Market Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan, representing Jaguar's flagship model for the period.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), BMW 7 Series (E38), Lexus LS 400 (UCF20), Audi A8 (D2).
Design Philosophy:
Emphasized classic British luxury, refined styling, and potent engine options.
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking comfort, performance, and prestige.
Main Coverage:
Comprehensive workshop service and repair
Specific Systems:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical Systems, Climate Control, Bodywork, Interior
Estimated Pages:
Over 1000 pages (typical for this era/scope)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF, likely)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, exhaust, automatic and manual transmissions, differentials, driveshafts.
Chassis:
Front and rear suspension (independent), steering system (power assisted), brake system (ABS, discs/pads, lines).
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories (windows, locks, seats), engine management electronics, ABS control, climate control electronics.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seat removal, HVAC components, body sealing.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad replacement, tire rotation.
Repair:
Engine component overhauls, transmission service, suspension rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, power steering pump replacement, starter/alternator replacement, headlamp/taillamp bulb replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine management, wiring diagrams for electrical fault finding.
Special Procedures:
Timing chain replacement (for V12), air suspension service (if equipped), body alignment checks, fuel system pressure testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and skilled DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and assembly procedures.
Engine Options:
4.0L AJ6 Inline-6, 6.0L V12 (Vanden Plas/Majestic), 4.0L Supercharged AJ16 (XJR).
Inline 6 Variant:
4.0L DOHC 24-valve, naturally aspirated (approx. 240 hp, 280 lb-ft torque).
V12 Variant:
6.0L SOHC 24-valve, naturally aspirated (approx. 310 hp, 360 lb-ft torque).
Xjr Variant:
4.0L Supercharged AJ16 DOHC 24-valve (approx. 322 hp, 370 lb-ft torque).
Acceleration 0 60 Mph Inline 6:
Approx. 7.5 seconds
Acceleration 0 60 Mph V12:
Approx. 6.5 seconds
Acceleration 0 60 Mph Xjr:
Approx. 5.9 seconds
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (PFI) for all variants.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Transmission Type Inline 6:
ZF 4HP22/24 4-speed automatic
Transmission Type V12:
ZF 4HP24 4-speed automatic
Transmission Type Xjr:
ZF 4HP24 4-speed automatic
Optional Transmission:
Manual transmission not offered for the X300 generation in North America.
Transmission Modes:
Normal and Sport modes selectable on automatic transmissions.
Wheelbase:
119.0 inches (3023 mm)
Overall Length:
199.7 inches (5073 mm)
Overall Width:
70.4 inches (1788 mm)
Overall Height:
53.4 inches (1356 mm)
Curb Weight Inline 6:
Approx. 3,900 - 4,100 lbs (1769 - 1860 kg)
Curb Weight V12:
Approx. 4,300 - 4,500 lbs (1950 - 2041 kg)
Curb Weight Xjr:
Approx. 4,100 - 4,300 lbs (1860 - 1950 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 5,300 lbs (2400 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated under modern standards; designed to earlier safety norms.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not explicitly rated under modern standards; designed to earlier safety norms.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional or standard on higher trims/later models, often referred to as 'Traction Control System' (TCS).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seat belts with pretensioners; three-point rear seat belts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Premium sound systems, often with cassette player and AM/FM radio. CD changer integration may be present on some models. Navigation systems were optional and rare.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with dual-zone temperature settings.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Not commonly available for this model year.
Bluetooth:
Not available; requires aftermarket installation.
Usb Ports:
Not available; requires aftermarket installation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil type).
Transmission Fluid Interval:
Recommended fluid and filter change every 50,000 - 60,000 miles for automatic transmissions.
Coolant Replacement Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles with appropriate coolant.
Engine Oil:
API SJ or SL rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Transmission Fluid:
Mobil ATF LT 71141 or equivalent for ZF 4HP22/24 transmissions.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based, OAT type (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Head Gasket:
While improved over the XJ40, potential for head gasket issues, particularly on the AJ6 engines, especially if maintenance is neglected.
Nikasil Liners:
Early AJ6 engines used Nikasil cylinder liners. While generally robust, concerns about compatibility with high-sulfur fuels led to a recall and replacement with steel liners in many markets. The 1995 models likely have the updated liners, but verification is recommended.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many Jaguars of this era, can suffer from minor electrical issues related to aging wiring harnesses, connectors, and control modules. The manual is crucial for diagnostics.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear of suspension bushings (e.g., front wishbone bushes, rear subframe bushes) is common due to age and mileage, leading to imprecise handling and knocking noises.
Air Conditioning:
HVAC systems, especially the A/C compressor and climate control module, can be prone to issues requiring specialized diagnostics and parts.
Heritage:
Jaguar Cars has a long history of producing luxury sports sedans and grand tourers, dating back to the 1930s with models like the SS Jaguar 100 and later the XK series and original XJ.
X300 Introduction:
The X300 platform (XJ Series) was introduced for the 1995 model year, replacing the XJ40. It marked a return to more classic Jaguar styling cues, particularly drawing inspiration from the Series III XJ.
Key Changes From Xj40:
Revised exterior styling, improved interior ergonomics, and significant updates to the engine and chassis.
Subsequent Models:
The X300 platform evolved into the X308 (with the new AJ-V8 engine) and later the X350 (aluminum construction).
Manufacturing Plant:
Coventry, England (Jaguar Browns Lane factory)
Production Years X300:
1994-1997 (for the 1995-1997 model years)
Automotive Journalism:
The XJ Series, including the X300, consistently received praise from automotive publications for its ride comfort, refined interior, and elegant styling, often being cited as a benchmark for automotive luxury.
Consumer Reports Legacy:
While specific ratings for 1995 models are historical, Jaguar's reliability perceptions in this era were mixed, with the X300 generally seen as an improvement over its predecessor, but still requiring diligent maintenance. This manual is key to managing that.