🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XJ8

Year:

1998

Chassis Code:

X308

Generation Designation:

Second Generation XJ (X300/X308)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (X308) represented Jaguar's flagship luxury sedan, competing in the executive and luxury car market against rivals like Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LS.

Competition:

Competed on refined luxury, powerful V8 engine performance, and classic British styling. Key selling points included the smooth ride and distinctive interior appointments.

Vehicle Highlights:

Introduction of the AJ-V8 engine, replacing the older inline-six. Modernized interior and exterior styling compared to the X300. Focus on ride comfort and V8 power delivery.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

AJ-V8 Engine (3.2L and 4.0L variants)

Transmission:

ZF 5HP24 5-speed Automatic Transmission

Chassis And Body:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Bodywork, Electrical Systems, Climate Control

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Fault finding procedures, DTC interpretation (where applicable for the era)

Total Pages:

~800-1200 pages (estimated for a comprehensive technical guide)

Type:

Technical Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (likely a bound collection of factory bulletins and manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, engine management system (ECU).

Drivetrain:

Automatic transmission operation, overhaul, diagnosis, driveshafts, differential.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension geometry, component replacement (wishbones, bushes, shock absorbers), power steering system diagnosis and repair.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and diagnosis, front/rear brake component service, parking brake.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, component location, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power windows, seats, mirrors, central locking, instrument cluster, diagnostic connectors.

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling, component diagnosis (compressor, heater core, evaporator, blower motor).

Body And Trim:

Panel removal/installation, interior trim components, door mechanisms, hood/trunk latches, glass replacement.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, coolant flushes, spark plug replacement, transmission fluid service, brake fluid replacement.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed maintenance intervals for various components and fluid services.

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head removal, piston replacement), transmission overhaul procedures, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic routines for common and uncommon drivability issues, electrical faults, and mechanical problems.

Diagnosis:

Guidance on identifying the root cause of problems using diagnostic charts and symptom analysis.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and performance metrics.

Fuel System Service:

Fuel pump replacement, fuel filter replacement, fuel pressure testing, injector diagnostics.

Cooling System Service:

Radiator replacement, thermostat replacement, water pump replacement, heater core troubleshooting.

Ignition System Service:

Coil pack replacement, spark plug wire inspection/replacement, ignition timing checks.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, and detailed electrical system troubleshooting.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using Jaguar's proprietary diagnostic tools (e.g., Jaguar Electronic Diagnostic Tool) or OBD-II scanners for this era.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Physical printed manual (not a digital PDF).

Quality:

Professional factory-issue print quality, often with durable paper stock for workshop use.

Binding:

Likely a robust binding, such as perfect binding or spiral binding, suitable for repeated opening and reference in a workshop environment.

Paper:

Heavy-duty, possibly coated paper to resist grease and wear, common in professional automotive manuals.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8, DOHC, 32 Valves

Engine Code:

AJ26 (early versions), AJ27 (later updates within the generation)

Displacement Liters:

3.2 (for XJ8) and 4.0 (for XJ8 variants like XJ8 L, Vanden Plas)

Horsepower 3.2L:

Approx. 240 hp @ 5250 rpm

Torque 3.2L:

Approx. 284 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm

Horsepower 4.0L:

Approx. 290 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque 4.0L:

Approx. 290 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm

Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

ECU Type:

Jaguar Electronic Management System (JEMS), typically Lucas/Jaguar branded ECUs.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

ZF 5HP24 5-Speed Automatic

Optional Transmission:

None offered in 1998 XJ8

Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled with adaptive shift programs, manual override (J-gate shifter).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Jaguar JLM 20238 (equivalent to Esso LT 71141 or Pentosin ATF 1)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

118.5 inches (3010 mm)

Length:

197.9 inches (5027 mm)

Width:

70.9 inches (1801 mm)

Height:

54.0 inches (1372 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

4000 - 4300 lbs (1814 - 1950 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

4950 - 5200 lbs (2245 - 2359 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not officially rated or data not readily available for this specific year/model via NHTSA in the same format as modern vehicles.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional or standard on certain trims (often called 'Traction Control System' or TCS)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags were optional or standard on higher trims.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants, lap/shoulder belts for rear.

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium audio systems, often with cassette player and optional CD changer. Brands like Alpine or Jaguar branded systems were common.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed navigation system, often a relatively primitive CRT screen-based unit.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors were optional on later models, not typically standard on 1998.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards. Basic telephone integration (if optioned) might have been via a cradle and analogue connection.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (dependent on driving conditions).

Transmission Fluid Service:

Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km). Many recommend periodic flushes rather than just drain and fill.

Coolant Service:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km), depending on plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 7.7 liters (8.1 US quarts) with filter change.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

Typically 5W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific climate recommendations).

Coolant Type:

Jaguar Premium Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based, often specified as a long-life type or specific Jaguar color code).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Problems:

Timing chain tensioner issues on early AJ-V8 engines (pre-2000 models), Nikasil cylinder liner degradation (affected earlier AJ26 engines, less common on X308 1998 models but worth noting), heater O-ring leaks, transmission oil cooler hose leaks, front control arm bushings wear, occasional electrical gremlins.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for luxury, performance, and elegant styling, dating back to the 1930s. The XJ lineage is the embodiment of Jaguar's luxury saloon tradition.

Evolution:

The X308 generation marked a significant evolution from the X300, primarily through the adoption of the all-new V8 engine, addressing reliability concerns of some earlier V8 prototypes and offering a more modern powertrain. It retained the classic Jaguar styling but incorporated more contemporary design elements and technology.

Production Period:

1997-2003 (for the X308 generation)

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards:

While specific awards for the 1998 model year might not be as widely documented as modern vehicles, the XJ series consistently received praise for its comfort, ride quality, and styling in period reviews. The AJ-V8 engine itself was considered a significant technical achievement for Jaguar at its introduction.