🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XJ8

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

X308

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Sedan

Competitors:

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

Xj8 Advantage:

Jaguar's reputation for refined ride, classic styling, and performance from the V8 engine.

Manual Usability:

Instant online access, searchable content, intuitive interface, factory-derived data ensures accuracy and completeness.

Manufacturer License:

Officially licensed, ensuring authenticity and accuracy of repair data.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Maintenance

Secondary Coverage:

Wiring Diagrams, Technical Specifications, Troubleshooting

Estimated Pages:

Thousands (typical for comprehensive factory software)

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Online Software/Web-based

Access Duration:

1 Year (with option for extension)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

V8 AJ-V8 (3.2L and 4.0L), Engine mechanical, Engine electrical, Fuel system, Ignition system, Cooling system, Lubrication system

Transmission:

ZF 5HP24 5-speed automatic transmission, Gearbox operation, Hydraulic control, Electronic control unit (ECU) integration, Fluid specifications, Maintenance, Repair

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive, Driveshafts, Differential, Axles, Wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front and Rear suspension, Control arms, Bushings, Springs, Shock absorbers, Anti-roll bars, Steering knuckles, Alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, Steering rack, Power steering pump, Steering column, Tie rods, Power steering fluid type

Brakes:

Front and Rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) in later models (though 1999 might be early adoption or absent), Brake fluid type, Bleeding procedures, Component replacement

Electrical:

12V Electrical system, Battery, Alternator, Starter motor, Fuse box locations, Relay assignments, Lighting system, Wiper system, Power windows, Central locking, ECU diagnostics, CAN bus communication (early implementation)

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, Climate control unit, Compressor, Condenser, Evaporator, Refrigerant type, Charging procedures, Component testing

Body:

Body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk lid, Bumpers, Body sealing, Trim, Glass replacement, Corrosion protection

Interior:

Seating systems, Dashboard, Center console, Upholstery, Interior trim components, Airbag systems (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System) safety precautions

Safety Systems:

Airbag (SRS) system removal and installation, Seatbelt pre-tensioners, Safety system diagnostic procedures

Diagnostic Tools:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) procedures, Trouble code (DTC) interpretation, Jaguar-specific diagnostic protocols (likely proprietary)

Maintenance:

Oil changes, Filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), Spark plug replacement, Coolant flush, Brake fluid flush, Transmission fluid change, Belt inspection and replacement, Wiper blade replacement, General inspection points

Repair:

Engine component repair (e.g., cylinder heads, gaskets), Transmission overhaul, Brake caliper replacement, Suspension component replacement (e.g., control arms, ball joints), Steering rack rebuild, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC component repair, Body panel repair and replacement

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic trees, Fault finding based on symptoms, Wiring diagram interpretation for electrical issues, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) lookup and resolution

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, Fluid capacities and types, Electrical component resistance values, Diagnostic parameters, Alignment settings, Engine timing specifications

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, Component location diagrams, Connector pin-outs

Depth:

Complete factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and complete component rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Web-based application, accessible via browser on PC, laptop, smartphone, tablet

Digital Clarity:

High-resolution, clear diagrams, text, and images

Digital Access:

Online, no physical binding

Digital Medium:

Not applicable (digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

AJ-V8

Displacement Liters:

3.2 L and 4.0 L

Configuration:

V8

Valve Train:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Fuel System:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Horsepower 3.2L:

~240 hp @ 6300 rpm (estimated)

Torque 3.2L:

~284 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm (estimated)

Horsepower 4.0L:

~290 hp @ 6000 rpm (estimated)

Torque 4.0L:

~290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (estimated)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or distributor-based (early models may vary)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

ZF 5HP24 5-speed automatic transmission

Type:

None (Automatic was standard for XJ8)

Control:

Electronically controlled with adaptive shift programs

Fluid Type:

Specific ZF Lifeguard Fluid (e.g., ZF S671 090 255) or equivalent specification

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Inches:

118.5

Length Inches:

199.8

Width Inches:

71.7

Height Inches:

53.3

Curb Weight Lbs:

~3850 - 4000 lbs (depending on configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:

Not readily available for public specification, but significantly higher than curb weight.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific model year, as was common for many luxury vehicles of the era. Manufacturer safety standards were high.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional or standard on certain trims/markets (often referred to as Traction Control System - TCS)

Airbags:

Front airbags (driver and passenger), Optional side airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory fitted radio/cassette/CD player with potential for premium sound systems (e.g., Alpine or Jaguar branded).

Navigation:

Optional GPS navigation system, typically with a dashboard-mounted screen.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking sensors.

Phone Integration:

Optional factory-fitted Bluetooth or cellular phone integration (early systems).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 60,000 miles or as per severe service schedule (check manual for specifics)

Coolant Change:

Every 50,000 miles or 2 years (using Jaguar approved coolant)

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil meeting Jaguar specification (e.g., Jaso FE or equivalent)

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a pink or orange OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant meeting Jaguar specifications.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (low viscosity, ISO 4925 Class 6 recommended for ABS systems)

Engine Oil Consumption:

Some AJ-V8 engines, particularly early 4.0L variants, experienced higher oil consumption due to piston ring design. The manual would detail checks and potential fixes.

Timing Chain Tensioners:

Later versions of the AJ-V8 had improved timing chain tensioners, but early models could experience wear. This manual would cover inspection and replacement procedures.

Spark Plug Blowout:

Early 4.0L AJ-V8 engines (pre-2002) had a known issue with spark plug threads stripping or blowout. The manual would detail proper torque and replacement methods.

Catalytic Converter Failure:

Over time, catalytic converters can become fouled or fail, impacting engine performance. The manual would provide diagnostic steps.

Heater Matrix Leaks:

Common in many Jaguars of this era, heater matrix leaks can cause coolant loss and interior damage. Manuals detail access and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Jaguar Legacy:

Jaguar Cars is renowned for its luxurious styling, performance-oriented engineering, and association with comfort and sporting pedigree.

Xj Lineage:

The XJ series represents Jaguar's flagship luxury sedan, tracing its roots back to the original XJ6 introduced in 1968. The X308 is a significant evolution of the X300 platform.

X308 Introduction:

Introduced in 1997 as a successor to the X300, the X308 featured updated styling and, notably, the new all-aluminum AJ-V8 engine, replacing the older inline-six engines. The 1999 model year represents the refinement of this platform.

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England, United Kingdom

Production Years:

1997-2003 (for X308 platform)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

Jaguar models of this era were often praised for their driving dynamics, luxurious interiors, and classic styling, contributing to Jaguar's ongoing reputation in the luxury market.