I would sure like for some of you guys with really high mileage to comment as to how you have faired with the magnesium cam cover that IMHO has a limited life span in the environment it lives, lots of electrolysis.

Thanks!

 

Mine looks groody (SP?) inside and out but never broke through! I don't know about the electolysis. My car usually got a good run whenever it was crqanked, so in my case, I do not think any particular moisture problem existed. Run a Jaguar hard. They like it.

 

You have always got condensation in the spark plug wells unless you do all your driving in the desert. When the engine cools and spark plug wells get cool the moisture condenses out. Moisture, strong electirical field and magnesium is perfect for electrolysis corosion. Magnesium is the worst material they could have picted except for zinc.

 

My 1997 has 180,000 highway miles. Still running like a champion. Recently the water pump started making noise, outer tie rods are shot, and the torque converter seal was leaking. I replaced the torque converter seal, transmission filter & oil, waiting on outer tie rods to arrive in the mail, and I'm currently working on the water pump at this very moment and I'm replacing the radiator just so I wouldn't have to deal with the cooling system later on.

 

Today my 1995 XJ6 turned to 289,000 miles.

 

Wow!! That's great. It gives me encouragement to keep my car and keep fixing the little things that come up like the sun roof. Would you mind telling us what were the most important problems you faced to get to that mileage figure. Thanks.

 

First, I try not to allow any little problem turn into a major problem before I fix it. The biggest thing that I've done lately is that I had to change the catalytic converters to get it to pass smog this year.

 

BTW, this car will go from 60 MPH to OMG in a heart beat!

 

Thought my XJ with 159k was high, but like its been said before, its just getting run in.

 

As to "condensation" ruining valve covers- Maybe someone can explain where is this water coming from and why does it condense? Inquiring minds like to know!

 

Mine just turned to 292,000 yesterday.

 

Mine has 214000km(s) as of today

 

1996 Jaguar Vanden Plas 76,000 miles (122310 km).

Needs a good tuneup, transmission service, front brakes, leak in differential, new set of shocks. A great car and interior in immaculate condition.

Last week, put a 10 Ounce bottle of Techron and 15 gallons of premium gas to an empty tank. Car accelerates and runs smooth after driving about 40 miles. Idle improved.

Will keep this car for long.

 

Great to see all these well cared for X300s piling on the miles I have high hopes that I can keep mine on the road that long, running and operating well, and looking good.

I hope not to jinx myself, but it's been almost exactly two years and nearly 30k miles since I bought my 97 XJR6 , and I've had zero significant issues with my 20 year old X300 (birth date October 1996).

I did need to replace the rear shocks and related bushings, the low pressure hoses for the power steering and the radio malfunctioned in the typical ways.... but I knew all that when I bought the car, fixed those right away myself and all were hardly surprising given age. After that its been a few minor nits that I had to figure out as part of this make/model ownership, and there's expected wear/tear. And of course I like to tinker, so I choose to modify and improve things here and there of my own accord. But none of those have been required, and the car as been completely reliable.

A lot has been said about Jaguar reliability (lack of) throughout the make's history, but I think it is a well kept secret that the X300 and X308 are actually quite reliable and economical to run and maintain. That is quite something when one is talking about a relatively complex luxury car, that is 10 to 20 years of age.

Again, hope I haven't just jinxed myself.... but even if the car "blew up" tomorrow, I can't say I could really complain given the total cost of ownership over two years and 30k miles. A new car would have cost me much more.

.

 

My car has 168k miles. Runs fine and cam cover looks OK.

 

I have 146K and she runs like the Jaguar she is!!! I love this car!!! Mobil1 15W 50W Synthetic only in my baby! I live in Florida. I also have done alot of work to her to keep her in tip top shape!!!

Snookfever

 

I know I'm late to the party, but my '96 XJ6 4.0 lt. turned 200000 a few weeks ago. Other than a few oil leaks, she's still running and riding great!

 

Became a new member today. I have a 1996 XJ6 that I purchased new and today I have 337,350 miles on it. Nothing has been done to engine except for a water pump, several coils, 3 air conditioning compressors, a replaced water hose and a new (used) radiator. However, today I am seeking help on fixing a replaced alternator that still will not charge. Last year while replacing the water hose to the block I removed the valve cover to replace the gasket and found only new looking shiny spark plug rings and absolutely not dirt or grease build-up - I change the oil every 3,000 miles without fail. The paint still looks brand new only with a few dings on the corner of each bumper where others have tapped them while parking. The interior looks brand new except for a worn through 3 inch hole on the driver's seat where I slide in and out. I cannot find a replacement. I hope to get many more miles out of it and don't know what to do if it stops running.

 

Hi,

1996 LWB Sovereign......

going for lowest maybe! @ 43k

 

Just noticed I am at 248,000 -- almost a quarter of a million, but still on the low end of the higher ones.
- Replaced diff with a used one several years ago.
- Harmonic Balancer replaced
- Several AC compressors / driers
- AC Evaporator
- Headliner
- Steering Wheel alarm speaker
- Spot panel re-paint
- Replaced cam cover with a used one