Hello guys.
I'm new to this forum, having recently purchased a 2010 XJ 3.0 Diesel, with 72,000 miles on the clock. It has 20" alloys fitted to it but I am finding the ride somewhat 'harsh' for a luxury motor, so I was considering swapping the wheels for the 19" alloys. I was just wondering if any members had done this or have any thoughts as to whether it would make much of a difference to the ride quality? I'm not even confident that my suspension is working as it should and thought to maybe change the air compressor. I do find that the car seems very susceptible to road cambers and cross winds etc? As soon as this coronavirus restrictions are lifted, I intend to get the Hunter 4 wheel tracking done, to see if this changes anything, but your thoughts on the above would be very much appreciated. Cheers, in anticipation.

 

Hi Mart(in?). Welcome to the forum.
Having come from an XF-S also running on 20" rims I've found the ride in the XJ quite smooth by comparison. But I do know what you mean. The XJ is a full-on sport saloon and the suspension reflects that.
Having a deeper tyre sidewall will undoubtedly have an effect but you're right to wait to have the tracking and suspension geometry checked. The XJ really isn't normally susceptible to cross winds.

 

Thanks for your reply, John. The car does have a softer ride at low speeds as apposed to motorway speeds which presumably is down to the cars technology of adopting the suspension accordingly. I'm sure that the tracking and/or geometry is out as I've noticed that, on occasions, the car seems to 'hop' sideways, if it hits a bump in the road whilst cornering (I hope that makes sense?). Going back to my original thoughts of changing down to 19" wheels, I do think that they would make a difference. My 20" wheels need a good referb anyway so it might be wiser to spend the money on a decent used set of 19" ones instead. Martyn (with a Y, not an I, lol)

 

I know where there is a set of 19" Jag wheels for sale. Come with Pirelli 245/40 tyres with bags of tread. (Not me btw). Came off an XF.
PM me if you're interested.

 

Personally, I would think about going to 18" wheels if you really want to improve the ride. I have read that they were standard for your year and model. This also opens up options in tires that are more comfort oriented.

 

They wouldn't be right for the car though, would they, as the rears are a different size to the fronts on the XJ ?

 

Thanks Mark. I thought about maybe going down to 18" wheels but they are not so common, (with the front and rear being a different size on the X351) and therefore, hard to get hold of second hand.

 

It's not a problem. For 5 months every year, I run on winter tyres on a set of "Selena" 20" wheels. These are 255 all round. If you want to fill the rear wheel arches, simply add a 20mm spacer each side.