Positioning:
The Jaguar XJ (X350) was positioned as a flagship luxury sedan, competing with established German marques like Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8, offering a blend of classic British luxury, advanced technology (particularly its aluminum chassis and adaptive suspension), and refined performance.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220/W221), BMW 7 Series (E65/E66), Audi A8 (D3), Lexus LS (XF30).
Chassis Technology:
Bonded aluminum monocoque construction, providing significant weight savings and increased rigidity compared to traditional steel bodies.
Suspension Technology:
Adaptive, computer-controlled air suspension (CATS) offering variable damping and automatic ride height adjustment.
Powertrain Options:
Available with a range of naturally aspirated and supercharged V8 engines, as well as a 6-cylinder option.
Engine Mechanical:
All engine components, assembly, disassembly, timing, cooling, lubrication.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics.
Transmission Automatic:
ZF 6HP26 (likely), general overhaul, fluid service, electronic controls, torque converter.
Transmission Manual:
Likely covered if manual variants exist, though automatic is more common for this generation XJ.
Suspension System:
Air suspension (CATS - Computer Active Technology Suspension), components, servicing, fault diagnosis.
Steering System:
Power steering system, rack and pinion, components, fluid, alignment.
Brake System:
Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), EBD, brake pad replacement, disc servicing, hydraulic component testing.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, power accessories.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass, interior trim, underbody protection, corrosion prevention.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, refrigerant handling, component diagnosis, climate control unit.
Infotainment And Navigation:
Radio, CD player, navigation system, speaker system, component testing, software updates.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS diagnostics.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems.
Engine Repair:
Major and minor engine overhauls, component replacement (pistons, bearings, valves, etc.).
Transmission Repair:
Complete transmission rebuild, seal replacement, valve body service.
Brake Service:
Pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush and bleed.
Suspension Component Replacement:
Air springs, shocks, control arms, bushings.
Electrical Component Diagnosis:
Testing of alternators, starters, ECUs, sensors, and actuators.
Body Panel Replacement:
Fender, hood, door, trunk lid removal and installation.
Interior Trim Removal:
Dashboard, door panels, center console components.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Interpretation and action plans for DTCs.
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code Xj8:
AJ-V8 Gen III (likely 3.5L and 4.2L naturally aspirated)
Engine Code Xj Supercharged:
AJ-V8 Gen III Supercharged (likely 4.2L)
Engine Code Xj6:
AJ-V6 (likely 3.0L, although less common in later X350 models)
Performance Xj8 4.2L Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower:
Approx. 294 hp (219 kW)
Torque:
Approx. 303 lb-ft (410 Nm)
Performance Xj8 4.2L Supercharged
Horsepower:
Approx. 390 hp (291 kW)
Torque:
Approx. 399 lb-ft (541 Nm)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Cylinder Head Design:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material:
Aluminum Alloy
NHTSA Ratings:
Specific ratings for this generation vary by market and testing cycles, but generally aimed for high safety standards commensurate with a luxury vehicle.
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control (TCS)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Brake Assist:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned seatbelts with load limiters.
Body Structure:
Advanced aluminum safety cell for crash energy management.
Service Intervals Oil Change
Interval Miles:
10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Service Intervals Major Service
Interval Miles:
30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months for comprehensive checks, including transmission fluid and filter (check manual for specific intervals).
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Type:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5 or higher; Viscosity: 5W-30 or 0W-30 (check owner's manual for specific V8 engine variants and extreme temperature recommendations).
Capacity:
Approx. 7.2 US quarts (6.8 liters) for 4.2L V8, 6.7 US quarts (6.3 liters) for 3.5L V8 (verify with manual).
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Type:
Jaguar-spec concentrated coolant (e.g., XJ6-3, orange colored), to be mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Avoid generic green antifreeze.
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Type:
DOT 4 (Low Viscosity - LV, or Super DOT 4 recommended)
Air Suspension:
Air spring leaks, compressor failure, suspension height sensor issues, control module faults. Regular checks of air lines and seals are recommended.
Aluminum Body:
Corrosion can occur at dissimilar metal joints (e.g., steel fasteners in aluminum), especially in areas prone to road salt. Proper cleaning and inspection are important.
Thermostat Housing:
Plastic thermostat housings are prone to cracking and leaking on certain V8 engines.
Timing Chains:
While generally robust, some early V8 models can experience timing chain tensioner or guide wear, leading to rattling noises. The manual will detail inspection procedures.
Water Pump:
Early water pumps with plastic impellers could degrade; later models often had metal impellers. Leaks from the water pump seal are common maintenance items.
Heritage:
Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for producing elegant, powerful, and luxurious grand tourers and sports sedans, with a focus on performance and distinctive styling.
X350 Introduction:
The X350 generation debuted in 2003, marking a significant departure with its all-aluminum construction and a more modern, yet classic, design language, aiming to recapture Jaguar's prestige.
Predecessor:
Succeeded the Jaguar XJ (X308) model.
Manufacturing Location:
Castle Bromwich Assembly, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
