Greetings,
Is there a significant difference between 02 / 03 4.0 USA models to prefer the later model? I have read that 03 has many electrical issues resolved as compared to 02. I would like to mitigate the A/C, doors/windows/switches wiring & elec, grounding type issues as much as possible..... as these can stop you from enjoying the car
I am planning to buy a VDP because of the X308's interior/wood, which is just exquisite; second best only to a RR. Thank you

 

When I worked at the dealer we got yearly electrical guide updates.
When there were no changes, we simply got a new cover page for the guide in our 3 ring binder.

The 2001MY electrical guide was the last X308 guide we got and we were issued a new cover page for the 2002MY AND the 2003MY.(no changes)
The NEW XJ (X350) was 'in-the-works' so the X308 continued with no real changes (except the engine timing chains and steel liners) until the aluminum car was offered.

No advantage 'electrically' between the 2001MY to 2003MY sedans.

We also got XJ sedan UPDATE PUBLICATIONS when there were changes. The last update I have is the 2000MY (Publication JJM181518-00) so I guess there were no significant things to be aware of.

 

Thank you for sharing this knowledge.
What about the X350 era Jags. I have heard they are much better when it comes to e;electrical faults compared to x308 era?

 

Don't ask me about the X350 because I look at things from a repair prospective.
The X350 sedans have a VID block and network that is very complicated when it comes to diagnosing and replacing modules on the CAN bus.

You can install wrong modules on the X308 (and 4.0 X100 cars) usually without significant harm the the networks.
You might get a fault on the network but you won't 'corrupt' the other modules.
Install the correct one and everything goes back to normal.

Try that with a VID block car and you might have a BRICK that used to be your car.(corrupted VID block syndrome)

From a (relatively) simple module network to a MODULE SPECIFIC and configuration standpoint, I choose the X308 and 4.0 X100 cars 'hands-down' over the X350 and 4.2 X100.(as well as the X202 and X400)

I pretty much lost interest in anything past 2002MY Jaguars as far as my personal collection.

I can buy used and salvage cars and throw used parts at these cars for the next few decades to drive. (that makes me happy)
Lots of 2003MY onward Jaguars are going to be scrapped in the future for expensive module and network faults and NO support from Jaguar.

RANT OVER.

 

Thanks for the Rant !! Electrical issues can be impossible to resolve and are the biggest factor for me in older cars

 

Eh, while the design is nice, there is an awful lot of vinyl/plastic in the interior. I would not put it anywhere close to a Bentley or rolls. If it had a full leather dash and door panels I'd be more inclined to agree.

 

Personally, I find the design excellent. While there may be some plastic in place,
it does not disturb my sensibilities. If I had wanted a Rolls, I would have bought one.

 

I highly agree with Bob. I feel the X308/X100 is in the sweet spot in terms of looks and reliability. They just needed a bit more understanding back then to be way more successful. In my experience, the 4.2 platform has a downturn in reliability in terms of electronics and mechanicals. The X300 is a very mechanically reliable vehicle but, the electronics are weak due to many capacitors in the modules leak onto the board which destroys itself. The X350/358, X102(?), X202 (every 4.2 platform) has a lot more modules that can fail. The fuse boxes have integrated relays that fail…. Working on the supercharged engines are substantially more difficult if you had to pull the blower or renew the timing cover gasket.

 

I thought it was All Leather . Then i take my comment back. I think X350 is all leather.

 

So X350 would have a better reliability when it comes to those modules, albeit more in number?

 

Between the X300, X308 and X350 electronics only, I’d say the X350 is better than the X300. We’re talking about long term ownership here. Between the 3 platforms, each one has its pros and cons. It all depends if it’s in a very hot or cold climate, was it garaged most of the time and did it have a battery maintainer on it when not used. There’s so many what ifs out there for each of them.