🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XJ

Generation Code:

X308

Year:

1998

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan

Brand Perception:

Jaguar is synonymous with British luxury, performance, and elegant styling. The XJ represents the pinnacle of Jaguar's sedan offerings.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Cadillac DeVille.

Design Philosophy:

Classic, understated elegance with a focus on comfort and refined driving dynamics. The X308 continues the iconic long-wheelbase Jaguar silhouette.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and independent technicians with the knowledge to perform accurate diagnosis, maintenance, and repairs, potentially saving significant costs associated with dealership servicing and avoiding incorrect work by unqualified mechanics.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

AJ-V8 engine (3.2L, 4.0L naturally aspirated and supercharged variants), engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, engine management (ECU diagnostics and wiring diagrams).

Transmission Systems:

ZF 5HP24 5-speed automatic transmission (mechanical and electrical diagnostics, fluid service, torque converter).

Chassis And Suspension:

Front and rear independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering system (power steering rack and pump), wheel alignment specifications.

Brake Systems:

Front and rear disc brakes (ventilated), ABS system (Bosch ABS 5.0), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, caliper and master cylinder overhaul.

Electrical Systems:

12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays, instrument cluster, power windows, power seats, central locking, climate control module, SRS airbag system.

Body And Trim:

Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim panels, sound deadening, glass replacement, seals and weatherstripping.

Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system components, refrigerant types, troubleshooting, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, compressor, climate control unit.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil and filter changes, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid and filter service, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, drive belt replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, thermostat, alternator, starter), transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, steering system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair and replacement, interior component repair.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic charts for common symptoms, fault code interpretation, electrical system troubleshooting pathways, mechanical system diagnostic procedures.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical resistance values, component tolerances, alignment specifications.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive. Covers detailed diagnostics, component removal and installation, repair procedures, overhaul instructions, and troubleshooting for all major vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

PDF (Portable Document Format). Likely text-searchable for quick information retrieval. Optimized for digital viewing and selective printing.

Print Quality Guidance:

Assumed high quality for digital reproduction, allowing for clear viewing of diagrams, illustrations, and text when printed. User can print only necessary pages to conserve ink and paper.

Binding Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type Digital:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Jaguar AJ-V8

Engine Displacement Standard:

3.2 Liters (3200cc)

Engine Displacement Optional:

4.0 Liters (3996cc)

Horsepower 3.2L Na:

Approx. 237 hp (177 kW) @ 5500 rpm

Torque 3.2L Na:

Approx. 267 lb-ft (362 Nm) @ 4300 rpm

Horsepower 4.0L Na:

Approx. 290 hp (216 kW) @ 6000 rpm

Torque 4.0L Na:

Approx. 290 lb-ft (393 Nm) @ 4300 rpm

Horsepower 4.0L Sc:

Approx. 370 hp (276 kW) @ 6000 rpm

Torque 4.0L Sc:

Approx. 385 lb-ft (522 Nm) @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Multi-point fuel injection.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)

Block Material:

Aluminum

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum

Cylinder Count:

8 (V8 configuration)

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

ZF 5HP24

Manual Transmission Availability:

Not available for the X308 generation. Exclusively automatic.

Transmission Modes:

Comfort/Sport modes selectable by the driver to alter shift points.

📐 Dimensions

Overall Length:

Approx. 197.2 inches (5009 mm)

Overall Width:

Approx. 70.9 inches (1801 mm)

Overall Height:

Approx. 53.1 inches (1349 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 118.0 inches (2997 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3750 - 4100 lbs (1700 - 1860 kg), depending on engine and options.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data Availability:

Specific crash test data for 1998 models may be limited by modern standards, but the X308 featured a robust structure for its era.

ABS:

Standard Bosch ABS 5.0 (Anti-lock Braking System).

Traction Control:

Standard ('Traction Control System' or TCS) on most models, often integrated with ABS.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System). Some models may feature side airbags.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear three-point seat belts. Pre-tensioners for front seats.

Structure:

High-strength steel safety cage, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium sound systems, often with cassette and CD players, optional premium brands like Alpine or Harman Kardon. Radio controls often on steering wheel.

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system, typically with a dashboard-mounted screen.

Cruise Control:

Standard adaptive cruise control on some models, manual cruise control on others.

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated hands-free phone system (early cellular technology).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Consult the manual for specific recommendations.

Coolant Change Interval:

Recommended every 2-3 years or approximately 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Recommended every 40,000 - 60,000 miles (64,000 - 96,000 km), including filter replacement. Fluid type critical.

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to the manual, but typically SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil meeting API SJ/CF or ACEA A3-98 specifications.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 - 8.5 quarts (7.1 - 8.0 liters) with filter, depending on engine variant.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based, typically Jaguar specific coolant or equivalent OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant. Do not mix coolant types.

Transmission Fluid Type:

ZF specified ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Typically Esso LT 71141 or equivalent. Critical for transmission longevity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Timing Chain Tensioners:

Early AJ-V8 engines (pre-2001) are known for plastic timing chain tensioners which can degrade and fail, leading to catastrophic engine damage. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.

Head Gaskets:

Some AJ-V8 engines, particularly the 4.0L, can be prone to head gasket failure. The manual covers diagnosis and replacement.

Coolant Leaks:

Common areas for leaks include water pump, thermostat housing, and radiator. Proper maintenance is key.

Symptoms Of Major Engine Failure:

Rattling noises from the front of the engine (timing chains), loss of oil pressure, engine misfires, overheating.

📚 Vehicle History

Jaguar Legacy:

Jaguar has a storied history of producing luxurious, sporting, and elegant automobiles, often associated with motorsport success and refined craftsmanship.

X308 Lineage:

The X308 is the third generation of the modern XJ series, succeeding the XJ40 and X300. It introduced the all-new AJ-V8 engine, replacing the older inline-six and V12 engines.

Production Years:

1997-2003

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England, United Kingdom.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

While specific awards for the 1998 model year might not be readily documented, the X308 line generally received praise for its refined styling and luxurious appointments.