What's the difference?

 

You've already posted an Intro so I've moved your question from New Member Area - Intro a MUST to X350 forum. Members here these models will be able to help.

Graham

 

290 Views but 0 Replies as I write this.

I think the answer is that the change of factory model reference from X350 to X358 marks a facelift in the middle of the production run.

The original X350 was produced from 2003–2006 and the facelift version, introduced in 2007, ran through to the end of production in 2009.

Graham

 

There is a good explanation of the facelift from X350 to X358 on Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_XJ_%28X350%29

The X358 was mostly a cosmetic update to the X350. But there were some minor changes to specification and fitted options.

There were actually three major versions of this XJ model;

X350
X356
X358

The X356 was the first facelift for the 2006 model year, it brought in HUGE changes to the vehicle's electrical and software systems, but on the outside it looked like the earlier model.

The X358 was the cosmetic facelift; bumpers, vents, etc...

 

Didn't know that reference to X356
Could you please shortly detail the changes from x350?

 

x356??? What is that?

 

Look above to Cambo's post

 

X356 was in the internal model designation for the X350 from the 2006MY, starting at VIN G49701

Externally there was only minor changes; the rubbing strips on the doors were removed, the front fenders/wings changed as did the side indicator on that panel (changed to the oval lens, from the spear lens that matched the rubbing strips).

On the supercharged cars the Brembo brakes were dropped. And the braking system was changed with new brake booster, vacuum assist, new hydraulics and ABS.

The major changes were to the electronics and software systems in the vehicles. It was a major overhaul, and a little complicated to explain.

Lots of electronic components such as modules, sensors, were new. The throttle body changed on the V8's, getting rid of the Denso TPS (which is why nobody with a 2006 complains about the TPS failing). The supercharged V8's got VVT (previously VVT was only on the naturally aspirated V8). Secondary air injection was added and the European cars changed from Euro3 to Euro4 emissions specification. The catalysts changed as part of the emissions upgrade.

The software platform of the cars changed from having a VID Block, to having a CCF (Car Configuration File) same as the Land Rovers, and later Jaguar models. The software format of the major modules changed from using .bin files to .vbf files.

As such many of the major electronic modules are not compatible between the 2006MY and earlier cars.

TPMS and Bluetooth were added as factory fitment.

There were some other small changes too, but that's the major stuff...

 

The difference is X008.

 

So - a couple of additions, mostly minor: Mentioned at some point is the deletion of chrome trim on windshield and back window (Backlight) - Also Jaguar added acoustic laminate to windows in 2006 - added Bluetooth adapter to replace the phone -Automatic Speed Limiter was also added though I seriously doubt anyone on these forums uses it besides just to see how it works. Once they discover it "LIMITS" the care (thus the name) it becomes the most forgotten feature in the car.

 

My 2007 X358 drives like my previous 2003 X350 3 litre Sport, but so far, all the intractable issues I had with the old car have gone. Since I bought the car in late 2016, I have had to do very little fault correction. The only fault is brake judder that seems to affect all years. I had the discs refaced and it's been better since, but still there. Conversion to 17" wheels and 55 profile tyres seems to damp it out, (it was on 19"). As with the old car, suspension bushes are wearing at mileages I would not think are really satisfactory for a high-priced luxury car. Whether the suspension is longer lived on the current XJ I don't know, but it's the same design, albeit with coil springs at the front now.

 

"As such many of the major electronic modules are not compatible between the 2006MY

and earlier cars."

That's bad news for an owner looking for spares for an earlier car.

 

So a 2007 XJR with a VIN ending in H15713 is in fact an X356. Is this correct? The car has the minor external changes and the other changes Cambo described.

 

Yep. Just note that as Cambo stated "X356" is an "internal" designation. I assume that means you dont reference it as such in parts orders from 3rd party etc. My biggest issue for my 06 XJ8L was the change from 288mm rear rotors to 326mm (same as front, but not as thick) From Chassis# G49701. I kept getting the small rotors because it was a mid-year change, often stated as 2005, but I believe that its actually 2006. Interesting fact was the pads did NOT increase in size, at least in 3rd party sales. There are no bigger pads that I could locate, meaning all I got was more unsprung weight in the rear with the same swept area of braking. If anyone has detail on this, please chine in. Did rear brakes 2x with same results in my research. I now have an 07 VDP and dread rear brake service, inevitable due to Traction Control/Stability Control both managed through brake system. Makes for shorter rear brake pad life than any vehicle I've owned.

 

I'm confused. How is your 07 a X358? I was always under the impression the the MY 2008 facelift models are X358's with 2004-05' MY being X350, and 2006-07 being X356 (internal designation due to all the running changes.

Another bit of confusion to many was the SWB only 2004 models (US anyway, not sure about UK) The VDP was claimed to "not need a longer Wheelbase due to the new cars WB being 119.4 in (3,033 mm) vs. the X308 LWB being 2,995 millimetres (117.9 inches)
and no picnic trays in the 04 VDP. SACRILEGE!

Then for 05 what should appear but a proper LWB car for the XJ8L, Super V8 and VDP. All the folks who bought an 04 must have felt cheated. Kind of like 1976 Cadillac buyers picking up "the last convertible Cadillac. Until it wasn't. Lol.

Because of the taller roofline of the X350, I have always liked the LWB look more as it retains a more traditional line to my eye. Though I have begun to appreciate the SWB models XJR in particular, they looked a bit high backed. Another perception I get is of "stumpy" hood/trunk - bonnet/boot compared to X308s. They seem a bit short, though appropriately modern. As for X300/X308, I love them, having owned a few, but appreciate the better reliability and modern, world class underpinnings of the X350. Also, the previous cars passenger cell, and roofline are so obviously an XJ40 with new front/rear sections grafted on. And where did they get the idea that identical sized headlamps look "correct" on an XJ, even if the effect was produced by trim on the original car, not by the lamps themselves. These are oy my opinions of course, but note I come from a family with 11 Jags AT PRESENT, including a E-Type, Mark IX, and XJ13 replica, so I at least have some reference points.

Fraser. Look into bedding in procedures that I now follow to the letter, after seeing new rotors get wonky after less than 6 months. Once I got serious about bedding in I have not had a brake pulse in 4 plus years. These cars are especially sensitive to pad imprinting.

 

My car is the X358 (restyled XJ) as a 2007 because you guys in the US are a model year behind us here in England. SO even if you bought the car in mid 2007, it would be classed as 2008 Model Year car. Don't ask me how it works in the US as we don't have this system here. Just look at my Avatar photo.

As for brake bedding-in, yes I know about this and am always careful, but of course the car came with almost new discs already on, and I don't want to throw them away just yet. I may have another disc machining some time as there is little wear on them. I am not a chap that does a lot of heavy braking, to be honest.