Positioning:
High-end luxury grand tourer, competing with models like Porsche 911, BMW 8 Series, and Mercedes-Benz SL.
Key Competitors Era:
Porsche 911 (996), BMW 8 Series (E31), Mercedes-Benz SL (R129), Aston Martin DB7.
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, powerful V8 engine, refined ride, focus on luxury and performance.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level repair data, enabling owners and technicians to maintain, diagnose, and repair the vehicle accurately and efficiently, saving time and money compared to dealership service.
Powertrain:
Engine (AJ-V8), Control System, Fuel Service, Emission Control, Intake/Exhaust, Cooling, Lube, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission (if applicable), Transfer Case, Propeller Shaft, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension, Tires & Wheels, Brake Control, Brakes, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering
Body Electrical And Comfort:
Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Locks, Meter, Audio/Visual Systems, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirrors, Instrument Panel, Seats, Engine Hood/Door, Exterior & Interior Trim, Electrical Systems, Multiplex/CAN Communication
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnosis:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic codes, symptom-based repairs, electrical diagnostics
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all covered systems
Depth:
Factory-level, comprehensive step-by-step instructions, detailed diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows and Mac
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, Winzip (free)
Printability:
Fully printable, individual pages or sections can be printed for workshop use.
Image Quality:
High-resolution images, diagrams, and schematics allowing for enlargement.
Binding:
Digital (PDF), no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Engine Type:
4.0L Naturally Aspirated V8 (XK8) / Supercharged 4.0L V8 (XKR)
Engine Code:
AJ26 (early 4.0L), AJ27 (later 4.0L)
Horsepower Xk8:
290 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Xk8:
290 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
Horsepower Xkr:
370 hp @ 6150 rpm
Torque Xkr:
385 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Coolant Type:
Jaguar Specification Antifreeze/Coolant (e.g., Jaguar Part No. JLM 20482)
Transmission Type:
5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP24)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual (Getrag 280 - rare, primarily for XK8 Coupe)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Adaptive shift control, Sport mode
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent, e.g., Shell M-1375.4)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (Jaguar Spec)
Body Styles:
Coupe, Convertible
Wheelbase:
approx. 102.4 inches (2600 mm)
Length:
approx. 193.3 inches (4910 mm)
Width:
approx. 70.8 inches (1800 mm)
Height:
approx. 50.4 inches (1280 mm)
Curb Weight:
approx. 3700-3900 lbs (1680-1770 kg) depending on model and body style
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
N/A (Passenger car)
Trunk Volume:
approx. 12.1 cu ft (Coupe), 7.0 cu ft (Convertible)
NHTSA Rating:
Not specifically rated by NHTSA for these specific model years in a manner directly comparable to modern standards. However, equipped with typical safety features for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Not typically equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) in these model years.
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags, Side Airbags (optional/standard on some trims)
Seat Belts:
Pretensioner seat belts
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars for convertible model
Audio System:
Premium Alpine sound system, CD player, cassette player (early models), optional navigation system.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone functionality
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors
Phone Integration:
Optional cellular phone integration (early Bluetooth or analog).
Wiring Schematics:
Comprehensive, detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for diagnostics.
Multiplex Communication:
Inclusion of information on CAN bus and other multiplexed communication systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (Synthetic oil recommended)
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
100,000 miles (Long-life platinum plugs)
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (Jaguar Approved, e.g., Castrol TXT SOFJECT 5W-30 or Mobil 1 5W-30)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.7 US quarts (8.2 liters)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Jaguar Power Steering Fluid (e.g., Part No. JLM 11941) or Dexron III ATF equivalent
Timing Chain Tensioners:
Early AJ-V8 engines (pre-2002) can suffer from brittle plastic timing chain tensioners, leading to potential engine failure. Manual addresses inspection and replacement procedures.
Coolant Leaks:
Plastic thermostat housing and water pump components can degrade. Manual provides detailed replacement guides.
Seized Supercharger Pulley:
XKR models can experience seized supercharger pulleys, impacting performance. Manual details diagnosis and replacement.
Cabin Air Filter Access:
Difficult access to cabin air filter requires specific procedures, outlined in the manual.
Jaguar Legacy:
Long history of producing elegant, high-performance sports cars and luxury vehicles (e.g., E-Type, XK120).
Xjs Successor:
The XK8/XKR replaced the XJS, introducing a more modern design and the new AJ-V8 engine.
Production Period:
1996-2006 (X100 platform)
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
Car Of The Year Nominations:
While not winning major 'Car of the Year' awards, the XK8/XKR was widely praised for its styling and performance, receiving positive reviews in automotive press.
Design Awards:
Often cited for its classic Jaguar design cues and elegant proportions.
Manufacturing Standards:
Adheres to Jaguar's stringent manufacturing and quality standards for the period.
