Quentin Heslop

Have you checked the drain holes are clear. They will run down through the pillars to the engine bay or wheel arches. Try pouring water through and perhaps clear with thin wire.

Hi Phil. I'm no expert but at that age I reckon it will be factory fit. My 1998 XJ when I had it was too early for Bluetooth and had a handset tucked away in the centre arm rest console. Just thinking your S type from the same era would be similar.

They're a bizarre waste of time. They're on in good visibility conditions but in poor conditions, should be off as headlights are a requirement of the Highway Code. My car turns headlights on in dim light or when wipers are operating; all perfectly adequate and ultimately the driver should be responsible for safe operation. Why don't the rear lights operate with driving lights? Those who think just using then in poor conditions are a real danger.

I prob cant be much use as I'm in Hampshire and used a local well known supplier, Micheldever Tyres. My Dunlop SMPMAXXJ fully fitted worked out at £226.45 each, fitted and including VAT, back in July this year

I have similar size on my xj. I always stuck with the original Pirellis which were more comfortable but wear out quickly (a puncture and unavailability of Pirelli forced me into fitting a Dunlop quickly after all four tyres were replaced and that has far outlasted the other three). I am now on all Dunlop but the ride is noticeably more 'jiggly'. I do think you get what you pay for and that the original fitments are usually chosen by the manufacturer for best performance and comfort.

I asked my dealer about that before and seem to remember it being a sealed system

For my money I'd always want the R as its power is a dream to use but the xk8 goes plenty well enough and you will buy newer or less miles. Have you looked at Arun Jaguar? They have older stock but specialise in Jaguars. Probably better than buying from a general dealer.