Corrosion - help please?

[dglick]

HI

I have finally fulfilled one of my lifelong ambitions to own a Jaguar, and have a 2003 S-type 3.0 sport.

Bodywork is generally ok - but therei is corrosion in the followin gplaces :

1. The 2 black vertical metal strips holding the windscreen in place
2. The 2 black vertical metal pieces on the drivers doors which go alongside the windows

Does anyone know of the best way to treat these - or whether its best to change these parts - and if so - how I can get hold ogf replacmeents. Im not sure for example if the Windscreen strips would involve taking the wind screen out which would be messy.

These are not jobs I would attempt personally, but would be gratefule if anyone could advise on best ways to approach, and if anyone has similar problems ?

[J44EAG]

The door strip issue is not uncommon on early cars. Removing those items is not easy and requires a fair amount of internal door stripping to gain access to the fixings. The strips are in fact painted steel so cleaning off, treating with phosphoric acid ie Jenolite or similar will neutralise corrosion after which the strips can be patch primed and repainted. The same for the windscreen strips but if corrosion extends under the strip to the joint between the strip and the glass, that would probably be a strip out job to get to the trapped internal corrosion. New strips in that location would probably be needed as they are stuck down with sealer/adhesive.

As to the door strips again, you could clean up and prime but if your spray technique is basic, you could paint protect them then add some after market chrome covers which Adamesh sell. If you don`t like chrome then you could cover them in black sign writing vinyl which is easy to obtain and apply.

It is most unusual to hear of these parts corroding on the facelift model. Perhaps the factory paint finish was not quite up to scratch on your car.

Perhaps a trip to a local body shop for professional treatment might be the best option if you can`t do the job yourself. It shouldn`t cost too much to have these items repainted.

Hope that helps.

Mike

[dglick]

Many thanks for that !

2 more quick questions -

The one thing I really miss with this car is a Cd autochanger (I had one in my Audi - so very hard to go back to a single Cd player) - do such things still exist, and how easy are they to get fitted without disrupting anything else?

I haver been to a few car stereo places that laughed at the suggestion of them as if they are antiques !!

Finally fuel consumption is pretty dreadfull. I guess the question is- is there anything that can be done ? Do fuel additives make any difference or are they a waste on money ? I have started switching the temp control/air cond off unless really needed - does that make much difference ?

Otherwise loving theJag!

Thanks

[J44EAG]

Make a note of the last six digits of your Vin Nuber ie M33066.

Armed with that number, have a word with Eurojag who advertise in our magazine and break cars. They may be able to source you a second hand CD chaanger unit.

Second hand gear is always worth looking for. Can save you hundreds of £`s. Also look at ebay listings. I do that everyday to see what is on offer.

Yes some fuel additives do work. Injectr cleaner and catalytic converter both help keep things clear of gunk.

You should be managing 32-33mpg on the motorway. When was this car last serviced? Starrt with a new airfilter. It is not the first time we have seen filters ignored and when finally taken from a car are so choked that the contents is similar to the inside of a vacuum cleaner.

These cars need regular service and repairs. Be prepared for that. Do not let oil and water levels drop. Keep your oil in clean condition. Black oil suggests neglect.

Mike

[jonjeffryes]

Hi,

I have a 2001 SE 3ltr....so similar to your car. I've covered over 10,000 mainly M25 miles in it since October last year (It was bought to take the commuting miles off of my XF)

Fuel consumption at 70mph cruise with aircon switched out = 30-32 mpg on standard unleaded. strangely if I put uprated rocket fuel in from BP, the fuel consumption increases?

If I run climate control continuously, consumption increases to 28 - 30 mpg. If I increase cruise to an indicated 75mph (true 70mph on my car) fuel consumption increases to 25 - 26 mpg. If i run the car at 89 - 90 mph, fuel consumption stays at an average 27mpg.

I commute 50 miles from Crawley to Rochester...and back in the evening! so the mileage is consistent as is the consumption. However the car has now covered nearly 135,000 miles but has been fully serviced. I took the trouble to replace anything that may give problems - spark plugs, coils, sensors, cam solenoids, vacuum hoses and elbows, intake gaskets, injectors and seals, water pump, coolant tank plus a thorough overhaul of the brakes as I wanted total reliability.

The car has been interesting electrically, but by working through the problems methodically with the assistance of the BB, they have been worked through. As Mike has already said, a thorough servicing regime as with any older car, will pay dividends.

Good luck and enjoy! as a footnote, I've just covered over 600 miles over the last couple of days on a round trip to harrogate, 3 of us in the car (including my XFR-S owning CEO who is so impressed with the car, he is going to buy one as a 'hobby' car) with luggage for an overnight stop. Total fuel consumption averaged at 27mpg with full climate control, leather and wood wrapped comfort.....I think that's pretty god and can live with that.

atvb

Jon

[J44EAG]

I`ve had mine nine years or so. Not without issues I might add.

Once you get the hang of its needs and how the majority of it works, then you can have some good fun with it.

I suggest a gearbox oil change at the earliest opportunity if one has not been done already. The gearboxes are the weak point on these cars and other models of all makes that share the same modern transmission. Synthetic oil wears out like any other!

Mike

[dglick]

Thanks Guys

Its in tomorrow for full service, and having the doors/windscreen surrounds stripped and replaced.

Lets hope the service can improve on 12-14 mpg I'm getting now - I'll report back!

[J44EAG]

A full service does NOT include a gearbox oil change! You will have to ask for that as a separate action.

Be prepared to spend around £340 to have this done. Best to take the car to a specialist transmission workshop and ask for a full plush oil change.

Mike

[dglick]

Many thanks - have requested it on top of service