What did you do to your X350/X358 today?
#1321
It's been a minute since I been on here but I'm excited to share that I made a slight upgrade to the 2006 XJ8 Vanden Plas recently. I love everything about this car. Shout out to all the x350 & x358 owners out there. We own the last real Jaguar made in my own opinion. Sending everyone positive energy and light. Good night.
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CaliJagg (08-20-2023)
#1324
re-aimed the headlights
So, I finally got tired of the headlights-aimed-at-the-ground syndrome, and assumed the stance must be wrong, so measured the front and rear wheel center-to-fender edge, to check for level. The front was exactly on, but the rear measured 10 MM too low! If i raised the rear, the headlights would have pointed even more downward. I actually like the stance just as it is, so I pulled the front bumper cover for the second time, and installed shims and longer bolts under the lower mounting points of the headlight units, to lift the aim. I had to do that on my '06, because the air shocks had been replaced with coil/overs, and the rear always rode a bit high, but I never thought I'd have that issue with operational air shocks.
Before I replaced the bumper cover, I had my wife approach me on a dark street at night, me driving her car, to make sure I hadn't jacked them up to a blinding level. They looked fine, and when she got back home, she remarked on the improvement. ("I didn't have to use the brights once in order to see down the road"). Some road trips are on our horizon, and I'm looking forward to the improvement myself, since I've always loved driving at night.
The bumper cover removal is SO much easier on a lift, so I herewith offer my evidence of the extreme value I get from my monthly membership fee to belong to our local maker's space. Access to TIG welders, MIG welders, plasma cutter and the lift, as well as the camaraderie of a fellowship of geeks and nerds, makes living in this small college town all the more special.
Before I replaced the bumper cover, I had my wife approach me on a dark street at night, me driving her car, to make sure I hadn't jacked them up to a blinding level. They looked fine, and when she got back home, she remarked on the improvement. ("I didn't have to use the brights once in order to see down the road"). Some road trips are on our horizon, and I'm looking forward to the improvement myself, since I've always loved driving at night.
The bumper cover removal is SO much easier on a lift, so I herewith offer my evidence of the extreme value I get from my monthly membership fee to belong to our local maker's space. Access to TIG welders, MIG welders, plasma cutter and the lift, as well as the camaraderie of a fellowship of geeks and nerds, makes living in this small college town all the more special.
#1325
#1326
Not stupid at all. I've been following the issue for quite awhile, and have noticed that "headlight aim" questions get thousands of reads but only single digit responses. That points to a constant question but few answers. I had no response from the adjustment screws on my silver car, so didn't even attempt it on the blue car. They were so badly misadjusted I jumped immediately to plan B, since it worked so well before. Now that you bring it up, next time I have it at the shop after dark, I'll try the adjusters. If they work, and have that much travel, I may be able to pull out the shims. That's an example of the value of crowdsourcing. Thanks.
#1327
Goood luck!
If you did not get any response from the adjustment screws on your silver car, something must be not right with them.
When you get the chance, it might be worthwhile to remove the headlight assembly and check the adjustment mechanism. As normally it is all plastic, it might be that one of the internal connections has only come apart instead of breaking and can be put together again. I know that buying a new headlight assembly is a financial pain, especially the for the HID version.
Best regards,
Thomas
If you did not get any response from the adjustment screws on your silver car, something must be not right with them.
When you get the chance, it might be worthwhile to remove the headlight assembly and check the adjustment mechanism. As normally it is all plastic, it might be that one of the internal connections has only come apart instead of breaking and can be put together again. I know that buying a new headlight assembly is a financial pain, especially the for the HID version.
Best regards,
Thomas
#1328
Goood luck!
If you did not get any response from the adjustment screws on your silver car, something must be not right with them.
When you get the chance, it might be worthwhile to remove the headlight assembly and check the adjustment mechanism. As normally it is all plastic, it might be that one of the internal connections has only come apart instead of breaking and can be put together again. I know that buying a new headlight assembly is a financial pain, especially the for the HID version.
Best regards,
Thomas
If you did not get any response from the adjustment screws on your silver car, something must be not right with them.
When you get the chance, it might be worthwhile to remove the headlight assembly and check the adjustment mechanism. As normally it is all plastic, it might be that one of the internal connections has only come apart instead of breaking and can be put together again. I know that buying a new headlight assembly is a financial pain, especially the for the HID version.
Best regards,
Thomas
I have an 04 XJR with HID lights. Air suspension deleted. Now the air suspension and headlights go hand in hand.
Maybe related or not but wanted to mention.
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LostSAAB (02-13-2024)
#1329
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Big Koshka (09-16-2023),
ChristianMichael (09-16-2023),
philjoemill (09-16-2023),
Tigre (09-16-2023)
#1330
#1331
The new fabric does look a bit darker than the factory trim, which I believe is because of discoloration overtime, so that's something to keep in mind.
I'd definitely go for recoloring the factory trim if you want a perfect match with the headliner fabric
- Khoa
#1332
#1333
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#1334
Thanks for the Kudo's Greg. Nothing more than Maguires wheel cleaner that's shown in the pic along with the tire treatment. I must confess the front of the wheels had a few weeks head start over this project so its an unfare advantage over the rear. That said, I've been impressed with the product (that I think in the USA you can find anywhere) but please note while cleaning the arches, it was a tad.... toxic in a confined space lol. Still did a great job. The whole job tuck a couple of bottles but this was a one off. One bottle should last a couple of cleans after this. The wheel brushes impressed me too. Hope this helps and thanks again for the words.
Other than that, great work on your car. Nothing like quality time with your ride.
#1335
Thanks for the Kudo's Greg. Nothing more than Maguires wheel cleaner that's shown in the pic along with the tire treatment. I must confess the front of the wheels had a few weeks head start over this project so its an unfare advantage over the rear. That said, I've been impressed with the product (that I think in the USA you can find anywhere) but please note while cleaning the arches, it was a tad.... toxic in a confined space lol. Still did a great job. The whole job tuck a couple of bottles but this was a one off. One bottle should last a couple of cleans after this. The wheel brushes impressed me too. Hope this helps and thanks again for the words.
Thanks for the Kudo's Greg. Nothing more than Maguires wheel cleaner that's shown in the pic along with the tire treatment. I must confess the front of the wheels had a few weeks head start over this project so its an unfare advantage over the rear. That said, I've been impressed with the product (that I think in the USA you can find anywhere) but please note while cleaning the arches, it was a tad.... toxic in a confined space lol. Still did a great job. The whole job tuck a couple of bottles but this was a one off. One bottle should last a couple of cleans after this. The wheel brushes impressed me too. Hope this helps and thanks again for the words.
#1337
#1339
So, I have decided to modify the exhaust system after thinking about it for quite a while
Removed both middle mufflers and replaced it with an 2 1/4 inch X-pipe and wow, it is beyond my expectation. It is not loud, which is perfect, but when you step on the gas pedal, that's when the magic happens.
After this, I better be saving my money up
X-pipe being mounted
Exhaust sound: https://imgur.com/a/6fiz1F8
Removed both middle mufflers and replaced it with an 2 1/4 inch X-pipe and wow, it is beyond my expectation. It is not loud, which is perfect, but when you step on the gas pedal, that's when the magic happens.
After this, I better be saving my money up
X-pipe being mounted
Exhaust sound: https://imgur.com/a/6fiz1F8
Last edited by TommyBoah; 03-01-2024 at 10:56 PM.
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h2o2steam (03-01-2024)