Jhdee

If you could post a few more details like model, year, etc it would make it a lot easier for someone to provide suitable advice.

I went from a 4.2 XK to a 5.0 XKR and there is no way I would now go for an XK. I know you question is a little different but for me it would depend on the intended use of the car. If you want a daily runner - I'd suggest the 5.0 XK. However, if you intend weekend use only - I'd go for the 4.2 XKR.

Hi Graham, Afraid I can't help with the 8.5 volt situation but as regards of it not being an MOT failure - I would be careful. The MOT test manual says that any additional brake light (such as your spoiler light) fitted as standard must be functional IF CONNECTED. Some testers will fail it, some will pass with an advisory and others will give the benefit of the doubt that if no LED lights up then the unit is not connected and hence a straight pass. I have actually experienced all 3 options with a previous vehicle - and no I won't mention what it was because I'm too ashamed John D

It was an S Type 4.2l that pointed me towards an XK X150 - both of which I had for three years each. Whilst I was really satisfied with the 4.2 XK, I always lusted after the 5.0l XKR which I now have. Would thoroughly recommend the XKR - the X100 if it is to be a weekend car or the X150 if its a daily drive. Sorry - off topic

Hi Tom, On your 2008 model the AM/FM aerial is in the boot spoiler together with the aerial amplifier. Only the 2006 & 2007 models have a mechanical antenna. Please see the attached extracts from the Workshop Manual which will hopefully help you find the unit. I've also attached the Manual extracts for removing the tail gate trim which may or may not be necessary. There is a splitter in the antenna coax cable - it is located below the R/H rear light cluster. I would look here first as it is much easier than removing the tailgate trim which is retained by clips that are EXTREMELY easy to break. It could also be the earth connection if you have a coupe as there is a strap to the tailgate hinge. Hope this helps - if you need some more from the Workshop Manual let me know and I'll do my best to extract it for you. Jhdee (John) Antenna 3.pdf Antenna 2.pdf Antenna 1.pdf Tailgate Lower Trim Removal 2.pdf Tailgate Lower Trim Removal 1.pdf Tailgate Upper Trim Removal.pdf

Hi Graham, Typical of main dealers these days - my son has a Volvo with extended guarantee and an airbag light came on recently. Took it to the Volvo main dealer - got charged £79 for diagnostics check and then told is wasn't covered by warranty as it was "a loose wire" - ended up with a bill of almost £200 !!! - absolute scam as far as I'm concerned and the best thing is that the light has now come back on again !!! Next time he visits the dealer I'm going with him with my baseball bat with Attitude Adjuster written down the side - only joking - honestly officer The high level brake out is a MOT failure for sure but based on my son's recent adventure - so is an airbag light !! Do you have a MOT warranty with your car ?? I managed to talk them into one when i bought the XKR. Hope you get a sensible answer from the dealer. Best regards John D PS - I forgot to mention the XKR - yes there is quite a difference between my old 4.2 XK and my 5.0 XKR - the scenery seems to be on fast forward. Its certainly more demanding to drive in wet conditions - and living in Wales that means most of the time !!! - but I wouldn't change it for the world - totally satisfied

Hi Graham, Have dug out the instructions for removal of the tailgate interior trim - 3 pages attached. You will need to be very careful with the push fit trim clips - they are EXTREMELY easy to break. Have just remembered I have a spare aero kit spoiler somewhere in my garage - I will dig it out and have a look at how the wiring is routed and try and get some photos that may help. Have seen used LED lights units for sale on eBay for £50 - so may be worth a look - but I still think it may be a connector/power supply/fuse type problem as all the LEDs are out. Cheers Jhdee Tailgate Lower Trim Removal 2.pdf Tailgate Lower Trim Removal 1.pdf Tailgate Upper Trim Removal.pdf

Hi Graham, Yes - it should be working. Have had a quick look and cannot see any fuses for this light but from the workshop manual I've found this page on how to remove it - may be worth opening it up and putting a separate power feed to it to see if its still working. It sounds like a main connection though - I believe the light unit is made up from separate LEDs and it would be unlikely that all the LEDs would go out at the same time. Have a look at the attached extract - then if you need some more info let me know. Jhdee Rear Upper Stop Lamp Removal.pdf

I believe the XJS is a classic albeit an unloved classic - as yet. It now appears the market is changing and values are on the up. I have owned my 1980 XJS since 1982 being its second owner. Its spent many years unused but it now being re-commissioned. It has done 43,000 miles and is one of the last pre-HE cars. Many times I've thought about selling it but I just keep on remembering what a fantastic car it was to drive when it was last on the road. So to me it is most certainly a classic and even if no other person loves it - I do - and that's all that really matters. I also own a 2010 XKR which I enjoy immensely but I can't wait to get the XJS back on the road - hopefully in the next couple of months.

Hi Richard Personally, I am one of the very few that like the old "dodgem" car style aerials - the OEM update was to located the aerial in the rear spoiler but that still leaves the aerial in the rear wing unless you get the hole filled and painted - expensive !!! I have seen some MB SL & SLKs with bee-sting type aerials which look a little more modern but I don't know of anyone that has fitted one. The OEM method of using the iPhone is called the ACM - Audio Connectivity Module. This is quite expensive (£200+) and for the early X150's you need to make sure you get the correct version - there are differences and they only work if the year of the module and car match - so if you go this route make sure you get the correct kit. The other way is to use something from the aftermarket like that suggested by Andrew - I have heard that a Parrot hands free can also be made to work.

Hi Graham, All is fine in wet and windy Wales thanks. Hope all is going well for you too. I was considering the Adamesh DRL's for the XK because they are dual purpose - better fogs & DRL's - depending on how you wire them up. Now I've changed to an XKR - these lights won't fit - no fogs on a 2010 - not seen anything yet for the 2010 and from 2011 Jag fitted them as standard. John D

You may be in luck - have a look at this page on Adamesh site http://www.adamesh.co.uk/jaguar-xk-led-day-time-running--fog-lights---style-1-4852-p.asp They also sell another option - not sure if this is what you are after but they are apparently suitable for 2006 to 2010 XKs.

Just found this in the shop manual for a 2006/7 Rev_Fog Light Removal.pdf

Hi Wayne, On a 2006 the L/H side is the reverse light and the R/H side is the rear fog light. The outer red section on the L/H side is only a reflector. You are quite correct - from 2010 onwards LED rear lights were fitted. With the intro of LEDs, reverse lights were on both sides together with rear fog lights on both sides.

Hi Mark, My first XK was a 4.2 litre X150 2007. I recently traded it in for a 5.0 litre XKR. I used the first one as my daily drive doing around 22,000 miles a year. It had 110,000 miles on the clock when I traded. In that time I only had one small problem other than routine maintenance. The main trick to keeping costs down is to find an independent shop that specialises in Jags - the main dealer will really make your eyes water. Good luck with finding an XKR 175 - they are pretty difficult to find - anywhere but one thing I'm sure of - you will not regret buying one.

I use mytyres too -- especially for winter tyres - probably because they operate out of Germany where winter tyres are compulsory. The other option is oponeo -- they have good prices too.

Just think about all the money he's going to spend on tyres

If you're going for the F type --- better wait for a V8. When I bought my first XK, I spent most of my time wishing I'd gone for an XKR.

Once again - the F type is a sports car .......... the XKR is a GT ......... similar in comparing an Aston Martin Vantage to a DB9. It depends what you really want. The F type will be sharper than the XKR for sure but i know which one I'd take on a long drive. The F type will most certainly make the XKR feel dated ........... all the developments from the XKR were included in the F type form the start .......... but as value for money, you're going to go a long way to find something to match the XKR let alone surpass it.

Sounds like it needs a good run down the motorway .... 30 to 45 minutes at least if its been parked up for some time. Low battery voltage won't help either as this may affect the fuelling. It may be worth putting an OBD code reader on it to see if any codes are stored ....... at least this would give you a starting point. The other item it may be is a Lambda sensor but that should show up with the code reader. Sorry, can't help with a garage in your area.

Hi Carl, Good selection but I looked at it from a slightly different point of view - would I swop my 5.0 V8 XKR for any of the models you suggest. The simple answer is ..... no. The Evora is a sports car not a GT. Reliability & maintenance costs would rule it and the Maserati out for me. I agree completely that the XJ interior is something really special and whilst its beautiful on the inside its not quite so pretty on the outside - and that is where the XKR comes in - its beautiful form all angles, my indie keeps it going at minimal costs and it the soundtrack it plays matches anything available at the same price ........... oh yeah, its quite quick too ........... .............. tough choice.

Have a look at this thread - may be of some use to you. http://www.jaguarforum.com/showthread.php?t=55208&page=5&highlight=aerial+replacement Personally - and I know its a Marmite type thing - but I like the "olde" mast - reminds me of my XJS - which one day I"ll get back on the road !!!

20 inch wheels will give you the hardest ride due the lower profile of the tyres. A change to 19 inch or even 18 inch wheels & tyres would certainly make the ride a little softer but at quite a cost. I have used Dunlops on my 2007 XK and have the same on my current 2010 XKR. The XK was 19 inch and the XKR is 20 inch - Dunlops at both diameters have been very good. I usually get tyres from mytyres.co.uk - delivery is very good and their prices are very competitive - particularly if you want winter tyres (which I fully recommend). Have also heard that Michelin have been very good on the XK/XKR - but an annual mileage of only 5000 would probably not justify their premium price - but the do last very well. Hope this helps.

Hi Graham, I've had the XK for just over 3 years now and put some 60,000 miles on it myself giving it a total of 108,000 miles. In that time it has only let me down once - the Auxiliary Power Supply module failed which prevented the car from starting - cost ~ £700 from a main dealer (I was in Doncaster so not able to use my friendly local independent) and had the car back the next day. Also had some suspension bushes replaced - as you would expect at 100,000 miles plus. I do make sure that the service intervals are met and all the Jaguar recommendations are carried out. One extra item i have done with all my Jags - I get the auto box oil replaced at 60,000 ~ 70,000 miles intervals. Jag say the box is filled for life but it is possible to change the oil and internal filters and it certainly improves the life of the auto box - even if it is an expensive job. The car has been driven hard but looked after and has proven to be one of the more reliable cars I've had - early next year I'll be in the market for another XK - this time it will definitely be an XKR of the 5.0 litre variety but will be able to keep the mileage down on this one. Think that says it all !!! Best regards John D

Hi Graham, Sorry to reply so late - work keeps interfering !!! "The initial answer I got from Halfords was that "if you change it over quickly enough you don't normally lose anything". Hardly inspiring confidence." Actually, when I changed my battery, I made sure I did it rather quickly and didn't lose anything - didn't need to reset the electronic brake, windows, memory setting etc - so in all fairness to Halfords - its sound like they gave you good info but I don't understand the reasons why. Mine was also the original battery - which would have made it 8 years old - so a reasonable life. You should get even better with your nice new AGM battery. Unfortunately, when I changed mine, my local Halfords didn't have an AGM version available so had to settle for a normal version. Would have much preferred the AGM unit but couldn't wait because I needed to use the car that day. One thing I would suggest - find yourself a local independent Jaguar specialist - it will save you an absolute fortune in running costs. If I had to use my local Jag dealer (sounds like Brimstone !!!) I would have to sell my XK. I was quoted ~£1400 by my local Jag dealer for a number of jobs I wanted doing. My captive independent specialist did the lot for less than £600. Best regards John D