Target Audience:
Luxury sedan buyers seeking classic Jaguar styling with modern performance
Segment:
Mid-size luxury sport sedan
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus GS, Audi A6
Design:
Retro-inspired styling drawing on the classic Jaguar saloons of the 1960s
Ride Quality:
Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) on equipped models for adaptive damping
Performance:
S-Type R supercharged V8 delivering near-sports-car acceleration in a luxury sedan
Interior:
Leather upholstery, walnut veneer trim, dual-zone climate control
Convenience:
Keyless entry, power-adjustable seats, trip computer
Audio:
Premium Jaguar audio system with CD player
Instrument Cluster:
Gauge operation, warning lamp identification, and indicator meanings
Locking and Security:
Keyless entry, alarm system, and immobilizer operation
Seats and Restraints:
Power seat adjustment, memory settings, seatbelt use, child restraint fitment
Climate Control:
Dual-zone automatic temperature control operation
Lighting and Wipers:
Exterior/interior lighting controls and wiper/washer functions
Transmission Operation:
Automatic gearbox use, J-gate shifter operation, and sport mode
Cruise Control:
Setting, adjusting, and canceling cruise control
Parking Aid:
Rear parking sensor operation and alerts
Traction and Stability:
Dynamic Stability Control and traction control functions
Service Schedule:
Recommended service intervals and owner checks
Fluids and Capacities:
Engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid specifications
Tyres and Wheels:
Tyre pressures, sizes, rotation, and spare wheel use
Bulb Replacement:
Exterior and interior lamp replacement procedures
Fuse Boxes:
Fuse locations, ratings, and replacement guidance
Battery:
Battery access, care, and jump-starting procedure
Emergency Procedures:
Breakdown guidance, towing points, and hazard operation
Technical Depth:
Owner-level operation and maintenance; not a workshop repair manual
Parts Information:
Genuine Jaguar part references and consumable specifications where stated
Specifications Table:
Dimensions, weights, engine data, and wheel alignment values
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Base Engine:
3.0L AJ-V6 petrol V6, approximately 235 hp
Performance Engine:
4.2L AJ-V8 supercharged V8 (S-Type R), approximately 390-400 hp
Engine Family:
AJ series aluminium alloy engines
S-Type R Acceleration:
0-60 mph in approximately 5.3 seconds
Base Model Performance:
Adequate V6 performance suited to relaxed luxury touring
Fuel Type:
Premium unleaded petrol recommended
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential electronic fuel injection
Detailed Figures:
N/A - consult the vehicle's own data plate and workshop literature for exact outputs
Standard Transmission:
6-speed ZF automatic transmission
Optional Transmission:
N/A - automatic was the only transmission offered for 2008
Shifter:
Floor-mounted J-gate selector with manual sport mode
Adaptive Shifting:
Self-learning shift strategy adapting to driving style
Sport Mode:
Higher shift points for more responsive driving
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,908 mm (114.5 in)
Length:
Approximately 4,905 mm (193.1 in)
Body Style:
4-door saloon
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,660-1,760 kg depending on engine
Exact Figures:
N/A - confirm against the vehicle data plate for your specific model
Crash Test Information:
N/A - not specified in this owners manual; see published agency results
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control
Braking:
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution
Parking Aid:
Rear parking sensors
Airbags:
Front, side, and curtain airbags with occupant sensing
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners and load limiters on front seats
Structure:
Reinforced safety cell body construction with crumple zones
Audio System:
Jaguar premium AM/FM/CD audio with multi-speaker setup
Optional Audio:
Available premium harman/kardon sound system on equipped cars
Navigation:
Touch-screen satellite navigation available on higher trim levels
Parking Sensors:
Ultrasonic rear parking aid
Cruise Control:
Standard speed-based cruise control
Trip Computer:
On-board message center with range and fuel data
Keyless Features:
Remote keyless entry with perimeter alarm
Climate:
Dual-zone electronic climate control
Oil and Filter:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, per schedule
Annual Service:
Comprehensive inspection and fluid checks at least yearly
Owner Checks:
Weekly checks of oil, coolant, washer fluid, and tyre pressures
Engine Oil:
Fully synthetic oil meeting Jaguar specification; grade listed in manual
Coolant:
Jaguar-approved OAT long-life coolant
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 specification
Transmission Fluid:
ZF lifetime fill; use only Jaguar-approved fluid if serviced
Known Issues and Wear Items
Suspension Bushings:
Front control arm bushings are a known wear item on S-Type models
Plenum Gasket:
Intake manifold/plenum gasket leaks reported on V8 engines
Brakes:
Regular pad and disc inspection recommended, especially on S-Type R
Manufacturer:
Jaguar Cars, Coventry, England - a marque famed for luxury saloons and sports cars since the 1930s
Ownership Era:
Produced under Ford ownership (Ford acquired Jaguar in 1989; sold to Tata in 2008)
Introduction:
S-Type launched in 1998 as a 1999 model year retro-styled luxury sedan
Facelift:
Refreshed in 2004 with revised exterior, new 2.7 diesel and 4.2 V8 engines
Final Year:
2008 was the final model year before replacement by the XF
Platform:
Ford DEW98 rear-drive platform shared with the Lincoln LS
Assembly Plant:
Castle Bromwich Assembly, Birmingham, England