🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XJ8

Generation:

X308

Production Years:

1997-2003

Chassis Code:

X308

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Target Audience:

Luxury car buyers seeking refined styling, comfortable ride, and V8 performance.

Key Competitors:

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

Engine Options:

Primarily V8 engines (e.g., AJ26, AJ27, AJ28 variants of Jaguar's V8).

Body Styles:

Long wheelbase (LWB) and standard wheelbase variants were typically offered.

Design Philosophy:

Epitome of classic British luxury and automotive craftsmanship.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Workshop Service and Repair

Specific Models Covered:

Jaguar XJ8

Model Years Covered:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified but described as comprehensive)

Type:

Complete Official Full Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine Service/Repair

Transmission:

Transmission Service/Repair

Brakes:

Brake System

Electrical:

Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams

Suspension:

Suspension System

Steering:

Steering System

Cooling:

Cooling System

Fuel:

Fuel Injection, Fuel System

Emissions:

Emission System

HVAC:

Heater/Air Conditioning System

Engine Control:

Engine Control System

Chassis Body:

Chassis/Body

Restraints:

Restraint System (Airbags, Seatbelts)

Interior:

Interior Components and Trim

Drivetrain:

Differential/Drive Axle

Maintenance:

General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication

Troubleshooting:

Troubleshooting, Diagnostic Procedures

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions based on complete disassembly

Electrical Repair:

Troubleshooting and electrical service procedures combined with detailed wiring diagrams

Detail Level:

Professional Quality, In-depth

Illustrations:

Hundreds of photos and illustrations, enlarged inset views

Instructions:

Detailed substeps, numbered instructions, notes, cautions, and warnings

Usability:

Printable pages, numbered table of contents for fast information retrieval

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

Works with all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac

Printability:

Printable without any restriction (entire manual or selected pages)

Binding:

Not applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (Digital Download)

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

Jaguar AJ-V8

Displacement:

Commonly 4.0-liter (3996 cc). Later models may have had a 4.2-liter option.

Horsepower:

Approximately 290-320 hp (varies by specific engine variant and year).

Torque:

Approximately 290-305 lb-ft (varies by specific engine variant and year).

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Bore X Stroke:

Typical for 4.0L: 86 mm x 86 mm

Compression Ratio:

Typically 10.0:1 or 10.75:1

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 5HP24)

Transmission Options:

Not generally offered with manual transmissions in XJ8 models.

Shift Modes:

Often featured 'Sport' and 'Comfort' or 'Winter' modes for adjustable shift characteristics.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Standard: Approx. 118.5 inches (3010 mm); Long Wheelbase (XJ8L): Approx. 124.5 inches (3162 mm)

Length:

Standard: Approx. 197.7 inches (5021 mm); Long Wheelbase: Approx. 203.7 inches (5174 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,700 - 4,000 lbs (1680 - 1815 kg), varies by configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Info:

Specific official ratings from agencies like NHTSA or IIHS for this era may be limited or vary by region. Manual would cover factory safety systems.

Active Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS)

Passive Safety:

Front airbags, Side airbags (often optional or standard on higher trims), Crumple zones, Reinforced passenger compartment.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium audio systems often available, e.g., Jaguar Premium Audio or optional Alpine/Bose systems.

Navigation:

Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system often featured a CD-ROM based map system.

Stability Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) and often Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) were available or standard.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by era; primarily focused on integrated audio and climate controls. Earlier models may lack modern connectivity like Bluetooth.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for exact type of oil and filter.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended every 60,000 miles or as per service schedule; consult manual for fluid type (e.g., JLM 20809 or equivalent MERCON V).

Coolant Flush:

Typically every 2-4 years or specified mileage interval. Use Jaguar-approved coolant (e.g., XJ6-A).

Engine Oil Specification:

Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for precise specification and API service category).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Jaguar specified fluid or Dexron III automatic transmission fluid.

Common Problems:

Timing chain tensioner degradation (especially on early Nikasil liners), Nikasil cylinder liner issues (early 4.0L engines, though often addressed by Jaguar), water pump failure, ignition coil failure, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) module issues, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning lights, headliner sagging.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Jaguar has a long-standing reputation for producing luxurious, performance-oriented grand tourers and sports cars.

X308 Introduction:

The X308 generation replaced the X300, primarily distinguished by the introduction of Jaguar's AJ-V8 engine, replacing the older AJ6 inline-six.

Key Changes During Production:

Updates included refinements to the engine (e.g., introduction of the 4.2L V8 in later models), powertrain, suspension, and interior/exterior styling cues. Introduction of CAN bus for some systems.

Manufacturing Location:

Coventry, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Acclaim:

The XJ series, including the X308, was generally praised for its refined ride, elegant styling, and luxurious interior, solidifying Jaguar's position in the luxury market.