Model variant:
Grand touring coupe and convertible (XJ-SC targa, later full convertible)
Production years covered:
1975 to 1996 (XJS in later markets)
Body styles:
Fixed-head coupe, targa-cabriolet (XJ-SC), full convertible
Target audience:
Luxury grand touring buyers; manual aimed at professional technicians and competent DIY owners
Class:
Premium personal luxury grand tourer
Competitive set:
Mercedes-Benz SL, BMW 6-Series (E24), Porsche 928
Competitive advantage:
Unique V12 powertrain and long-distance touring comfort at a lower price than German rivals
Key features:
5.3-litre V12 HE engine, all-independent suspension, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes
Coverage areas:
Engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, electrical, body, heating and ventilation
Manual type:
Complete factory-level service and repair manual
Language:
German (Servicehandbuch)
Page count:
Complete workshop coverage; full page set supplied in download
Content type:
Step-by-step procedures, specifications tables, fault diagnosis
Delivery method:
Instant digital download after payment completion
Printing:
All pages printable for garage or workshop use
Shipping:
None - no shipping cost, no CD, no waiting for mail
Engine mechanical:
V12 and AJ6 inline-six: removal, disassembly, rebuild, torque specs
Fuel system:
Carburettor, Lucas mechanical injection, and digital fuel injection systems
Ignition system:
Distributor, electronic ignition, OPUS and later constant-energy systems
Cooling system:
Radiator, fans, thermostat, coolant flow diagnosis
Transmission automatic:
Borg-Warner Model 12, THM 400, ZF 4HP22 and 5HP30 service and overhaul
Transmission manual:
Getrag 5-speed removal, service and overhaul
Clutch and driveline:
Clutch, driveshaft, final drive and differential
Suspension:
Front and rear independent suspension, subframes, bushings
Steering:
Recirculating-ball power steering, adjustment and overhaul
Brakes:
Power-assisted four-wheel discs, hydraulic circuits, handbrake
Electrical system:
Wiring schematics, charging, starting, instrumentation, accessories
Heating and ventilation:
Climate control, heater core, blower system
Body and trim:
Panel removal, seals, convertible top mechanism, corrosion repair
Wheels and tyres:
Specifications, alignment settings
Procedures included:
Diagnostic procedures, step-by-step repair, rebuild and refurbish instructions
Technical depth:
Complete teardown and overhaul level, factory specifications throughout
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams, wiring schematics
Parts information:
Component identification, part removal/refit sequences, torque specifications
Usability:
All pages printable; take only needed pages into the workshop
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Primary engine:
5.3-litre Jaguar V12 (HE high-efficiency from 1981)
Engine options range:
5.3L V12 (1975-1991), 6.0L V12 (1993-1996), 3.6L then 4.0L AJ6 inline-six (1983-1996)
Configuration:
V12 OHV or SOHC per bank depending on year; AJ6 DOHC inline-six
Performance (5.3 HE):
Approximately 295 hp (Euro spec) with strong low-end torque
Fuel system (early):
Zenith-Stromberg carburettors (1975-1979)
Fuel system (1980-1982):
Lucas mechanical fuel injection
Fuel system (1982 onwards):
Lucas digital electronic fuel injection (HE engines)
AJ6 fuel system:
Lucas/Denso electronic port injection
Standard transmission:
Borg-Warner Model 12 3-speed automatic (early cars)
Optional transmission:
THM 400 3-speed automatic; ZF 4HP22 4-speed; ZF 5HP30 6-cylinder-era 4/5-speed automatic by year
Manual transmission:
Getrag 5-speed manual (V12 from 1979/1981; AJ6 cars from 1983)
Features:
Automatic transmission with torque converter; manual cars with hydraulically operated clutch
Fluid specification:
Dexron-type ATF for automatic transmissions (verify by year in manual)
Overhaul coverage:
Removal, disassembly, and rebuild procedures for all listed units
Wheelbase:
2768 mm (108.9 in)
Length:
Approximately 4810 mm (189.4 in), slightly shorter on facelift cars
Width:
Approximately 1786 mm
Height:
Approximately 1240-1280 mm depending on variant
Curb weight (V12 coupe):
Approximately 1780-1850 kg depending on year and equipment
Weight distribution:
Near 50:50 front/rear balance
Crash test ratings:
N/A - formal NCAP-style ratings not published for this era
Regulatory compliance:
Built to US and European safety regulations of its production years
Active and Passive Features
Brakes:
Power-assisted four-wheel ventilated disc brakes
Active features:
Power steering, high-capacity cooling, precise handling from independent suspension
Passive features:
Crumple-zone body structure, energy-absorbing bumpers (US models), seat belts
Airbags:
Driver airbag on late (1994-1996) models; not fitted on earlier cars
Audio system:
Factory AM/FM radio-cassette; premium sound options on later cars
Instrumentation:
Full analogue gauges with linear readouts on HE models
Driver assistance:
None - no electronic driver assistance systems on this generation
Climate technology:
Optional automatic climate control
Cruise control:
Available on most models
Oil change interval:
Approximately every 10,000 km / 6,000 miles (shorter under severe use)
Spark plugs (V12):
12 plugs; replace per scheduled interval
Valve adjustment:
Per specification schedule for OHV V12; AJ6 has hydraulic tappets
Coolant:
Replace at recommended intervals; critical for V12 overheating prevention
Engine oil:
Multigrade oil per specification chart in manual
Automatic transmission fluid:
Dexron-type ATF, correct level check procedure covered
Known issues:
V12 overheating, ignition system faults (OPUS amplifier), electronic fuel injection faults
Common wear items:
Rear suspension bushings, brake system hydraulics, cooling hoses, convertible top mechanism
Manufacturer:
Jaguar Cars, Coventry, England
Model evolution:
Launched 1975 as XJ-S coupe with V12; XJ-SC targa cabriolet added 1983; facelift 1991 with 4.0 six and 6.0 V12; production ended 1996
Predecessor:
Conceptually succeeded the E-Type as Jaguar's grand tourer
Production location:
Browns Lane plant, Coventry, United Kingdom
Production span:
1975 to 1996, approximately 115,000 units built
Longevity:
One of the longest-running Jaguar models, produced for 21 years
Engineering:
Noted as one of the few mass-production V12 grand tourers of its era
Racing recognition:
TWR Jaguar XJ-S touring cars achieved notable European race success in the 1980s
Formal awards:
N/A - no single official award record stated for the model