🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XK8

Chassis Code:

X100

Model Years Covered:

1996-2006

Engine Code Common:

AJ-V8 (various displacements)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Luxury Grand Tourer, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and sophisticated styling.

Competitors:

BMW 8 Series, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Porsche 911 (early models), Aston Martin DB7.

Design Philosophy:

Classic Jaguar styling with modern performance capabilities, emphasizing driver engagement and luxurious appointments.

Body Styles:

Coupe and Convertible

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Workshop Service and Repair

Total Pages:

718

Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Automatic)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Audio System, Climate Control System, Body Electrical (Windows, Locks, Seats), Engine Control Module (ECM) Diagnostics, ABS/Traction Control Systems

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes, Filter Replacements, Inspections

Repair Overhaul:

Engine Reassembly, Transmission Rebuilds, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Electrical Schematics Interpretation

Installation Removal:

Component Removal and Installation (e.g., engine, transmission, suspension parts, body panels)

Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic adjustments to full engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution, printable quality PDF

Printability:

All pages are printable

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

AJ-V8 (Aluminum, DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder)

Displacement Early Models:

3.2 L (3239 cc) and 4.0 L (3961 cc)

Displacement Later Models:

4.2 L (4196 cc) (from 2003 facelift)

Horsepower 4.0L Na:

Approx. 290-322 hp (depending on year and variant)

Horsepower 4.2L Na:

Approx. 300 hp

Torque 4.0L Na:

Approx. 290-305 lb-ft

Torque 4.2L Na:

Approx. 300 lb-ft

Supercharged Variant:

XKR (4.0L and 4.2L Supercharged variants available)

Horsepower 4.0L Sc:

Approx. 370 hp

Torque 4.0L Sc:

Approx. 385 lb-ft

Horsepower 4.2L Sc:

Approx. 400 hp

Torque 4.2L Sc:

Approx. 408 lb-ft

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SPI)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

ZF 5HP24 (5-speed Automatic) for early models, ZF 6HP26 (6-speed Automatic) for later 4.2L models.

Availability:

Manual transmission was not offered on the XK8/XKR.

Electronic Control:

Electronically controlled with adaptive shift programs and 'Sport' mode.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 197.4 inches (5014 mm) for Coupe / 197.2 inches (5009 mm) for Convertible

Width:

Approx. 70.9 inches (1801 mm)

Height:

Approx. 53.1 inches (1349 mm) for Coupe / 53.0 inches (1346 mm) for Convertible

Curb Weight Approx:

3700-4000 lbs (1678-1814 kg) depending on model and body style.

🛡️ Safety Features

General Safety:

Designed to meet contemporary safety standards for its class, though specific NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings for this era may vary and might not be as comprehensive as modern vehicles.

Traction Control:

Standard Electronic Traction Control (ETC), optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on later models.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Front Airbags, Side Airbags.

Rollover Protection:

Deployable roll-over protection hoops for convertible models.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound systems, often with CD players and optional navigation systems on later models.

Cruise Control:

Standard adaptive cruise control on some later models.

Phone Integration:

Early models may have had optional hands-free phone kits; later models integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Typical:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific recommendations).

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to the manual for specific mileage or age-based major service items (e.g., spark plugs, coolant, transmission fluid).

Engine Oil Type 4.0L:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (synthetic recommended).

Engine Oil Type 4.2L:

API SM or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (synthetic recommended).

Transmission Fluid Zf5Hp24:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent specification like Esso LT 71141).

Transmission Fluid Zf6Hp26:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 (or equivalent specification like Shell M-1375.4).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) formulation, typically pink or orange.

Tensioners 4.0L:

Plastic timing chain tensioners in the 4.0L AJ-V8 engine are prone to degradation and failure, potentially causing catastrophic engine damage. Upgraded metal tensioners are available.

Nikasil Engines:

Early 4.0L AJ-V8 engines used Nikasil cylinder liners, which could be susceptible to damage from sulfur in fuel (less of an issue in many markets with cleaner fuel). Later 4.0L and all 4.2L engines use aluminum liners with liners.

Dsc Pump Failure:

Water pump for the DSC system can fail, leading to the loss of DSC functionality.

Convertible Top Mechanism:

Hydraulic lines and pump for the convertible top can develop leaks.

Suspension Bushings:

Wear on suspension bushings can lead to a less precise feel and increased road noise.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for producing elegant, powerful, and luxurious sports cars and grand tourers, building on models like the E-Type.

Evolution:

The X100 platform replaced the XJS and was a significant departure in design and technology, embracing a more modern interpretation of the Jaguar GT. It received a notable facelift in 2003 with updated styling, interior, and the introduction of the 4.2L engine and 6-speed transmission.

Production Start End:

1996-2006

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Recognition:

The XK8/XKR was generally well-received for its styling, performance, and comfort, often praised as a true modern classic Jaguar.