Positioning:
Premium Luxury Sedan
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, Audi A8
Distinctive Attributes:
Classic Jaguar styling, refined ride quality, luxurious interior, V8 engine options, advanced (for its time) technology.
Manual Benefit:
Enables owners and independent technicians to perform accurate maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs, saving time and money compared to dealership servicing.
Powertrain:
Engine (AJ-V8 variants), Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication, Ignition, Starting & Charging, Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 5HP24), Differential, Drive Axles, Transfer Case (if applicable)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering (Power Steering), Brakes (Hydraulic & Parking), Wheels & Tires
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Glass, Mirrors, Interior Trim, Seats, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Climate Control (Air Conditioning), Instrument Panel, Audio/Visual Systems, Lighting
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring Schematics, Electrical Components, Multiplex/CAN Communication, Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Immobilizer System, Cruise Control
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnosis:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major systems and components, including overhauls and component replacement
Installation:
Procedures for installing new or replacement parts and accessories
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostic and repair procedures, including detailed component disassembly and reassembly.
Engine Code Variants:
AJ-V8 (4.0L Naturally Aspirated DOHC V8; Supercharged variant also available in later models, though less common in 1998 MY X308)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 240-290 hp (NA 4.0L), up to 370 hp (Supercharged variant typically introduced post-1998)
Torque Range:
Approximately 284-303 lb-ft (NA 4.0L)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
ECM Type:
Jaguar/Lucas ECU
Type:
ZF 5HP24 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
Type:
Not typically offered with a manual transmission in this generation.
Control Mode:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) with adaptive shift logic
Fluid Type:
Jaguar XT-8 (or equivalent DEXRON III H specification)
Wheelbase:
118.4 inches (3007 mm)
Length:
197.4 inches (5014 mm)
Width:
70.3 inches (1786 mm)
Height:
53.5 inches (1359 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3,800 - 4,000 lbs (1725 - 1815 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 4,700 - 4,900 lbs (2130 - 2220 kg)
NHTSA Ratings:
Vehicle specific ratings for 1998 are less standardized and comparable to modern tests. Known for robust construction.
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on all wheels.
Stability:
Traction Control System (TCS) often standard or optional.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags may have been optional.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.
Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Audio System:
Premium audio systems (e.g., Alpine or Meridian), optional CD changer.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system available on some models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Communication Protocols:
Early forms of multiplexed wiring and CAN (Controller Area Network) for communication between modules.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for exact recommendations.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km). Check for leaks and condition of fluid.
Coolant Change:
Typically every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
Castrol TXT SOFTECH 5W-30 (or equivalent API SJ/CF or ACEA A1-98/B1-98 specification).
Coolant:
Jaguar Premium Coolant (Glysantin G48 or equivalent OAT/HOAT coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Power Steering Fluid:
Jaguar JLM-1128 (or equivalent Pentosin CHF 11S).
Engine Components:
Timing chain tensioners (plastic type prone to failure in early AJ-V8 engines), Nikasil cylinder liners (in early engines, though most were replaced under warranty/recall by 1998, but worth noting), Nikasil bore wear.
Cooling System:
Plastic water pump impellers can degrade, radiator leaks, hose failures.
Electrical:
CAN bus issues, module failures, headlight leveling system problems, corroded grounds.
Suspension:
Wear in bushings and ball joints, air suspension issues (if equipped).
Body:
Rust in wheel arches, sills, and boot lid; door seals deterioration.
Brand Legacy:
Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for luxury, performance, and elegant design, dating back to the 1930s.
X300 To X308 Transition:
The X308 replaced the X300. Key update was the introduction of the V8 AJ-V8 engine, replacing the straight-six engines of the X300. Exterior styling remained largely similar, but interior received updates.
Production Years:
X308 generation: 1997-2003
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England (Jaguar Cars)
