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Thought I would give an update on my pride and joy and the first 3 months of ownership.

As I'd bought the car privatley I had no warranty so any issues would be down to myself to rectify. First up was a service which highlighted 3 issues two of which I was aware of, new tyres were required, the rear discs where worn (both of which I was aware of) but worryingly the radiator was showing signs of distress, it was corroded and starting to bulge. Thankfully this was spotted before it was too late and a new one fitted, not cheap but at least it didn't fail on me. I also needed a second key, thankfully I didn't pay dealer prices for that.

The driver's door mirror was a little lazy to fold, this I'd noticed prior to purchase. I squirt of WD40 more or less solved it but it was still not right and the plastic trim to the door was lose, so I decided to investigate. Removed the door card and the unbolted the mirror only to find the aluminium bracket was very badly corroded and broken. Sourced a replacement off E-Bay for around £80 (new ones are nearer to £300) and set about replacing it. However this was nearly as bad. Not only was it corroded but the mirror motor would only move the mirror in and out but not up and down. Thankfully the motor off the original worked and it's an easy job to swap over, 3 screws and a connector. Now all good.

Getting around 24/gallon and enjoying the V6 growl. Next on the list is to have it wax oyled and a good check of the sills as I've heard a few horror stories with regards to these rotting out under the plastic covers.

Similar issues on a X350 as regards door mirrors. Corrosion is annoying.

Radiators don`t last for ever. Replace and enjoy. Discs, well thats just usage wear.
Sills. Sadly this does happen. My old 02 S-type needs some work at the rear ends. Same problem. The design could have been better.

The V6 needs regular oil changes or the VVT units sludge up and crank bearings can seize and spin. Oil changing is vital on this motor. Replace spark plugs immediately any misfires occur or coils will burn out. Replace the two small air pipe elbows at the same time. They rot and fall to bits. Check the dirty side of the air filter for road going grot. A dirty air filter is a sure sign of lack of general servicing.

I`ve put a fair amount of info on maintenance needs on this link.http://www.jec.org.uk/registers/st/forum.php

Mike K
Former S-type Co-ordinator

VS, Welcome to the Bulletin Board.
Over the years a huge amount of useful information has been gathered together on the S type model section.
Careful study of this will arm you with enough information to keep your newly acquired vehicle ship shape for years to come.
I am pleased that you have already homed in on the problems surrounding corrosion of sills beneath the plastic over sills.
I have been "going on" about wax oiling underneath for ever and a day. I think we are all agreed that bolt on bits can be replaced but body work and corrosion can be an absolute calamity

Do let us know how you get on and remember we are here to help were we can

Bye the way what year model do you have

Oldtimer

Thanks for advice, the car is on a 55 plate with 48k miles SE 3ltr. I expect to do around 5-6k miles a year.