Jaguar XJ40 represented Jaguar's entry into a more modern, sophisticated large executive saloon segment, balancing luxury with performance.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi V8, Rover SD1.
Key Features
Design Philosophy:
Modernized styling compared to previous XJ models, focus on aerodynamics and interior refinement.
Target Market:
Affluent individuals, company executives, and those seeking a luxurious and refined driving experience.
Document Purpose
Value Proposition:
Provides the definitive OEM maintenance schedule as used by Jaguar dealerships, ensuring correct servicing for optimal vehicle health.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Engine Types Covered:
2.9 Litre, 3.6 Litre, 4.0 Litre
Vehicle Generations:
XJ40 (specific VIN range)
Target Audience:
Dealership Technicians, Advanced DIY Enthusiasts
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Variable (Maintenance Sheet format)
Manual Type
Document Type:
Maintenance Schedule/Checklist
Purpose:
Outline of required service items and intervals
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Likely Printed Sheet/Brochure
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine Maintenance:
Oil and filter change intervals, spark plug replacement, air filter checks, coolant checks.
Transmission Maintenance:
Automatic transmission fluid checks and changes, gearbox service intervals.
Brakes Maintenance:
Brake fluid checks, pad and disc inspection intervals.
Suspension Steering Maintenance:
Inspection of suspension components, steering system checks.
Electrical Systems Maintenance:
Battery checks, auxiliary belt inspection.
Cooling System Maintenance:
Coolant level checks, hose and radiator inspection.
Procedures Included
Service Scheduling:
Recommended service intervals based on mileage and time.
Fluid Checks:
Lists which fluids to check and their approximate intervals.
Component Inspections:
Visual inspection points for key wear items.
Filter Replacements:
Scheduled replacement of oil, air, and fuel filters (where applicable).
Technical Depth
Depth Level:
Service scheduling and basic checks, not detailed repair procedures.
Diagnostic Information:
Not included; focuses on preventative maintenance tasks.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format Type:
Printable Sheet
Print Quality
Print Quality:
Likely Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standard
Binding Type
Binding:
Not applicable (Sheet format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Standard paper or cardstock, as originally issued
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Family:
Jaguar AJ6 (later AJ16 for 4.0L variants)
2.9L Engine Code:
AJ6 2.9L (900 series)
3.6L Engine Code:
AJ6 3.6L (901 series)
4.0L Engine Code:
AJ6 4.0L (later AJ16 4.0L)
Performance
2.9L Horsepower Approx:
165 hp @ 5250 rpm
2.9L Torque Approx:
231 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
3.6L Horsepower Approx:
200-221 hp @ 5000-5750 rpm
3.6L Torque Approx:
243-278 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm
4.0L Horsepower Approx:
223-245 hp @ 5000-5250 rpm
4.0L Torque Approx:
277-300 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Injection Type:
Lucas/Jaguar Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic
Optional
Manual Transmission Availability:
Rarely offered, primarily on earlier 2.9L models, typically a 5-speed Getrag.
Features
Transmission Control:
Electronic control for smoother shifts and efficiency.
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Approx:
5022 mm (197.7 in)
Width Approx:
1793 mm (70.6 in)
Height Approx:
1392 mm (54.8 in)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
1750 - 1850 kg (3858 - 4079 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Certification Era:
Pre-modern crash testing standards; focus on structural integrity.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on later models, optional on earlier ones.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard from 1990 onwards; passenger airbags optional.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Often featured premium cassette or early CD players, with options for amplifiers and multiple speakers.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with diagnostics (e.g., 'check control' panel).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Not present in the modern sense; early models may have had provisions for car phones.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Typically every 12,000 miles or 12 months (check specific sheet details).
Major Service Interval Miles:
Varies, often around 48,000 miles or 48 months for more comprehensive checks.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Jaguar specification (often a silicate-free type).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (ensure clean and dry).
Known Issues
Electrical Reliability:
Historically, some early XJ40s suffered from electrical gremlins, particularly related to wiring loom insulation and module failures.
Suspension Components:
Hydraulic suspension (self-leveling rear on some models) can require maintenance; bushings and ball joints are wear items.
Bodywork:
Rust can be an issue, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms if not properly maintained.
Engine Management:
EFI system can be sensitive to sensor faults; timing chain tensioners on early 4.0L engines are a known potential failure point.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Jaguar Legacy:
Continued Jaguar's tradition of producing luxurious, powerful, and stylish grand touring saloons.
Model Evolution
Xjs Relation:
Shared powertrain and some chassis components with the XJS sports coupe.
Design Era:
Designed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, representing a departure from classic Jaguar styling.
Production
Production Years:
1986 - 1992
Production Location:
Coventry, England
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
General Reputation:
Praised for its ride comfort, build quality (especially post-early production issues), and refined driving dynamics. Often considered a good value luxury car on the used market.
Ratings
Historical Reviews:
Contemporary reviews often highlighted its smooth engine, comfortable interior, and superior handling compared to some rivals, while noting electrical quirks and initial build quality concerns.
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