The frustrating thing about now owning a 2011 XJL is that it is is so perfect from the factory. Yes, I installed splash guards front and rear, and Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires, plus "Jaguar" and "5.0" on the trunk (boot) lid, but would like to hear which most on this Forum would instal next to "upgrade" this beautiful machine: (1) Jaguar Leaper Hood Ornament Emblem, or (2) Stainless steel and rubber brake and accelerator pedal kit, or (3) neither. Vote (1), (2), or (3). Thanks in advance!

 

2

 

I did the "Jaguar" and the "5.0" badge updates on my trunk lid for my '12 XJL. I would definitely recommend that. I also have the leaper on my hood, not selected by me but, originally installed by the dealer on the new car. Initially I wanted it removed but, over the past 18 months it kind of grew on me where I actually like it now.

Outside of that, not much available for upgrade. I would love to have different spring rates and a much larger rear sway bar installed but, no one seems to make them.

Albert

 

Doesnt the XJR have a larger sway bar? I thought someone here on the forum installed one...

UPDATE
never mind. I found the thread. It has a larger front bar, not rear. My mistake.

 

Option (2) for me, along with the lighted door and trunk sill plates, the way the SuperSports have them...I love that!

 

Anyone have a pic of the Jaguar and 5.0 badge? Sounds kinda cheesy to me but I haven't seen one with it yet...

I really hate when people put the leaper logo on their '07 to '09 XKs, which already say "Jaguar" on it. Having the logo and name seems a bit much to me.

 

I did the illuminated cill plates on mine and they really impress the other people that get into the car at night

 

It looks too busy for my personal taste.

 

Did you get it aftermarket or from the dealer? How was the installation?

 

I installed the plates. OEM parts, did the install myself. Took about 30 minutes. Pretty easy, really.


Now, does anyone know if you can retrofit the illuminated vents to a 2012 XJL S/C? Wondering if the wiring exists.

 

yes, I did my tread plates as well, bought them a few months after the car, I got lucky on ebay and saved quite a lot of money, some of our main Jaguar dealers actually have Ebay shops !
As mentioned above, they took about 1/2 hour. Once you have carefully prised the old ones up you will find an electric plug socket underneath, you simply plug the plug on the underside of the new tread plate into this and re-clip the new plate into place, sorted !

 

The lighted door and trunk (boot) sill plates do look cool (like those on my wifes '10 Mustang), and seem like an easy instal, but are a bit pricey, and since the original sills are nearly as attractive, and entry/exit already well illuminated by outside rear view mirror puddle lamps, door mounted lamps, and interior floor level courtesy lamps, I've decided to go with the stainless and rubber pedal covers for $175.00 (including tax and shipping) since the OE all-rubber pedals are really very homely.
Since the engineers at Jaguar designed the suspension around the standard long wheelbase XJ, and I love the way it handles and rides (especially with the Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires which provide superior hydroplaning resistance; snow, ice and wet traction, ride and noise comfort, and less unsprung weight than the original Pirelli P-Zero tires), I'm not about to increase sway bar stiffness nor instal larger wheels with lower cross-section tires, either of which would compromise handling and ride on everyday, less than ideal, roads.
Thanks again for all your inputs!

 

The larger rear sway bar would in NO WAY compromise handling. It would definitely produce less body roll, more precise steering and more confident handling. The only single negative to larger sway bars is that they do take away from the independence of the suspension by tying to two sides together. But, since the front factory bar is far larger than the rear its effect is much more pronounced. I always considered the larger rear sway bar to have FAR more advantages than disadvantages. I would install one in a heartbeat if it were available.

Would anyone float a price range for the illuminated door sills? .... Never mind, just found it on ebay. YOU GOT TO BE JOKING with these prices.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-JAGUAR-X...21343482142%26

Albert

 

I installed the XJR sway bar and new bushings (the same as the standard SC bushings but wanted new with new) on my SuperSport/Speed and it improved cornering by taking away the wishy/washy transition going into and out of corners and the ride was unchanged. I, also, have the stainless steel exhaust tips. all the other mods being discussed, except the leaper, were "standard" on the SuperSport.

 

Albert-
Thanks for your response. According to your profile you own a 2005 XK8, whereas I own a 2011 XJL, so this being an XJ Forum I really don't know if your preferences are of consequence here. If you prefer a larger rear sway bar than the Jaguar suspension engineers saw fit to provide, then by all means instal one if you can find it. Personally, being a professional engineer myself, I have a great deal of respect for the engineers who developed the suspension on my XJL. It is precise, responsive, and very capable, and doesn't provide any excessive body roll whatsoever, and I have yet to read one professional car reviewer who says otherwise. Personally I don't care for a non-compliant, overly rigid suspension that provides a ride like a grocery store shopping cart, and skitters and darts on rough undulating curves, commonly found on today's entrance and exit ramps, and curvy roads. Peace ,

 

I've never noticed any wishy/washy transitions on my XJL, and neither have any other professional car reviewers who have tested it. I do like the stainless steel exhaust "finishers", but find them a bit pricey for what you get. I liked the looks of the earlier chromed steel versions much more but apparently they had corrosion problems. Thanks for your inputs.

 

I think it's really a matter of preference as these cars already ride so composed and carve corners well right from factory.


You would have to be pushing them on the limit for the bars to make a difference.

 

I agree, and if the corners had bumps in them, stiffer sway bars would have a negative effect. Stiffer is better in the bedroom, but not in a suspension unless you only drive on nice smooth race tracks and parking lots.

 

Ha Ha Ha. I like the analogy.

The last car i replaced the rear sway bar on, used to do the skipping quite a bit. The car i replaced it with, drove smoother and cornered better without any modification.

 

I bought from the same guy on ebay, and did an offer of $640... He had them listed back then for $670... I wonder if the price went up since May of last year...
Jaguar New XJ L Illuminated Tread Plate Set Sill Plates Brand New | eBay