NeilMH Posted May 17, 2014 Share Posted May 17, 2014 2002 XK8 auto questions please: 1. What should I expect the auto box to drive like - should it be perfect - i.e. no shunt when changing gears, no jogging when putting in drive or reverse - or is a certain amount of both normal? My Toyotas are perfect and seamless (22 and 21 years later) but when a friend took my out in an S Type the other day there was a sizeable jolt when put into drive. Equally I have experienced this in other autos as well. The XK8 has a ZF box so my presumption is it ought to be spot on? 2. Whilst I have a modest degree of competence in picking up obvious issues in driving, running etc - are there any particular XK8 oddities to look out for? 3. Overall, I guess what I am asking is if it is a well maintained XK8 which is 12 years old, what should my expectations be. I am realistic enough to understand it won't be perfection and am assuming that there are plenty of specialists around. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KyleR Posted May 17, 2014 Share Posted May 17, 2014 I suggest you send RTBiscuit a PM as he has one and knows his stuff 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilMH Posted May 17, 2014 Author Share Posted May 17, 2014 I suggest you send RTBiscuit a PM as he has one and knows his stuff Thanks. Will do Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbiscuit Posted May 17, 2014 Share Posted May 17, 2014 There are 2 different boxes, one on the xkr and one on the xk8, from memory, both are Mercedes boxes. And both are pretty solid and reliable. Both boxes are supposedly sealed for life. But they can be oil changed. And that's the biggest thing. They need to have had a gear box oil change after 80k. If they have had the oil changed every 60-80k the box should outlast the car. The auto is good but it is old and a bit clunky, with the v8 their is a bit of a shunt, and the observations you make are pretty standard. With regards to the car and issues, the main thing to look for is if the timing chain pensioners have been upgraded. And have a look at the rear quarters and arches where metal meets bumper for sings of corrosion, and a peek underneath at the footedly floor pans. If your interested I've done all the big jobs on my xkr and I'm supposed to be selling it with the twins soon to go into nursery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilMH Posted May 17, 2014 Author Share Posted May 17, 2014 There are 2 different boxes, one on the xkr and one on the xk8, from memory, both are Mercedes boxes. And both are pretty solid and reliable. Both boxes are supposedly sealed for life. But they can be oil changed. And that's the biggest thing. They need to have had a gear box oil change after 80k. If they have had the oil changed every 60-80k the box should outlast the car. The auto is good but it is old and a bit clunky, with the v8 their is a bit of a shunt, and the observations you make are pretty standard. With regards to the car and issues, the main thing to look for is if the timing chain pensioners have been upgraded. And have a look at the rear quarters and arches where metal meets bumper for sings of corrosion, and a peek underneath at the footedly floor pans. If your interested I've done all the big jobs on my xkr and I'm supposed to be selling it with the twins soon to go into nursery. Many thanks for this. I think I will test drive a local one first to see if it's my cup of tea. I was hoping to part-ex my 05 Roadster (for convenience) but I could review that. The XK8 coupe I saw today was just over £7k. I couldn't give it a proper look over because my wife is ill so had to get back home. Also looking at Merc CLS (I just have a thing about them - I know it's not a sports car ). The older petrol ones are getting towards my budget. Am weighing up a few other options as well - I am going to need an auto next time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbiscuit Posted May 17, 2014 Share Posted May 17, 2014 (edited) Have loved my xkr, its like driving an arm chair, my mates call it the Luxor-barge. I stick it in drive and leave it there. Does it all for me. and has been a god send with my dodgy knee. Edited May 17, 2014 by rtbiscuit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilMH Posted May 17, 2014 Author Share Posted May 17, 2014 Have loved my xkr, its like driving an arm chair, my mates call it the Luxor-barge. I stick it in drive and leave it there. Does it all for me. and has been a god send with my dodgy knee. Yes, it's knee with me as well.... injured it quite badly a few years ago, then had 2 ops (inc ACL replacement). Just in recent months it's playing silly beggars again. The 350Z clutch isn't the lightest . Presume the XK8 ride quality should be pretty good (i.e.. more old school jag than new school jag)? Haven't had a V8 before. Happy to cruise around I am an old man....so any old man comments would simply be truthful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbiscuit Posted May 17, 2014 Share Posted May 17, 2014 I run the 20 inch wheels, its a harder ride, but still built for cruising. The smaller 18s are very good and make for a very comfy ride. Jag front seats are uber comfy. I bought mine in Edinburgh and drove it back to Suffolk. Spent 12 hours in the car. And I could quiet easily have driven all the way back without any discomfort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilMH Posted May 17, 2014 Author Share Posted May 17, 2014 That's interesting. I would definitely want to go for the 18s then. I have bit of a thing about ride quality. Suspension tuning is a real art. Too many manufacturers seem to think you have to make the components out of concrete to make the car handle properly. Lotus get it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbiscuit Posted May 17, 2014 Share Posted May 17, 2014 Although on 20s mine has the cats suspension, its an old system but it works well. As you corner it stiffens up the onsite side to keep the car balanced and planted. No bedroll etc, but when on the straights it softens out for comfort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ebized Posted May 17, 2014 Share Posted May 17, 2014 the main thing to look for is if the timing chain pensioners have been upgraded. Happy to cruise around I am an old man....so any old man comments would simply be truthful Just read this thread and tickled me when I saw these But then I do qualify for both Back to the serious discussion........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilMH Posted May 17, 2014 Author Share Posted May 17, 2014 (edited) the main thing to look for is if the timing chain pensioners have been upgraded. Happy to cruise around I am an old man....so any old man comments would simply be truthful Just read this thread and tickled me when I saw these But then I do qualify for both Back to the serious discussion........ Freudian slip or clever pun (Pensioners)? Edited May 17, 2014 by NeilMH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbiscuit Posted May 17, 2014 Share Posted May 17, 2014 Bloody tablet auto correct 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbiscuit Posted May 18, 2014 Share Posted May 18, 2014 One thing to keep in mind when you test drive is that the steering is very light, the P/S pump has 2 settings and for everything under 70mph it has a very light setting to aid in parking and round town driving etc. Above 70 it firms up to five more feedback. On a spirited drive below 70 the light steering can put people off as it can feel disconnected. But there is a mod you can do to fit a switch in order to swap between P/S settings, so you can add in steering feeling on a spirited drive, or you cn leave it on soft for a long drive or parking. I would highly recommend the XKEC forum, it is a paid membership, but you can get a forum only pass for about £20. Its saved me a fortune in purchases as it gives you the best suppliers instead of jaguar hq. Also knowledge and specialists. Jobs that could have been 100's have often been turned into bills of £20. The knowledge and the help is excellent. Paid membership keeps the riff-raff out, and although its a mostly mature membership, the meets and get together have a touch more class and theatre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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