Styperman

To me, I think they are aging gracefully!

If it hasn't already been mentioned, the mark 1s have a Ford 5 speed auto box. The mark 1.5s from around 2001/2 have a ZF 6 speed auto box.

The official fuel consumption on the combined cycle a for a manual is 29.7mpg, with the autos being a tad less. I think yours is virtually bang on!.  On a gentle motorway run (cruise set to 65-67mph), I can get into higher 30s. Trip computer once showed 40mpg for a fraction of a second!

Oh yes, I understand!. The issue has been rectified. In fact it's MOT time next month. I'm treating her to a major service oil/air/fuel/pollen filters, spark plugs and coolant change. Brake fluid was changed 6 months ago along with new front discs and pads.

I used to think that if I look after my car, it will look after me. With my cat, I hope  she will purr afterwards and not bite!!

Well, putting that message out well and truly jinxed it!.  ABS/DSC light came on today!

The old girl has blown a foot well light Bulb!😂.  Also, she's the first car I've owned we're I haven't referred to it as 'it'.  I'd say I'm still well and truly in the honeymoon period 6 months on!.

I used to think that if I got one I would call it Michael after the REM singer Michael.. .... wait for it...... Stipe!.  Stipe or S Type, do you see what I did there?!!. 

Now I have one, I haven't called it anything, but I regard it as a she!

Hi Steve, the squeak that I had did sound exactly as if it was an interaction between the back of the steering wheel and the cabin furniture.  It was as if it could be easily silenced by a quick squirt of silicon lubricant between the back of the wheel and the column. The closest I can get to replicating the sound is by pulling out an extendable dog lead. The sound is similar to the lead winding itself back in. Or may be a vacuum cleaner power cord being retracted (if you have one that winds itself in).  

I believe that the sound is from a seal in the power steering system.  Jaguar produced an additive.  I got it for around 10 quid off eBay. There is a technical service bulletin that can be footless and downloaded that explains what needs to be done.  It is straightforwards, if you don't make my mistake!.

Sadly, I cannot comment on the squeak/grinding from the underside.  Mine is quiet in that respect at present. But now I've said that, you know what will happen...

3 hours ago, Russ68 said:

 

"Might have been me that describe my Sport as 'chuckable'"

In my teenage years I knocked about with a mate who's first car was a Mini (An Austin, not the trades description one).  And being a teenager he used to drive it everywhere full tilt.  A new 40 mph bypass opened where we lived and it had a series of fairly tight roundabouts.  My mate used to like chucking his Mini through these roundabouts without any reduction in speed or touching of brakes.  It was a case of dropping it in 3rd and powering round with the throttle wide open and a quick right left flick on the steering wheel and round we would go with the speedo needle stuck to 40mph.  In the process, quite a large gap would open up between us and the more exotic car pursuing car (Manta, BX GTi, Passat GL5, MG Montego and the like).  

Since then, I've regarded this series of round about as a good test of a car handling. And yes I have matched and even slightly exceeded the speed at which the Mini could get round them in my much bigger S Type.  In fact it stays unruffled doing it, unlike my passenger did.  I was surprised that theres not even been a hint of tyre squeal.  

So yes, I agree that they are indeed chuckable and can change direction with aplomb!.

 

 

Hi everyone. I just thought I'd share a few pictures of new kit that been installed on my S type.  Mine is the pre facelift model that only had rear sensors fitted. The front ones have been colour matched and are smaller than the rear ones. In fact they look similar to the front sensors available on the facelifted model!.

The head unit links up to mobile phones. Spotify/music can be controlled via the touch screen which automatically changes to the rear camera when reverse is selected.  The sound quality via the standard speakers is also improved. I did not install this myself so I cannot answer questions on the installation.  Base Systems of Preston supplied and fitted the equipment and I've been very happy with their service.

Ha ha!. Yes I quite agree.  I have felt smug in recent situations myself.  Both yesterday and today I've been passed by, coincidently, two different speeding Civic Type Rs who's exhausts drone were so loud that they could still be heard when they were several hundred yards on front of me.  The exhaust notes were not especially nice either.  All I thought was that they were giving themselves a migraine while I wafted along in near silence!. And of course, if inclined, I  can hear the glorious tone of a V6 engine while they just had a crappy four pot buzz!.

I notice that a lot folk use the forum for when things go wrong with their cars. I'd like to share a story of things going right, especially after last weeks shenanigans!.  Granted, I'm still a relatively new S Type driver and I am probably still going the through the 'honeymoon' period with it, but today, I had an exhilarating day with my S Type.

Mine is only the 2.5 auto, the slowest one of the clan.  But for the last 20 years all I've driven is four pot turbo diesels.  Today was a trip from Preston to Porthmadog and return.  It was an early start so the roads were relatively clear. The cruise down the M6 and M56 was absolutely effortless.  I've not experienced a car so refined.  The ride is superb. Just mild wind/road noise at the in the background of our general conversation.  My co pilot also commented on how comfy the seats were.

Instead of doing the normal A55 route.  I opted for a cross country route using Mold, Ruthin, Capel Celyn and Trawsfynydd and Maentrog.  I must admit, I stuck into sports mode on the bendy bits round Afon Tryweryn Lake/reservoir.  It came in handy overtaking three cars stuck together not daring to venture beyond 50 mph.  It was quick to kickdown and acceleration surprisng!. A more potent S Type must be distinctly rapid!.   Its high speed cornering ability really did impress. Steering it was most enjoyable!.  Using the car's power as opposed to noticing torque was a refreshing change too.  We arrived as fresh as we set off 2 and a half hours before!.  

The run back was in heavier traffic and we followed the main A5 A55 M56 route back but still a relative pleasure. The vast majority of time, the cruise was set to 70. There was the odd burst up to an indicated 80 but not often.  

Over the 286 miles, the computer showed we had averaged 52 mph. The mpg reading was 32. And there is still a smidge under a third of a tank still left.  Because of the smiles is gave me, I can forgive its economy. And to be honest, I think it could be a lot worse as  my Tourneo Custom TCDI only gets about Feel free to post your instances of your S Type putting a smile on your face. It'll make a change from hearing about them causing problems!.  

I know there will be a time when I will need help of the forum but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it!!.

You know when something should be straightforward, but things conspire against you, well thats happened to me this evening.  

I decided to try and cure the well documented steering squeak.  In doing so, I inadvertently pushed the power steering reservoir filter into the reservoir itself.   Don't ask.  Just don't.  

No matter what implement I used, I just could not 'feel' it in there.  This led to more and more fluid being drained out (complete with spillages!).   In the end I caught site of it. Of course, it was just out of reach of every tool I had. 

In failing light there was no alternative but to call for assistance.  Within a quick 15 minutes the RAC arrived!.  It only took us both an hour to root out!.

After he had gone, I then followed the remainder of the technical bulletin and it all went swimmingly!.  So what so have taken 20 mins actually took 2 hours 20 mins.

But the squeak has gone. So its a good result!.  I hope you all have had a better evening than me.  Feel free to post annecdotes of simple jobs going wrong, it might just cheer me up!

Ha ha, like it!.  You could always reply "well, its the Jag that always puts a smile on my face!"..... but perhaps on second thoughts, maybe not!

Cheers!. Namewise, I respond to either!. There are no problems either way with that!.  We'll be keeping this one a long time.  My wife is as smitten with it as I am!. 

You can't complain with 48mpg!

Many thanks for all your kind comments about the car.  I am chuffed to bits with it at the moment and long may it continue!.  I agree with it being a comfortable place to sit for long mileages. I'm amazed how well they ride yet they go where you point them without getting ruffled!.  I can't take the credit for this next pic (its one that Google adjusted and then said look what we've done for you) but I like to think the designer was pleased with his work!.  I am!.

Glad to hear your XK is performing well. Although I havent got equipment to do heavier maintenance myself, I like to think I'm mechanically sympathetic and complete maintenance/get maintenance completed in a timely manner. I will post pics when I have worked out how to.  Its got 'chrome' embellishments on it.  Its not my thing, but I've grown to like them!.

Hi there, one and all.  I'm a new member from Preston, Lancashire and also a first time Jaguar owner.  I have recently purchased an 04 S Type 2.5 V6 auto.  It is a one owner from new vehicle with 27k miles and absolutely everything still works!.  I completely went against my car buying instincts and purchased the first one I sat in/drove!.  Obviously I'm hoping for a painless ownership experience, only time will tell.  It great to see a wealth of knowledge in these forums and, no doubt, our paths will cross in the future.