Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Target Audience:
Affluent individuals seeking performance, comfort, and style
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911, BMW 8 Series, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Aston Martin DB7
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, powerful V8 engine, refined ride quality, premium interior
Brand Heritage:
Draws on Jaguar's legacy of performance and luxury automotive design
Value:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level repair and maintenance information for a complex luxury vehicle, enabling cost-effective ownership and ensuring proper upkeep.
Primary Regions:
Global (covers specifications applicable to major markets)
Model Variants Covered:
XK8 Coupe, XK8 Convertible, XKR Coupe, XKR Convertible
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds (exact number not specified, described as 'hundreds of pages')
Type:
Factory Service & Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF, downloadable)
Accessibility:
Instant download, usable on computer, tablet, smartphone
Licensing:
Lifetime use, no expiry, no renewal fees, unlimited installations
Compatibility:
Windows & macOS
Printability:
Printable (single pages or entire manual)
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brakes (front & rear), wheels & tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, instrument cluster, body electrical, power accessories, audio system, navigation system, climate control electronics
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, convertible top mechanism (if applicable), seats, bumpers
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, inspections
Repair:
Component replacement, system diagnostics and repair, adjustments, overhauls
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), specific system diagnostics, electrical circuit testing
Technical Data:
Specifications, torque values, clearances, tolerances
Depth:
Comprehensive; suitable for professional mechanics and skilled DIY enthusiasts
Detail Level:
Step-by-step instructions, detailed photos, exploded diagrams, wiring schematics
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8 (XK8), Supercharged V8 (XKR)
Displacement:
3.98 L (XK8), 4.0 L (XK8/XKR), 4.2 L (later models, not covered)
Bore X Stroke:
86 mm x 86 mm (4.0L)
Compression Ratio:
10.75:1 (4.0L NA), 8.8:1 (4.0L Supercharged)
Horsepower Xk8:
290 hp @ 6000 rpm (4.0L)
Torque Xk8:
290 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (4.0L)
Horsepower Xkr:
370 hp @ 6150 rpm (4.0L Supercharged)
Torque Xkr:
393 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (4.0L Supercharged)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Injection System:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP)
ECU:
Jaguar Electronics Module (JEM) / Bosch Motronic
Type:
5-speed ZF 5HP24 automatic transmission
Type:
N/A (All models covered by this manual came with an automatic transmission)
Control:
Jaguar Electronic Automatic Transmission (JEAT) with selectable 'Sport' mode
Fluid Type:
Mercon SP / ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent)
Capacity:
Approximately 8-10 liters (dry fill)
NHTSA Rating:
Not readily available for this specific generation/market, but typical for its class
IIHS Rating:
Not readily available for this specific generation/market, but typical for its class
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS), optional Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on later models within the range
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (optional or standard on later models)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Head Unit:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with optional navigation system
Audio System:
Alpine premium audio system with multiple speakers
Cruise Control:
Standard adaptive cruise control (CATS - Computer Active Technology Suspension) was also available on some models.
Suspension:
Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) adaptive damping system
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated hands-free telephone system (limited functionality by modern standards)
Oil Change:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first
Major Service:
Typically around 50,000-60,000 miles or 5-6 years, including timing chain tensioners, spark plugs, coolant flush, transmission fluid change.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SJ or SL rated). Check manual for specific Jaguar approvals (e.g., JWS 3309).
Coolant:
Jaguar Longlife Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based) - typically blue or green. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 LV for specific systems)
Power Steering Fluid:
Jaguar Power Steering Fluid (or Pentosin CHF 11S equivalent)
Timing Chain Tensioners:
Plastic tensioners on early AJ-V8 engines (pre-2002, especially 4.0L) are prone to wear and failure, leading to timing chain noise and potential catastrophic engine damage. Replacement with upgraded metal tensioners is a critical preventative maintenance item.
Plastic Coolant Pipes:
Plastic coolant pipes and thermostat housings can become brittle and crack, leading to coolant leaks.
Coil-On-Plug Failures:
Ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires and rough running.
Convertible Top Hydraulics:
Hydraulic cylinders for the convertible top can leak, causing slow or inoperable top operation.
Water Pump:
The original water pump had a plastic impeller that could degrade and fail. Later models often came with improved metal impellers. Replacement is recommended.
Car And Driver Editors Choice:
Often praised by automotive journalists for its styling, performance, and value proposition within the luxury GT segment.
Auto Express Award:
Received accolades for design and performance.
Value For Money:
Consistently recognized as offering excellent performance and luxury for its price point compared to some German competitors.
