🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XJ8

Year:

1998

Generation Code:

X308

Chassis Code:

X308

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Premium Luxury Sedan

Competitors:

BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8

Design:

Classic Jaguar styling, distinctive grille, sculpted lines

Interior:

Luxurious materials, comfortable seating, refined cabin

Powertrain:

V8 engine offering smooth power delivery

📋 Manual Details

Covered Regions:

Global (likely North America, Europe, Asia based on Jaguar's market presence)

Page Count:

110

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (downloadable, printable, may be zipped)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Yes (including diagnostics and fuel system)

Transmission:

Yes (including transmission management)

Brakes:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes (Front & Rear)

Electrical:

Yes (including electrical/electronic systems and switchgear)

Bodywork:

Yes (Introduction to Body)

Climate Control:

Yes (Air Conditioning and Heating Systems)

Safety Systems:

Yes (Seatbelt, Airbag SRS System)

Steering:

Yes

Cruise Control:

Yes

Exhaust System:

Yes

Fuel System:

Yes

Security System:

Yes (referencing Security System)

Interior Features:

Yes (referencing switchgear, seatbelt)

Maintenance:

Yes (preventative maintenance)

Repair:

Yes (step-by-step repair information)

Troubleshooting:

Yes

Diagnostics:

Yes (Engine Diagnostics, troubleshooting procedures)

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers every part of the car, inside and out, for professional technicians and DIY users)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Compression:

May be zipped (.zip, .rar)

Printability:

Printable from any computer and printer

Image Quality:

Very best quality, illustrated with clear step-by-step instructions

Binding:

Not a hardcopy (digital download only)

Paper Type:

N/A (digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8

Engine Family:

Jaguar AJ-V8

Displacement:

3.2L (3200 cc) and 4.0L (3996 cc)

Valvetrain:

4 valves per cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Horsepower 3.2L:

237 hp @ 6300 rpm (approx.)

Torque 3.2L:

257 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approx.)

Horsepower 4.0L:

290 hp @ 6100 rpm (approx.)

Torque 4.0L:

290 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP24)

Optional Transmission:

None specified for this model year and variant

Shift Modes:

Comfort/Sport modes (typical for this era)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

118.0 inches (3000 mm)

Length:

199.9 inches (5077 mm)

Width:

71.5 inches (1816 mm)

Height:

55.0 inches (1397 mm)

Curb Weight Approx:

3900 - 4100 lbs (1769 - 1860 kg), depending on engine and trim

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Not prominently available for this era, but generally considered safe for its class. Manual will provide specific SRS details.

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Not prominently available for this era. Manual will focus on repair procedures for safety systems.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Standard (ASR - Acceleration Slip Regulation)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on trim)

Seatbelts:

Front and rear three-point seatbelts, pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium audio systems available, often with CD player and radio. Upgrade options likely existed.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system, covered in the manual.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by modern standards, primarily focused on basic audio and climate controls. No Bluetooth or advanced smartphone integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for exact specification).

Major Service Interval:

100,000 miles (refer to manual for detailed checks).

Engine Oil Specification:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for precise viscosity and API rating).

Coolant Specification:

Jaguar recommended coolant or equivalent (e.g., G48 ethylene glycol-based).

Transmission Fluid:

ZF TE-ML 11A or equivalent (e.g., ATF Dexron III). Check manual for specific part number and procedure.

Timing Chain Tensioners:

Pre-2002 AJ-V8 engines can have plastic timing chain tensioners prone to degradation, leading to potential chain rattle or failure. Manual will detail inspection and replacement.

Oil Leaks:

Common areas for leaks include valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets due to age and material degradation.

Ecs (Electronically Controlled Suspension):

If equipped, potential issues with hydraulic lines or pump failure. Manual covers diagnostics and repair.

ABS/Traction Control:

Wheel speed sensor failures or ABS module issues are not uncommon with age.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for luxury, performance, and distinctive styling dating back to its founding in 1922.

Model Lineage:

The XJ series has been Jaguar's flagship luxury sedan since 1968. The X308 generation introduced significant updates over its predecessor (X300), notably the AJ-V8 engine and revised styling.

Production Period:

X308 generation: 1997-2003

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Awards And Ratings:

While specific awards for the 1998 model year are not readily highlighted, the XJ series consistently received praise for its ride comfort, handling balance, and luxurious appointments in automotive reviews of the era.