Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Competitors:
BMW 8 Series, Mercedes-Benz SL, Porsche 911, Aston Martin DB7
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, powerful V8 engine, comfortable yet engaging driving experience
Powertrain Options:
Naturally aspirated V8 (XK8) and Supercharged V8 (XKR)
Body Styles:
Coupe and Convertible
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Workshop Manual
Accessibility:
Instant download for computer, tablet, or smartphone
Licensing:
Lifetime use, no expiry, no renewal fees, unlimited installations
Platform Compatibility:
Windows and MAC OS
Engine Systems:
V8 AJ-26/AJ-27 engine, maintenance, diagnostics, overhaul, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control
Transmission Systems:
ZF 5HP24 (XK8) and ZF 5HP30 (XKR) automatic transmissions, service, repair, troubleshooting, fluid specifications
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment, component replacement
Braking Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid, component repair
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body control modules, CAN bus diagnostics
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, windows, convertible roof mechanism (XK8 Convertible), chassis components
HVAC System:
Climate control system, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, diagnostics and repair
Infotainment Audio:
Audio system, navigation system (if equipped), antenna, speaker replacement
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump, fuel injectors)
Rebuilding Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission overhaul, including tolerances and specifications
Diagnostics:
Engine management system diagnostics, ABS/DSC diagnostics, using diagnostic tools
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to full engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics
Detail Level:
Hundreds of pages with detailed photos, exploded diagrams, and step-by-step instructions
Engine Code Xk8:
AJ-26 / AJ-27
Engine Type Xk8:
4.0L V8 DOHC 32-valve Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower Xk8:
290 hp @ 6000 rpm (early models), 301 hp @ 6000 rpm (later models)
Torque Xk8:
290 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (early models), 297 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (later models)
Engine Type Xkr:
4.0L V8 DOHC 32-valve Supercharged
Horsepower Xkr:
370 hp @ 6150 rpm
Torque Xkr:
383 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
0 60 Mph Xk8:
Approx. 6.6 seconds
0 60 Mph Xkr:
Approx. 5.1 seconds
Length:
Approx. 193.3 inches (Coupe/Convertible)
Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches
Height:
Approx. 52.1 inches (Coupe), 51.4 inches (Convertible)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.4 inches
Curb Weight Xk8:
Approx. 3,792 lbs (Coupe), 3,946 lbs (Convertible)
Curb Weight Xkr:
Approx. 3,873 lbs (Coupe), 4,027 lbs (Convertible)
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific NHTSA ratings may vary by model year and testing protocols of the era; consult individual vehicle reports if available.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) - standard on later models and XKR
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on year)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts
Audio System:
Premium audio systems, often Alpine or Jaguar branded, with CD player and radio.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system with early touchscreen or map display.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control functionality.
Cellular Integration:
Limited by modern standards; may include provisions for early mobile phone integration in some models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Timing Chain Inspection:
Inspection recommended at significant mileage intervals, though hydraulic tensioners are known failure points.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity and API classification (e.g., 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic is common).
Coolant:
Jaguar specified coolant (e.g., Jaguar Antifreeze/Coolant) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with appropriate inhibitor package.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Timing Chain Tensioners:
Early AJ-V8 engines (pre-2002) are prone to timing chain tensioner failure due to material degradation, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed.
Nikasil Cylinder Liners:
Early 4.0L AJ-26 engines used Nikasil cylinder liners, which could be susceptible to wear in vehicles used with high sulfur content fuel. Later 4.0L and all 4.2L engines used aluminum liners with a different coating.
Coolant Leaks:
Plastic thermostat housings and coolant pipes can degrade and develop leaks.
Convertible Roof Mechanism:
Hydraulic hoses and actuators for the convertible top can leak or fail over time.
Automatic Transmission Slipping:
ZF transmissions require regular fluid changes; neglect can lead to wear and slipping.
Jaguar Legacy:
Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for building stylish, powerful, and luxurious grand tourers and sports cars.
X100 Introduction:
The X100 platform succeeded the XJS and was designed to evoke the classic Jaguar E-Type styling, representing a significant modern interpretation.
Xk8 Debut:
Launched in 1996 for the 1997 model year, initially as the XK8 with the 4.0L V8.
Xkr Introduction:
The XKR variant, featuring the supercharged V8, was introduced for the 1998 model year, offering enhanced performance.
Production Period:
1997-2002
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
