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G15's story

48K views 678 replies 32 participants last post by  Glenn65 
#1 ·
In June I decided I that I had to return to Jaguar ownership after a very long break away. The last one was a 2.0D X type Estate which I loved, but poor garage choices meant an early death for the gearbox and other parts, that at the time I couldn't afford to fix.
Well after a look about I knew I wanted an X350, and also wanted the rear entertainment. Long story short, and a trip to Birmingham, I found what seems a well presented example, Black 2005 Sport Premium with lots of toys as the R seats which hug you very snugly in place.
I've had fun surfing eBay for lots of cosmetic bits n pieces to make it mine, and even managed to source an R gearknob to add a little touch, and also put in the rear window blind, so apart from the ACC I reckon there's nothing missing.
I now have it booked in for its gearbox oil change in a week or so, and I'll get them to give the engine a service and the car a once over.
It drives beautifully and gearchanges are slick to the point you can't tell when it happens.

I'm sure as time goes on I can as others do keep you updated with my "done this" list.
Oh and almost forgot, I had also managed to source a towbar, which meant another 800 mile round trip, but well worth the time and effortless drive...
 
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#2 ·
Welcome to the jolly boys wafting club Glenn :-D

I've been a member now for nearly 2.5 years and I'll still look to get to point B by the longest route. I'm not at all surprised at your 800 mile round trip for a towbar.

May it last for many a year and I look forward to reading your ownership thread.

Mines available from a link in my signature should you wish to read it,

Rich
 
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#3 ·
Tire Wheel Automotive tail & brake light Vehicle registration plate Vehicle
Gearbox oil , and while they had it I asked them to do the engine oil. Thought it would be a wee treat for her. I then spent a further 1/2 hour 45 minutes chatting to Ian. Very friendly and the guys here certainly know there stuff.
I imagine I'll be back at Prestige Jaguar for other things as they need done.
 

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#7 ·
View attachment 24733 Gearbox oil , and while they had it I asked them to do the engine oil. Thought it would be a wee treat for her. I then spent a further 1/2 hour 45 minutes chatting to Ian. Very friendly and the guys here certainly know there stuff.
I imagine I'll be back at Prestige Jaguar for other things as they need done.
Superb Glenn, looking good I have to say
I see you've got your number on her at last too....very nice.

The guys at Prestige are superb, both Dougie and Ian know their stuff and are always busy, so be sure to book well ahead.

Sounds like a good start on servicing.would you mind saying How much they charged for the box oil change and did they reflash the electronics. Assume they did box filter as well?
David, if this is something you're considering I have another option, one that's better too i believe
Please don't get me wrong the Prestige guys are awesome for all things Jaguar, that said a ZF A1 Rated transmission specialist would be my choice.

It just so happens that there is one of the few, perhaps even the only ZF A1 Rated partner in the UK and they're in Glasgow. I'm talking about Mackies Transmissions of course, they also do a lot of this work on Audi's / BMW's / Mercs and many others. Torque converters are sent to them for refurbishment from many sources all over the UK.

I organised a forum meet and we completed a factory tour of their facility 4 or 5 years ago now. They would be around £350 or so thereabouts, if you do call, ask to speak to John Connachan or John Mackie and mention my name and that you're a Jaguar forums member.
This should be good for a little discount too and they'll look after you

All my best
Jim
 
#4 ·
Sounds like a good start on servicing.would you mind saying How much they charged for the box oil change and did they reflash the electronics. Assume they did box filter as well?
 
#5 ·
Hi David, for the gearbox service it came to £432.00. I was told that included the reflash.
They also went over the car, almost like a mini MOT, so I now have a good idea what will need done before January...
I'm waiting on a phone call with a quote for this also.
 
#6 ·
Wheel Tire Car Vehicle Plant
We had a few days off work, so spending them in the Yorkshire Dales. Saw a photo opertunity at a place called Grassington. G15 hasn't missed a beat
 

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#8 ·
Yeah Jim, took 6 weeks but got there! She feels like mine now.

the guys at Pestige were good to talk to, in fact really struggled to get away, Ian did like a blether. I plan to take G15 back to get a shock bush and a couple of other things done and probably get them to MOT it while there at it.
i did ask a small Indy near where I stay but the in-surity of them when I asked about the bits that need to be done, I have thought... naaa..
 
#9 ·
Yeah, she's looking good, really pleased for you

From any discussions we've had though I'd hazard a guess you're working your way through her to get her as sorted as possible. With that in mind, you may have even checked, but what about the brake fluid and power steering fluids?
Had mine done just a short while ago and wasn't a lot for peace of mind knowing it was done.

I can't remember Glenn, but have you done or thought about doing anything with the diff, unsure of miles but on an 05 I'm assuming its a few?
I had diff problems with mine at 62k and had a new one under warranty c/w propshaft etc, just as I was doing the transmission again at around 115k I decided to have the diff fluid drained / changed too.....again, wasn't overly costly

Hope to catch up soon, happy motoring Glenn

Jim
 
#11 ·
Plant Window Building Property Tire
Cloud Automotive tire Hood Automotive lighting Motor vehicle
At the weekend G15 got a wee polish. I decided after reading a few reviews on here and elsewhere to give some Poorboys Black Hole a bash. I have to say I'm impressed with the results, even though she had a good shine on her I'm really happy with the results.

next week it's back to Prestige Jaguar to get a lower shock bush and exhaust gasket thing fixed. While it's there I've asked them to give her an MOT too. Its not due till January, but reckon that's never a good month to MOT a car... wouldn't want any nasty surprises at that time of year!
 

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#14 ·
View attachment 25026 View attachment 25027 At the weekend G15 got a wee polish. I decided after reading a few reviews on here and elsewhere to give some Poorboys Black Hole a bash. I have to say I'm impressed with the results, even though she had a good shine on her I'm really happy with the results.

next week it's back to Prestige Jaguar to get a lower shock bush and exhaust gasket thing fixed. While it's there I've asked them to give her an MOT too. Its not due till January, but reckon that's never a good month to MOT a car... wouldn't want any nasty surprises at that time of year!
Sorry, I cant see any pictures of the car, only a house and a picture of some bloke snapping away at himself in the mirror?
 
#13 ·
I’m confident it’ll go without too much of an issue. The garage I’m taking it to had already given it a once over when doing he gearbox service, so i know the main points that need done anyway.
Either way as it’s new to me, I’ll be happy to throw a certain amount of money to it to make sure it’s right. After that as long as I keep on top of things I can normally do most mechanical repairs myself.
 
#16 ·
Lookin good Glenn

Poorboys Blackhole rocks...Did you do the 50/50 tape test??
Some difference!!

Just remember that PB Blackhole is a "filler glaze" and does a great job at filing imperfections and bringing out the shine, but longevity is poor, it needs covered and protected with a sealant / wax for durability.

I'm laughing to myself at the M.O.T in January scenario..

Mine was initially 5th January and got mine back to October which suits much better for me. Here's hoping for a clean bill of health

Good luck

Jim
 
#18 ·
Yeah Jim, I used the Nattys paste wax also. Did it by hand, and although took some time, really pleased at how easy it was, I might invest in a DA. I have a rotary polisher but don't want it near the Black lol
 
#19 ·
I'm a low maintenance gardener... if it can be slabbed it will....
The wife would love all that flowery stuff though, so I'm glad we're still too busy with work and other commitments to allow it to happen... lol
 
#21 ·
Thanks Jim, I might give that a go.
Good luck with the X type, I’m sure you’ll be fine with that. I’ll read all about it next week I’m sure.
I’ll update my thread once I’ve had a lie down in a dark room next week recovering from the “waiting room” stress of waiting for the outcome of mine! lol
 
#22 ·
That’s G15 dropped off for some work and an MOT... it’ll be like sitting in a dentists waiting room all day now....
 
#24 ·
That's G15 dropped off for some work and an MOT... it'll be like sitting in a dentists waiting room all day now....
Lol I know that feeling....

Think positive thoughts Glenn, all will be well and you'll know soon enough

Jim
 
#23 ·
Don't panic!

and if they do find something then it's for your safety :)

The dentist's waiting room is different : it WILL happen - sitting listening to the drill waiting one's turn...

At least the mot can come out with nothing found...
 
#25 ·
It’s a girl! Passed its MOT, they are still waiting on the part it needed, so can pick her back up tomorrow.
I knew it needed a couple of things, so just relieved there was no nasty shocks!
 
#26 ·
It's a girl! Passed its MOT, they are still waiting on the part it needed, so can pick her back up tomorrow.
I knew it needed a couple of things, so just relieved there was no nasty shocks!
You're right, no one wants their shocks done at MOT time; expensive.

(see what I did there?) :lol: (I'll get my coat).
 
#29 ·
Well tonight was a fun night. Taking the family to the World Buffet in Motherwell, and on the road between Hamilton and Motherwell, at the lights for Strathclyde Park, sitting at the lights as you do, I was on the outside lane waiting to turn right, lights change, and a GCN Transport lorry comes over the line and takes out my passenger mirror!
I quickly got in front to signal him to pull over, and he then try’s to get passed me on the outside lane. I put my hazards on, and point to the left to get him to pull and, but nope, he’s not having it.
I’m now straddling to 2 lanes and eventually he pulls over.
You’ve hit my car mate. No I haven’t was the reply, why’s my mirror hanging off then? Not me... my shifts finished you know where I work if you want to do anything. He then tries to pull out while I’m standing next to his cab! So guess what, I dropped the family at the buffet and then head to Wishaw.
The garage manager will call you tomorrow I’ve been told.
Now, do I call the police and inform my insurance or do I wait for the transport manager?
On checking it appears to be only cover that’s off, so not as bad as first thought, but I’m still p’d he wasn’t interested in the fact he hit me, and then tries to run me over.
I have photos of his cab, and now is the time I wish I had a dash cam, so guess what’s on my Christmas list...
 
#30 ·
Get the police involved as soon as while everything is fresh in your mind. At the very least you’ll get a crime number.
 
#31 ·
Strictly speaking this idiot has broken the Law by leaving the scene of the incident without exchanging his details ,
Jimbo gives good advice , under no circumstances inform your Insurer get the crime number from the Police then
go see the Traffic Manager in the morning and ask what he proposes to do about it , he won't want to involve his
insurer if he is smart , offer to go and get a replacement from Taggarts have it painted and send him the bill .
Can the original not be repainted ?
 
#32 ·
Sorry to hear Glenn, there truly are some numptys out there , they walk, or in this instance, drive among us so care is the operative word.

This guy's just asking for trouble Glenn, as stated I'd make a call to the Police whilst everythings fresh and get it documented, that's create a crime reference number.
After that I'd be straight on to the Transport Manager as soon as possible, best to discuss in person of possible and explain what happened in as much detail as possible.

If he's got anything about him, after you tell him what happened, show him the evidence, explain about witnesses etc he'll want to get it cleared up ASAP without going through insurance I'd imagine.
The upside to all the above is that the offending driver will have his card marked, the copy book will be blotted. It may make him think twice about being an asshole in future, who knows?

I have dashcam front n rear Glenn, wouldn't be without them for instances like this now to be honest

Here's hoping all goes well and sorted quickly n smoothly for you mate.
Hope to hear.....

Jim
 
#33 ·
I had drove straight to the yard and spoke to the yard supervisor, who took photos of the mirror and I explained everything to him. He then said the yard manager will call today.
If no call by lunchtime it’s insurance.
I’ll be calling Taggarts today also to get a price. SNG do a cover for £38 or so, so the expensive bit will be the paint.
I’ll need to put a bin bag over the mirror to avoid getting too much moisture in behind it
 
#35 ·
Agreed, but if I start getting any hassle I'll have no real choice.
I imagine it shouldn't be more than £100-200 all in to fix, so I guess they'll be ok to keep it out of insurance
 
#37 ·
I've fitted a dashcam from Coopers of Stortford. £15, plus postage, plus SD card, about £8.

Wired straight into the acc point in the glovebox, not the best quality, but effective, and if it proves the need, get a better one!

Regarding insurance, you are under an obligation to report any incident/accident to your insurer.....................be careful!
In my opinion, when you report it is up to you, but I had a very awkward case two years ago, for which the insurer paid out compensation, and made sure no claim was registered on the relevant insurance data base. I had to be persistent, (not something that bothers me), but it was a mess.
Good luck with Transport Manager, hope he is a realist - and maybe a Jaguar fan? Who knows!!
 
#38 ·
Further to this, I’ve been passed onto the companies insurer, and I’ve now to get some quotes.
I’ve also highlighted that the car is a full Jaguar service history car, and also a no expense spared car, so I’ll be going for a reputable repairer.
I now have a couple of quotes, so will forward the details tomorrow and then arrange the replacement cover.
I don’t intend driving about with an exposed mirror with naked wires for long!
I’ll see what tomorrow brings.
I’ll be looking at dash cams too, which may be a little bit “shutting the gate after the horse has bolted” but it can’t go wrong.
 
#39 ·
Further to this, I've been passed onto the companies insurer, and I've now to get some quotes.
I've also highlighted that the car is a full Jaguar service history car, and also a no expense spared car, so I'll be going for a reputable repairer.
I now have a couple of quotes, so will forward the details tomorrow and then arrange the replacement cover.
I don't intend driving about with an exposed mirror with naked wires for long!
I'll see what tomorrow brings.
I'll be looking at dash cams too, which may be a little bit "shutting the gate after the horse has bolted" but it can't go wrong.
Bit of a bummer being passed to the companies insurer...it always seems to come back and bite you even though it's not your fault!!

+1 on the dashcam again for sure Glenn

Here's my dashcam thoughts / purchase and install thread, plus the I've been hit thread and how the dashcam came into play

http://www.jaguarforum.com/showthread.php?t=102660

http://www.jaguarforum.com/showthread.php?t=82749

I went for Nextbase as have several others, they got a fantastic write up at the time and have performed well for the last 2 years. Quality and night time quality i particular is very good, there's loads out there though so choose your own but choose carefully
Cover for front and rear if you can..

Hope to hear you get this sorted nice n quick
Best
Jim
 
#40 ·
Mirror update: the insurer almost pulled the do you have dash cam proof as without it you may need to go through insurance, but after a bit of a polite reminder of the situation that had occurred by the driver, I’ve now been told that once I have an invoice for the work to be done they will send me a cheque to cover it.

I’ve also been looking at the dashcams and the Nextbase ones do look good, with GPS tracking Wi-fi to stream to your phone along with speed info, I reckon that’s what I’ll be going for.
I’ll get a top range for the front and a lower level for the rear.
All I need to do is source a rear switched live so it’s not running full time.
 
#41 ·
Update on the mirror, after a 2nd attempt at spraying it, I finally have my mirror cover back on, it’s so good not feeling naked any more.
The next step is to get the cheque from the truck company.
I’ve sent a copy of the invoice so I’ll wait and see what happens next...
 
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