Brand Image:
Jaguar XJ40 represented Jaguar's entry into a more modern, sophisticated large executive saloon segment, balancing luxury with performance.
Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi V8, Rover SD1.
Design Philosophy:
Modernized styling compared to previous XJ models, focus on aerodynamics and interior refinement.
Target Market:
Affluent individuals, company executives, and those seeking a luxurious and refined driving experience.
Value Proposition:
Provides the definitive OEM maintenance schedule as used by Jaguar dealerships, ensuring correct servicing for optimal vehicle health.
Engine Types Covered:
2.9 Litre, 3.6 Litre, 4.0 Litre
Vehicle Generations:
XJ40 (specific VIN range)
Target Audience:
Dealership Technicians, Advanced DIY Enthusiasts
Estimated Pages:
Variable (Maintenance Sheet format)
Document Type:
Maintenance Schedule/Checklist
Purpose:
Outline of required service items and intervals
Format:
Likely Printed Sheet/Brochure
Engine Maintenance:
Oil and filter change intervals, spark plug replacement, air filter checks, coolant checks.
Transmission Maintenance:
Automatic transmission fluid checks and changes, gearbox service intervals.
Brakes Maintenance:
Brake fluid checks, pad and disc inspection intervals.
Suspension Steering Maintenance:
Inspection of suspension components, steering system checks.
Electrical Systems Maintenance:
Battery checks, auxiliary belt inspection.
Cooling System Maintenance:
Coolant level checks, hose and radiator inspection.
Service Scheduling:
Recommended service intervals based on mileage and time.
Fluid Checks:
Lists which fluids to check and their approximate intervals.
Component Inspections:
Visual inspection points for key wear items.
Filter Replacements:
Scheduled replacement of oil, air, and fuel filters (where applicable).
Depth Level:
Service scheduling and basic checks, not detailed repair procedures.
Diagnostic Information:
Not included; focuses on preventative maintenance tasks.
Engine Family:
Jaguar AJ6 (later AJ16 for 4.0L variants)
2.9L Engine Code:
AJ6 2.9L (900 series)
3.6L Engine Code:
AJ6 3.6L (901 series)
4.0L Engine Code:
AJ6 4.0L (later AJ16 4.0L)
2.9L Horsepower Approx:
165 hp @ 5250 rpm
2.9L Torque Approx:
231 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
3.6L Horsepower Approx:
200-221 hp @ 5000-5750 rpm
3.6L Torque Approx:
243-278 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm
4.0L Horsepower Approx:
223-245 hp @ 5000-5250 rpm
4.0L Torque Approx:
277-300 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 rpm
Fuel Injection Type:
Lucas/Jaguar Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Type:
ZF 4HP22 4-speed Automatic
Manual Transmission Availability:
Rarely offered, primarily on earlier 2.9L models, typically a 5-speed Getrag.
Transmission Control:
Electronic control for smoother shifts and efficiency.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Safety Certification Era:
Pre-modern crash testing standards; focus on structural integrity.
ABS:
Standard on later models, optional on earlier ones.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard from 1990 onwards; passenger airbags optional.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts.
Audio System:
Often featured premium cassette or early CD players, with options for amplifiers and multiple speakers.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with diagnostics (e.g., 'check control' panel).
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Phone Integration:
Not present in the modern sense; early models may have had provisions for car phones.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Typically every 12,000 miles or 12 months (check specific sheet details).
Major Service Interval Miles:
Varies, often around 48,000 miles or 48 months for more comprehensive checks.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, Jaguar specification (often a silicate-free type).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (ensure clean and dry).
Electrical Reliability:
Historically, some early XJ40s suffered from electrical gremlins, particularly related to wiring loom insulation and module failures.
Suspension Components:
Hydraulic suspension (self-leveling rear on some models) can require maintenance; bushings and ball joints are wear items.
Bodywork:
Rust can be an issue, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and door bottoms if not properly maintained.
Engine Management:
EFI system can be sensitive to sensor faults; timing chain tensioners on early 4.0L engines are a known potential failure point.
Jaguar Legacy:
Continued Jaguar's tradition of producing luxurious, powerful, and stylish grand touring saloons.
Xjs Relation:
Shared powertrain and some chassis components with the XJS sports coupe.
Design Era:
Designed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, representing a departure from classic Jaguar styling.
Production Years:
1986 - 1992
Production Location:
Coventry, England
General Reputation:
Praised for its ride comfort, build quality (especially post-early production issues), and refined driving dynamics. Often considered a good value luxury car on the used market.
Historical Reviews:
Contemporary reviews often highlighted its smooth engine, comfortable interior, and superior handling compared to some rivals, while noting electrical quirks and initial build quality concerns.
