Just got a 2009 XJ VDP. The ride is much different than I expected. Much more road noise and cabin vibration than I expected and every tiny bump on the road translates to the steering wheel and cabin. I owned a 2003 and a 2004 XJ VDP and have been nostalgic for one ever since I sold the 2004. I recall the ride on the 2004 was not as refined as I would have liked, but I don't recall it being this rough.

Any XJ enthusiasts that can comment on this? I am researching ways to smooth out the ride and reduce road and cabin noise.

Thanks.

 

In my experience, the model years where they aluminum and lighter materials (for fuel economy), while they may be more efficient, but those model years have noisier cabins. I dont have long experience on Jags, but Mercedes S-class, that has certainly been the case.

 

What wheels are on the car? 20" with low profile tyres will give a harsh ride.

 

As Fraser says above.
Plus
Tyre pressures too high ? Damper bushes 'shot' ? Adaptive Damping (CATS) locked in 'hard' mode ?

 

My recently aquired 2006 XJ8L is noisier than I was expecting. Besides the tire noise, there is an exhaust roar that, though somewhat muted, is always there. I was hoping for a car that was serene, quiet, comfortable and secure.

 

In fact, it's actually noisier than my daily driver, a 2003 Ford Focus 2.3L.

 

Thank you, Boomer. It's funny you say this because I just rented an economy car that, oddly enough, gave a quieter and smoother ride than the XJ, which now that I have more time to think about it gives the ride of a 4x4 pickup. Its beauty offsets this somewhat, but not enough to make me feel enthused about driving it. I am going to look into the advice and suggested modifications, above.

 

It is also possible to remove the seats and carpet, and add acoustic mats to the floorpan and firewall.