I know that the 2011 XJ has known issues with popping noises, but how common is it for the 2004 model year? I test drove one that was in really great shape except for a popping noise that didn't seem to have a rhyme or reason to it. It would happen as often on smooth flat roads while not turning as when the body was being stressed. Sounded like large hail or a small stone hitting the windshield.

Anyone experience this?
Anyone know what this might mean?

Thanks!

 

My car does not have this popping sound. I don't think it's that common, so if it's a sound that would bother you, I'd probably avoid that vehicle.

 

No popping here. That would be a deal breaker for sure. Good luck.

 

I've got the dealer looking at that and the slight throb from the brakes. If they can fix it, I'll take it!

 

Maybe I am just crazy, or maybe it's because the 2004 models are the oldest of the X350s, but it seems to me that the 2004s have a disproportionate amount of problems. I would guess it's because it's the first model year.

I would think that over a couple years of ownership, the additional price of a 2005 model would be cheaper than the repair cost of a 2004 model. They are cheap for a reason! But that's just me!

 

I have watched this for some years and the 04 and 05 models are pretty much identical except for a few updates on the original ECU software and TCU software. The biggest difference is the age of the vehicles. I know of no hardware changes from 04 to 05.

 

I doubt there were any real design changes, but perhaps some manufacturing/quality differences existed between the two years? I don't know, I am really just going on a hunch.

 

Another quandary, if someone knows off hand, speak up, what do the sales figures look like?

It seems that there are 3 to 4 times as many used 2004s for sale at any given time. Were more sold in general? That could explain the seemingly disproportionate amount of issues with the 04 models.

 

That would be interesting to know.

 

This conversation can get confusing because different countries treat MY years differently but I would say there are a number of changes in the first year or so especially if you look at the TSB VIN ranges and part number changes in the parts guide. Manufacturers frequently change things as problems come to light.

One obvious thing that springs to mind is the deletion of the 4th height sensor on the air suspension (VIN G26872 on).

The changes was something I researched before I bought my car which is according to Jaguar a 2005MY car built in late 2004 but I did it by VIN.

Just focussing on the air suspension:

The valve block part numner was changed at VIN G31388.
The compressor assembly was changed at G22137 then again at G40757.
The right hand front sensor was deleted at G26872 as mentioned above.
The front and rear air spring units changed part numbers at G29245 then again at G35211 and G40663 and G49701.

Another example is the water pump, that changed at G11232, G22469 and G31389.

Also, the brake pipe corrosion recall only affected vehicles up to G27878.