Market Position:
Premium luxury sedan, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and sophisticated styling.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other luxury sedans of its era such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, and Lexus LS. The XJ Series X308 was known for its classic styling, comfortable ride, and powerful V8 engines.
Key Features:
Distinctive long-wheelbase option, focus on refined driving experience, premium interior materials, availability of potent V8 engines, body-on-frame construction for ride comfort.
Target Audience:
Jaguar XJ Series X308 owners, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts seeking to perform maintenance and repairs.
Coverage Areas:
All models and all repairs A-Z
Page Count:
Not specified (typically extensive for a factory-style manual)
Manual Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Accessibility:
Viewable on PC, Tablet, or Laptop. Printable for hard copy reference.
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Operating Systems:
Win/MAC/Linux
Copyright Status:
Assumed to be a reproduction of factory service information, intended for authorized use.
Systems Covered:
General Information, Specifications, Maintenance, Gearbox & Clutch, Engine Removal and Installation, Engine Fuel System, Engine Lubrication and Cooling, Engine Combustion System, Lubrication System, Cylinder Head/Valves, Alternator/Starter Clutch, Crankcase/Piston/Cylinder, Crankshaft/Transmission/Balancer, Transmission System, Front Wheel and Steering System, Rear Wheel System, Fenders and Exhaust Pipe, Periodic checks & Adjustments, Chassis, Cooling System, Fuel Injection System, Braking System, Suspension, Electrical System, Body & Fixtures, Frame/Body Panels/Exhaust System, Wheels/Tires/Brakes, Battery/Charging System, Ignition System, Electric Starter, Lights/Meters/Switches, Wiring Diagrams, Technical Information & Specifications, Troubleshooting.
Procedures Included:
Step-by-step instructions for simple to complicated repairs, complete repair procedures, maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, component removal and installation, adjustments, rebuilding.
Technical Depth:
Professional mechanic level, factory workshop manual equivalent, detailed exploded pictures and diagrams.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Covers diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting symptom-based issues, and guidance on using diagnostic equipment.
Bodywork Covered:
Frame/Body Panels, Fenders, Door repairs, Hood, Trunk lid, Bumpers, Glass replacement, Seals, Exterior trim.
Electrical Systems Covered:
Battery/Charging System, Ignition System, Electric Starter, Lights/Meters/Switches, Wiring Diagrams, ECU diagnostics, comfort features, power accessories.
Suspension Steering Covered:
Front Wheel and Steering System, Rear Wheel System, Suspension components (shocks, struts, bushings, ball joints), power steering system, wheel alignment.
Fuel System Covered:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, fuel pressure regulation, evaporative emissions control (EVAP).
Primary Engine Options:
AJ-V8 naturally aspirated and supercharged variants. Common displacements include 3.2L (AJ26/AJ27), 4.0L (AJ26/AJ27), and 4.0L Supercharged (AJ27S).
Engine Performance:
Varies by engine. For example, the 4.0L V8 typically produced around 290 hp, while the Supercharged version offered closer to 370 hp. Torque figures also varied accordingly. Specific horsepower and torque figures are detailed within the manual for each engine variant.
Fuel System Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection.
Engine Codes:
AJ26, AJ27, AJ27S (examples of Jaguar V8 engine codes for this era)
Cooling System Type:
Pressurized coolant system with radiator, fan, water pump, and thermostat. The manual details its operation and maintenance.
Ignition System Type:
Electronic ignition with distributorless ignition system (DIS) or coil-on-plug (COP) depending on the specific V8 engine variant. Spark plug type and gap are crucial details found in the manual.
Exterior Dimensions:
Varies by wheelbase (standard and long wheelbase). Detailed dimensions including length, width, height, and wheelbase are present in the manual.
Interior Dimensions:
Spacious cabin reflecting its luxury positioning. Specific headroom, legroom, and shoulder room figures would be in the manual.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3800-4100 lbs (1724-1860 kg) depending on engine and configuration. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) also detailed.
Towing Capacity:
Towing capacity information is generally not a primary feature or recommendation for luxury sedans like the Jaguar XJ Series.
Payload Capacity:
Payload capacity is not typically a focus for this vehicle class, but GVWR is specified in the manual.
Safety Ratings:
Industry safety standards of the time. Specific crash test data and ratings are likely found within the manual or related factory documentation.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) on some models, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags (on later models), crumple zones, reinforced safety cage.
Recall Information:
The manual may reference or guide owners on how to check for and address manufacturer recalls. Specific recall campaigns would need to be verified through official channels.
Infotainment System:
Premium audio systems, cassette players, CD changers, and navigation systems were available options. The manual covers the electrical system and potential infotainment component repairs.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, automatic climate control, parking sensors (on later models).
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards. Mainly focused on audio system connectivity and basic vehicle controls.
Typical Service Intervals:
Oil changes every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months. More comprehensive services, including fluid flushes (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), spark plug replacement, and accessory belt inspection, are recommended at intervals ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 miles or as specified by the manual.
Engine Oil Specification:
Typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting API SJ or SL specifications. Specific oil viscosity and API/ACEA ratings are detailed in the manual. Example: Jaguar recommends Castrol TXT Softec 5W-30.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Jaguar specifies Jaguar Coolant XJ (Longlife).
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Specific to the automatic transmission used (e.g., ZF LifeguardFluid5 for the ZF 5HP24). Incorrect fluid can cause serious transmission damage.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on the system specifications. Refer to the manual for the precise recommendation.
Common Issues:
Timing chain tensioners (especially on early AJ-V8 engines), Nikasil cylinder liners (on early 4.0L V8s, though often replaced with aluminum liners), occasional electrical gremlins, water pump leaks, suspension component wear, and potential for head gasket issues. The manual provides detailed diagnostics and repair procedures for these and other common problems.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Specific part numbers for oil filters (e.g., Mann-Filter W 712/4, Mahle OX 156/1), air filters, and cabin filters are detailed within the manual.
Tire Sizes:
Various tire sizes depending on trim and wheel options. Common sizes include 205/60 R16, 225/55 R16, and 225/50 R17. Refer to the manual for specific recommendations and inflation pressures.
Brake Type:
Front: Ventilated discs. Rear: Solid or ventilated discs, depending on model and year. ABS and EBD systems are integrated. Detailed pad and rotor specifications are in the manual.
Brand Heritage:
Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for building luxurious, powerful, and stylish grand tourers and sedans, with a rich history dating back to the 1920s.
Model Evolution:
The X308 represented the third generation of the Jaguar XJ, succeeding the X300. It featured updated styling, a new generation of V8 engines, and various interior and electronic enhancements. The X308 itself saw minor updates throughout its production run.
Production Years:
1997-2003. The X308 was manufactured at Jaguar's Castle Bromwich plant in Birmingham, UK.
Chassis Type:
Body-on-frame construction, contributing to its refined ride quality.
Key Innovations For Era:
Introduction of the AJ-V8 engine for Jaguar, significant improvements in ride comfort and chassis dynamics over previous generations.
