Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking refinement, performance, and British luxury
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph (early years)
Aluminum Body:
Revolutionary all-aluminum monocoque construction for enhanced rigidity and reduced weight.
Air Suspension:
Advanced Computer Active Suspension system (CATS) for adaptive ride comfort and handling.
Interior Craftsmanship:
Exceptional interior appointments with premium leather, wood veneers, and attention to detail.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions, exhaust, engine diagnostics
Transmission Systems:
Automatic transmission service, repair, diagnostics, fluid specifications, control systems
Drivetrain Systems:
Driveshafts, differentials, axles, hub assemblies, wheel bearings
Suspension Steering Systems:
Front and rear suspension, air suspension system (CATS - Computer Active Suspension), steering gear, power steering, alignment specifications
Brake Systems:
Brake system diagnostics, hydraulic components, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake, brake pad/rotor replacement
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, fuse/relay locations, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), comfort features
Body And Chassis Systems:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, glass, sunroof, structural repairs, corrosion protection
HVAC Systems:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system components, operation, diagnostics, refrigerant handling
Infotainment And Navigation:
Audio system, navigation system, telephone integration, display units (likely covered in electrical/body sections)
General Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for various systems, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls, electrical component repair
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed instructions for removing and installing virtually all vehicle components
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Jaguar-specific special tools
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
Engine Options:
Jaguar AJ-V8 family (naturally aspirated and supercharged variants)
Displacement Options:
3.0L, 3.5L, 4.2L
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 235 hp (3.0L) to 400 hp (4.2L Supercharged)
Torque Range:
Approximately 274 lb-ft (3.0L) to 413 lb-ft (4.2L Supercharged)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) for managing engine functions, diagnostics, and emissions
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not widely publicized for this era, but built to high luxury standards.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not widely publicized for this era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Dsc:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Structure:
Reinforced aluminum passenger cell
System Description:
Touchscreen-based infotainment system controlling audio, navigation, climate, and phone functions (specific system varies by year and trim).
Audio Options:
Premium sound systems from Alpine or Bowers & Wilkins available on higher trims.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) available on some models.
Parking Assist:
Front and rear parking sensors, potentially rearview camera on later models.
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth phone integration available on later models and as an option.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Recommended every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on driving conditions (sealed for life in some cases, but fluid and filter change is prudent).
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 (e.g., Castrol EDGE Professional OE or equivalent meeting Jaguar WSS-M2C913-B/C or similar)
Coolant Type:
Jaguar/Ford Orange Antifreeze/Coolant (Organic Acid Technology - OAT)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Air Suspension Leaks:
Common issue with air springs and compressor seals, requiring replacement of components or leak detection.
Aluminum Corrosion:
Potential for corrosion at dissimilar metal interfaces (e.g., steel fasteners in aluminum), particularly in areas prone to road salt.
Timing Chain Tensioners:
Early AJ-V8 engines (prior to significant revisions) had issues with plastic timing chain tensioners failing, leading to significant engine damage. Later revisions addressed this. The manual would detail inspection and replacement.
Thermostat Housing:
Plastic thermostat housings can become brittle and leak over time.
Brand Essence:
Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for producing elegant, high-performance luxury vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics and craftsmanship.
X308 Predecessor:
The X350 succeeded the X308 generation XJ, bringing a significant technological leap.
Design Philosophy:
The X350 was designed to blend classic Jaguar styling cues with modern aerodynamics and technology, while maintaining its distinctive long-wheelbase presence.
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
Production Period:
2003-2009 (MY2010 for some markets/variants)
