Old Peter

My S type was due to take its MOT on or about the 21ist June and the earliest it could be taken was the 21st May, the day after the new MOT rules came in. Not a problem although the tester could not get an emissions reading, and had to rev the car up a bit before he got one. I have never had a problem with the DPF -- premium fuel and a drop of additive once a month seems to work. I would let her -- Morgana -- take me out for a drink tonight except she doesn't like me drinking and driving, however small. Neither does SWMBO! Peter.

Hi Dave, My Battery is also a Platinum, just 18 months old, but they do need a charge if you have only been doing short runs. But nothing to worry about. Peter.

Hi David, It occasionally does that on my car, but only when the battery needs a charge, which is why it doesn't stay on when you are driving. Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the club, James. Sharing experiences is a great assistance to most members, but enjoying Jaguars is the biggest experience. I live only 6 miles from Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, where most Jaguars cars are made. We do make good cars! Regards, Peter.

Hi Mal, Your car does have a DPF, so just ensure you give it a longish run once a month or so. I would also recommend you use premium fuel, as it will keep the engine cleaner and also give you a better mpg. Your engine oil will probably be semi synthetic W5 30. Castrol Magnatec is recommended for the s type. Regards, Peter

Hi David, I have thought about chroming up the lights, but nothing else. The lights on Ron's car look quite good especially on a darker car, and I have not ruled out doing the same to mine. I did see an S type with Chrome wing mirrors and wheel arches and thought that it looked more like a fifties American style car. I wouldn't bother with them. Regards, Peter.

Hi Nick, I have the same model as Carole, but luckily I have never had the DPF warning light come on. Before I bought the S type diesel, I did do my homework and was aware that DPF regeneration was a factor in keeping the car's engine running well. I use Shell V Power - there is a Shell station 500 yards away - but due to a few EGR faults and my unwillingness to try taking them off for cleaning I just used a spray, but now I use an additive [Millers] and for the last two years I have not had the problem. I only do about 5000 miles a year but ensure there is a longish run once a month, sometimes using the manual facility on the J Gate to keep the revs over about 1800 rpm. Prevention is a better than a cure, though. Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the club, Nathan. The Club has members all over the world, and I am personally rather pleased to see a member from Hong Kong. The last time I was in the USA I saw an S Type in Phoenix, Arizona. I was attracting quite a lot of people looking at its sleek lines. So you enjoy your Jaguar and I hope you enjoy the club also. Regards, Peter.

I was taught that a shilling was 12 pence in proper money and consequently it took 20 0f them to make a £1. A two bob piece = 10 to £1 And then a shilling was a 5p piece in this modern money. I also was taught the real words of Rule Britannia Rule Britannia Two tanners make a bob, Three make one and six [1/6] And four two bob. That Shropshire fresh air can take some getting used to.

Welcome to the Club, Brian. The XF is a nice car, and succeeded the S Type. It is wise to get as many bells and whistles as possible -- they add an extra touch. Regards, Peter.

Hi Joe, On the 7th and 8th of Julythere is the annual event of "Cars in the Park" at Lichfield. Well worth attending. Don't forget the JOC event at Lancaster Jaguar in Tamworth on 22nd July. I hope there is a good attendance. Regards, Peter.

Hi Frank, The Leaper can look well, and even Bill Lyons was overruled when he said it looked like a frightened cat being chased off a fence! It is an iconic type, and if an owner likes it, no problems and it does look like a Jaguar. Regards, Peter,

Hi Andrew, and welcome to the club. I am inclined to agree with Rodney. A turbo charged diesel has plenty of power, especially from 30 mph to 70 mph. Its there when you need it. The design engineers are pretty good when getting the power to weight ratio right. Jaguar used the same engine in the XF and in the Estate version and it could easily pull a heavier car. Years ago, in my motorcycle days, a mate had his 250 cc BSA speeded up, and he claimed it would do 100 mph, and it dis, -- for about 10 seconds. The X type is a nice comfortable car and you will enjoy it as it is. It will save you a few shillings, too. Regards, Peter.

The Leaper is very Jaguar. Daimler was only taken over by Jaguar in 1965, after the Leaper was introduced.

Hi Wayne, You don't need to drill a hole, as there are stick on ones, but don't fit a leaper - it does not look that good on an x type. And I would not bother with a remap, as you have bought a good workhorse, rather than a sports car. The 2.2 diesel engine is a good one and quite economical when well driven. Additionally a remap might affect your insurance and possibly the new rules for the MOT. Regards, Peter.

Hi Barry, The first diesel I drove was an ancient Ford Tractor from Widnes to Haydock via Warrington where I was stopped by police for making too much noise. I pointed out that the exhaust was perfectly OK and that it was used to being in a field rather than on a road. They moved me on quickly and forgot to check my driving licence. Good Job!! No insulation on tractors -- just ear protectors. Peter.

Hi Barry, Generally speaking diesel engines are nosier the petrol engines which is why diesel car does get better insulation. It is helped by using the correct oil and good fuel. My .7 diesel s type , now 11 years old is remarkably quiet. Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the club, Stephen. The X Type Estate is a great workhorse, as well a a classy car. Just enjoy it! Regards, Peter.

Welcome to the Club, Salvatore. I would check out what the handbook or the plate on the door pillar says, but it does seem to be the right pressure. Peter.

Hi All, It would be interesting to see how many members might be attending the Midlands Event, so I am opening a list: Old Peter -- S type SE 2.7 Diesel.

Hi Dominic, I have just googled "Car Airconditioning Experts in Dorset" and have found a plethora of companies who repair car air-condition units across Dorset. Regards, Peter.

Welcome home to the club, Dominic. The avenue you could try is the second hand market and you could be lucky. Denis [the JagMan] in the club who takes Jaguars apart for a hobby might have what you need. On the other hand, I was at a genuine Jaguar Parts supplier who might be able to help. If you try the David Manners Group -- they have a very good website -- they might have one or know where they can get one. Their 'phone number is 0121 544 4040, and they are very helpful. I will continue to see if there is that part somewhere. Meanwhile, enjoy your s type - a great car and in my opinion, a future classic. Morgana will be visiting the beautiful County of Dorset in September for our annual holiday in the south. Regards, Peter. Just an addition: it appears that the part you could be looking for is the motor that opens and closes the door of the Heat Blender part of the air con. Bearing in mind the Jaguar was owned by Ford when you car was made it is possible that the part in question could also be available from Ford I am given a guess that the cost of the part would be about £50. I would also guess that there must be an airconditioning repair company relatively local to you. Peter.

It sounds like an engine problem to me.

Hi David, That's my theory down the drain! I have not had any problems such as you describe, but engine mounts look to be a possibility. I would run the engine at about 1500 revs with a glass of water on the top of the engine, preferably on metal, to see the effect on the water. Peter.

Hi David, The recommended weight of a trailer for your car is around 1500kg, so it is possible that towing a 1600kg trailer has caused some kind of damage. The car has the power to tow over 1800kg but the criterion for towing is the kerb weight. I would have the car checked over to see if there are any areas that could be damaged. Regards, Peter.