and April 18 (Modern Classics). Although our Ruby didn't come from there; she was spotted whilst on our travels after the last Jaguar Spares Day at Stoneleigh, when we were touring the countryside in the XK. Private sale too. The aforementioned sale does a good full english as well, just to increase the temptation!! Sold to the Jaguar fan from Shropshire. As always, happy growling.

As an afterthought, interesting how the light changes how Madeira Pearl (which replaced Carnival Red) appears.....the two photos here were taken within minutes of one another, one with the sun just behind a cloud, the other in full light. The paintwork certainly "pops".

Honorable other half says a new Cat House would be excellent, particularly as he has been known to spend the odd occasion in the doghouse. An XJ8 wasn't really in the equation, but this one popped up and, aware that they (the X308) are, along with the X300 XJ, beginning to become a little more scarce (in good order) than they were, and buoyed by some quite high prices in the Modern Classic Sales, we decided to add her to the stable to enjoy, fettle to tip-top condition, and, well, keep the other 2 company. We gave up on the Mk2 idea, as we looked at many; some were basket cases, some restored(but badly), and the top condition ones were at astronomical money and well beyond our reach. Add to that the fact that we both are more comfortable with an automatic now, as the left knees are not what they were!! Must say the XJ8 cockpit is a very nice place to be and the ride is amazing, as compared with our S-type SE which is much crisper but not such a smooth ride, and, of course, the XK with the CATS suspension, which goes like it's on tramlines. Fortunately, the timing chain issue for the AJV8 power unit is not present here, as the complete timing chain tensioner/chains etc set-up was renewed just 9K miles ago; ditto for the throttle body and the plastic thermostat housing, replaced at the same time with an upgraded aluminium one. Even the valley coolant hoses have been renewed, thus dealing with the usual AJV8 issues. Reference a recent thread concerning "naming the car"........as per your Black Bess etc.; we now have Myfannwy (the XK), Daffers (the S-type) and the XJ is named Ruby. Might have something to do with the Madeira Pearl paintwork?! Once again, we may be on the lookout for a good sized garage (Cat House) with a house attached. Or a Cat House with a reasonable attic for us! These Jaguars are definitely more involving than, say, a collection of Nissan Micras or, dare I say it, a brace of some of those well-known German makes (other makes may be available). Happy growling

Aah well, looks like the XK X150 and the S-type have a sister. The 1998 XJ8 X308 was found whilst casually looking around, and at just 65K miles and in rather lovely condition with a factory sunroof, and at a very good price, she has joined the stable, coming complete with the private plate, which doesn't hold any particular significance for us but looks nice! Needless to say, the XJ is a different drive altogether to the XK, also the S; not so nimble but a lovely floaty ride and very comfortable. At the moment we are happily moving through the various odds and sods which we have found, such as weak door check strap, and we need to add a set of mudflaps, but we think that the XJ8 X308 is just on the turn towards rising value and so nice to have around. Does, however, give us the quandary.......what to go out in on any particular day. The XK ('07 and only 9K miles covered, living in a Carcoon) is definitely high days and holidays; the S is, almost, a daily driver, so the 8 is, for the moment, reserved for occasional wafts around the countryside when we feel like a good chill. Well that's the theory! Mr Prescott, move over.

Further to the above, have you thought of communicating with the folk at Jaguar World magazine (or Jaguar Classic) which are produced by Kelsey Publishing. They also often do articles on particularly interesting Jaguars such as yours. Just a thought.

Totally agree with everybody reference the above. We, however, have a simple solution. As Ron says, any unrecognised numbers who start pontificating........we put the 'phone down on the stairs or table and let them talk to themselves for a while. When they realise that there's nobody responding, they ring off. Surprisingly, with just one exception, none have recalled so, presumably, we were "blacklisted (!!!!)" Nil illegitimis carborundum Sahib

Hi Affy Having just read your thread, my partner suggests that Jaguar Classic at Ryton would possibly be of some assistance; they may refer you to somebody in Jaguar Heritage who own/manage the collection at Gaydon, which includes many prototypes, pre-production models and other equally rare one-offs, not to mention first and last of production runs. We have spoken on a few issues and they are usually pretty helpful. We work on the basis of if you don't ask, you don't get!!! Good luck

Memo to self, when travelling or parking up with our XK in the vicinity of Leominster etc., watch out for a '02 S-type with tow bar on the rear lurking with intent. Warning.....our XK bites!!!! Happy growling

Now that is a nice story, and with a good ending........good on you, particularly for exposing the BS of the Jag dealer. We only use Jag Indies (particularly Elite Performance & Jag in Derby, which although it's a bit of a jaunt, it's a good day out) for that very reason. We, also, are not a fan of the blacked-out look but somehow, the red of your X sets it off; have many miles of enjoyment. It is always good to keep it in the family. Add a blue light and you could be the fire chief.