Old Peter

Hi Fred. I am not an engineer either, but before I buy anything I do a bit of research, although on occasion, my wife buys something because she likes the colour, which is how I came to get an X Type AWD Manual Petrol in Red when I wanted an S Type auto diesel in Blue. The X type AWD is very sure footed and hugs the road in all weather/ Jaguar cars are usually rear wheel drive and the X Type AWD version panders to that a bit by supplying 60% of power to the rear wheels and 40% to the front under normal circumstances, and can shift the power to get best traction when required. I had a snowy winter with mine without a single problem and would still have it had it not been stolen. Having looked around I think your car will have traction control. The S Type has Dynamic Stability control which can be switched off. You will enjoy your Jaguar. Regards, Peter.

Hi Fred, From what I could find in a short time the Jaguar X Type AWD had some technical difference made to its transmission in 2004/05. Not being a technical wizard I would not hazard what the differences were and what was their effect. I will continue and see what I can find as regards to specification for the various models. At the time of your car's manufacture Jaguar was owned by Ford who were very good on engineering but lousy on paperwork, and handbooks were sometimes not up to date. Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the Club, Fred. Traction control? I had a X Type 2.5 litre petrol with AWD, but as far as I remember it did not have traction control. I have since heard that TS was an optional extra. The Model had was the SE. I am going to have a look around and see what I can find. Regards, Peter.

Glasgow is full today, and it looks as if everyone is enjoy the City and the Sport. I have had many great experiences in Glasgow, but the funniest was the day I was taking our caravan up to Oban for a couple of weeks holiday. There were roadworks on the motorway and Scotland were using up the UK quota of cones. We got stuck in the wrong lane, cones either side and we finished up on the Springfield Road on the day of the Scottish Cup Final. The road was crowded with load of spectators on their way to the match, all carrying a few cans of McEwans. "See you, Jimmy" and cheers as we drove gingerly through the crowd. My wife was worried how to get out of the crush, and when I said we were going to head for Glasgow main Railway Station she got somewhat concerned, till I pointed out that there would be road signs pointing the way out. So we had a great two hours driving through Glasgow, dragging our twin axle Bessacarr behind the Rover. What a day!

Welcome to the Club, Chris. Nice car, and the colour suits. I had a X type that colour. Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the Club, Chris. The S type is a nice car. Which model have you got? Petrol or diesel? Some pictures would be good. There are lot of friendly and helpful members in the club, who have a fund of experience. Regards, Peter.

Hi John, I have not had good experiences with Kwikfit, and when I had an X Type I needed two front tyres after a bad pothole experience, and got both Pirellies the same as yours for £190 from Halfords in Sutton Coldfield. The wheel alignment cost £29.95, but they forgot to either do it or charge me, so the next day they did it for nothing. But each of these and other companies differ from town to town Peter

There was a rent post on this topic, Keith. It might be worth scrolling back a few weeks. Peter.

I think the 57 plate was the last, Graham. My 2.7D is on an 07 plate and with only about 150k sold in the UK there are not that many around as some other cars. Peter.

Last week the aircon was blowing in air that was quite cool rather than quite cold. This morning I had to go into Burton on Trent and the aircon was absolutely perfect, blowing in once cold air and keeping the interior at a perfect temperature as required. I think it was punishing me last week for letting the fuel get under 50 mile range! Peter.

Hi Graham, I think that both the 3 litre and the 4.2 litre engines have their merits, although the 4.2 litre might have take a bit of hammer from boy racers. They are quite a rarity. A friend of mine has one but he never uses it in the winter as he says it is too expensive to run. The 3 litre is a great engine and very popular in the USA in both the S Type and the X type. A 2007 low mileage S Type with the 3 litre engine is still pretty quick and the SE model is well equipped. Regards, Peter.

Hi Graham, I have had a look around and there are quite a few 3 litre petrol S Types around with reasonable mileages, and a few 4.2 litres R versions. Piston Heads and Auto Trader are worth looking at, but there are a couple of dealers who seem to specialise on the R versions. Regards, Peter.

Looking around, Andy, it does not seem too difficult. But not having an X type I cannot go out and have a look. But there are plenty of people selling replacement grills, which says to me that the job can be done easily. Regards, Peter

Hi Daniel, The same fuse is used for both operations -- so that could be the answer. Otherwise I am mystified. Peter.

Some posts do get well away from the topic -- I put my hands up to being guilty on occasion -- and I hope that members feel that my odd gentle reminder is basically tidying up discussions. Last week however I did have to delete 17 very long posts from a new member, all put on immediately after he joined. I also had to give him what is known in these parts as the "Gypsies Warning." Peter.

Hi Kevin, The specification for the 2003 3 litre S Type does indicate that it has foldable wing mirrors. The dial that adjusts the morrors also folds in the mirrors. Just press and release the lower part of the dial and they should fold in. Similarly press and release to return them. Peter.

Welcome to the Club, Peter. Nice car you have got. My Head of Finance bought me my S type. Regards, Peter.

It has a bit, Chris. It should have gone into the members lounge! We should remember that --- all these old so & sos jangling like old women on the doorstep! Peter.

Sorry Daniel, Graham is right. Bottom of the dial! Peter.

I thought that electric mirrors were standard on the S type, Daniel. Just press the button underneath the mirror adjustment dial and the mirrors should fold in. Peter.

Hi Daniel, I have found a Fuse location from a USA handbook which might be what you are looking for. The fuse in question covers 2 electrical devices: 1. Power Folding Mirrors 2. Sunblind. It is the Passenger compartment fusebox and its number is F21 Mini 10a Red. Goo luck. Peter.

Push the button is what it says in my handbook. I can only think it must be the fuse or the switch itself. Peter.

We make our own burgers, Trevor --- the grandchildren love them. I will be making my own sausages soon. Some people do appear to live on takeaways and ready meals. Peter.

Trevor would have competition from that other musician Burger Van Day.