🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XJ-S

Model Designation:

XJ-S Coupe / Convertible

Internal Project Code:

XJ41 (for later models but the XJ-S platform originated from this development lineage)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Jaguar XJ-S was a grand tourer positioned as a luxury sports car, competing with models from marques like Porsche and Aston Martin.

Competitors 1980S:

Porsche 928, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, Ferrari 400/412, BMW 8 Series (later in the period).

Design Philosophy:

A stylish, powerful, and comfortable grand tourer combining Jaguar's luxury heritage with performance capabilities.

Unique Selling Points:

Distinctive aerodynamic styling, powerful V12 engine (primarily), refined interior, and smooth ride quality.

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991

Total Pages:

362

Type:

Workshop Service Manual for Repair

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair procedures for relevant engine variants of the period.

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system, fuel injection system (where applicable for the year range), engine management.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system (Bosch D-Jetronic and subsequent refinements), fuel pump, lines, tank, and related components.

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission repair, including removal, installation, disassembly, assembly, and adjustment.

Drivetrain:

Rear axle assembly, driveshafts, universal joints, and differential.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, and alignment procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, column, and related components.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake calipers, pads, discs, lines, parking brake, and ABS (if equipped).

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant specifications.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, pipes, catalytic converter (if applicable), mufflers, and hangers.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, doors, windows, locks, hinges, interior trim, and structural components.

Electrical System:

Lighting, instrumentation, wipers, horn, power windows, power seats, wiring diagrams, and fuse/relay locations.

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC system operation, components, and service procedures.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, tune-ups, and general inspection points.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

System-specific diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and common fault identification.

Disassembly And Assembly:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major components and sub-assemblies.

Adjustments:

Precise instructions for adjusting various systems, including timing, idle speed, clutch, brakes, and suspension alignment.

Component Rebuilding:

In-depth guidance on overhauling engines, transmissions, carburetors/fuel injection, and other major mechanical units.

Depth:

Comprehensive 'bumper-to-bumper' coverage suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Detailed exploded diagrams, pictorial illustrations, drawings, and photographs to guide repair procedures.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for required special service tools, including part numbers where applicable.

Specifications And Limits:

Detailed service data, factory specifications, wear limits, tightening torques, and allowable tolerances.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF, ensuring clarity of text and images.

Printability:

Fully printable from Adobe Reader, allowing for convenient use alongside the vehicle.

Binding Description:

Digital PDF format; no physical binding.

Paper Description:

Digital PDF format; no physical paper type.

Operating Systems:

Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

Software Requirement:

Adobe Reader required for viewing and printing.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1:

5.3L (5343cc) V12 SOHC

Engine Type 2:

3.6L (3590cc) inline-6 DOHC (introduced later, less common in early models covered by the bulk of the years but may be present in the manual).

Horsepower V12 Approx:

272-295 hp (depending on market and emissions controls)

Torque V12 Approx:

315-330 lb-ft (depending on market and emissions controls)

Fuel Injection Early:

Bosch D-Jetronic (various iterations)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Cooling Capacity Approx:

Approximately 12-15 liters (including heater core)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type V12:

3-speed automatic (e.g., Borg-Warner THM400 / GM Turbo Hydramatic 400)

Transmission Type Manual:

4-speed manual with overdrive (e.g., Getrag) - less common, particularly on V12 models.

Final Drive Ratio:

Typically around 2.88:1 or 3.31:1 depending on gearbox and market.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 4,895 mm (192.7 in)

Width:

Approximately 1,780 mm (70.1 in)

Height:

Approximately 1,250 mm (49.2 in)

Curb Weight Approx:

Approximately 1,800 - 1,950 kg (3,968 - 4,299 lbs)

Wheelbase:

2,591 mm (102.0 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety Era:

Safety standards of the 1980s; primary focus on structural integrity, seatbelts, and basic impact absorption.

ABS Availability:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available as an option in later years of the XJ-S production run.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia reel seatbelts for front occupants.

Structure:

Reinforced chassis and body structure, designed to absorb impact energy.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System Era:

Period-correct analog radio/cassette players, often with amplifiers. Later models might have early CD players as optional extras.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. ABS became available on later models. Cruise control was a common option.

Connectivity Features:

No modern connectivity features (Bluetooth, USB, etc.) as per the era of production.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 6,000 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for exact intervals.

Major Service Interval:

Major services, including spark plug changes, coolant flushes, and comprehensive checks, usually recommended every 12,000 - 20,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type V12:

API SF/SG rated multi-viscosity oil, such as 15W-50 or 20W-50. Refer to manual for precise viscosity based on ambient temperature.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). Specific Jaguar recommendations should be followed.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Typical Problems V12:

Ignition system (Lucas electronic ignition, often prone to failure), cooling system leaks, fuel system components ( injectors, fuel pumps), rust in common areas (wheel arches, sills), and aging rubber bushings.

Typical Problems General:

Electrical gremlins, wear on suspension components, climate control system issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Jaguar Legacy:

Jaguar Cars has a long-standing reputation for producing elegant, powerful, and luxurious sports cars and sedans, established by Sir William Lyons.

Predecessor:

Successor to the iconic Jaguar E-Type, aiming to combine GT comfort with performance.

Updates During Period:

Significant updates included the introduction of the 3.6L 6-cylinder engine (1983), the H.E. (High Efficiency) V12 engine with improved fuel economy (1981, but relevant to early years), aerodynamic body kit refinements, and interior updates. The convertible version (XJ-SC, later XJS) was introduced in 1983.

Production Years:

1975-1996

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

Consistently praised for its styling, V12 engine smoothness, and GT capabilities by automotive journalists of its time.

Collectibility:

Considered a modern classic and a collectible automobile, particularly well-maintained V12 models.