Hi all, recently purchased a 2005 Super V8 and love it. Had some trouble starting this weekend after leaving the car for a few weeks (I am in the process of moving), and suspect it's time for a new battery. Any recommendations? I am intrigued by the dry cells--Odyssey and Optima--but only the Odyssey appears to have an appropriate size and it runs about $350. A Batteries + shop recently opened near my new home and is an impressive setup, offers a Rayovac battery but I can't find any reviews of these.

Also, the car has chrome door post appliques, 3 on each side for a total of six, and they are not to my taste. I assume these were applied with 3m adhesive tape. Anybody have experience removing them, or horror stories that should warn me away from messing with it? I'd like to remove the chrome mirror caps too but they would seem even harder to remove and probably enhance the visibility of the car anyway.

Thanks much

 

I would just go with the Interstate battery for about $150. Should last you about 5 years, has a great warranty.

As far as the caps, try this:

 

Thanks, the Interstate web site won't give me a match for my car directly but I figure a 2005 XJ-R should be equivalent--gives model MTP-49/H8, does that seem right?

I can't see the pdf file since I am a new member, not sure how long I have to wait for privs.

 

you need the MTP93

 

Awesome, thanks

 

There is a product called "Acralac"* that is made to remove adhesive. I would use an eyedropper to apply the stuff at the top and then come down behind the chrome with dental floss.

* made by Kardol

 

It is the Jaguar instructions for installing the mirror covers. The non-chrome ones are around $46 each and will need to be painted to match. I say just leave it as it was standard with the SuperV8.

 

Thanks, do you think the the chrome door post covers were also original? If I look closely they don't seem perfectly applied, but maybe they were actually factory installed or put on by the dealer. If they were standard Super V8 equipment I suppose I might just leave em on to be "correct".

 

Nope, aftermarket and cheesy rice

 

Right, well then they're coming off.

 

I couldn't have said it better myself!!

 

Just a follow up:

Brought her in to the Interstate Battery Center near me and they said the battery was fine, and indeed I haven't had another problem. I wonder if it I somehow had left something on, or was running into a key problem.

Also, I have 3m adhesive remover and plastic razor blades, also dental floss, will try removing the chrome trim next weekend. Unfortantely the adhesive remover is in a spray can, I'll have put it up against the top edge of the trim and cover the whole thing with a towel or whatever so the stuff doesn't get everywhere. Or maybe I can spray into a cup and use a dropper like you guys mentioned.

I'm definitely doing it outside and wearing gloves.

 

The X350 can be very sensitive to old/bad batteries. If in the future you start having the dash light up like a christmas tree for seemingly no reason, a good bet is it's the battery causing problems.

 

Do you have to pay even $150.00 for a battery for a Jag? Even that seems crazy. Is there something special size wise or is it just another item that costs a fortune for the Jag

 

Group 49 battery. It is in the boot so you need a battery with an external vent. (unless you go with an AGM battery) MT-49 Interstate is what was in mine when I got it (750cca) MTP-93 is the recommended replacement(850cca). I have found it for $115 and will probably be replacing it before next cold season starts. It is working fine now, but had some issues last winter. If you think $150 is high for a battery, just go to your local dealer and have them replace it and see what you will pay for it there.

 

I went with the MTP-93, works fine. Dealer wants $300 for the same battery. FWIW every battery I have replaced has been in that price range.

 

As you predicted, strange behavior last week (alarm going on and off in parking lot for no apparent reason) and total failure this weekend. Jumped her and went back to Interstate, battery replaced with MTP-93 for $150. Man those are heavy. Turns out the more expensive MTP 48 listed as a match on the Interstate web site is a different non-vented battery technology ("PGM" or something like that).

Also successfully removed the aftermarket chrome pillars with 3m adhesive remover and plastic razor blades. First was slow to come off, but then I got better at it (and needed less of the horrendous brain melting solvent...) Interestingly the area under the adhesive is black and mirror smooth but there appears to be slight discoloration elsewhere on the panels, possibly from abrasion by dirt which lodged under the trim. Tough to notice after a waxing but there on (very) close inspection.

 

I think that is AGM, Advanced Glass Mat. The electrolyte is suspended in a gel and the battery can be placed anywhere.