Early X202 S type

[grumpyjohn]

Hi Guys, I'm trying to ascertain when the X202 Series was released to the public. I believe it was early 2002 although some sources say 2003 which I know is wrong. My S type chassis no.M45329 is one of the earliest of the series and was first registered to Jaguar Cars Ltd. Company Vehicles, Browns Lane on 25th February 2002, clearly a company car of some sort. But was it registered before the model became available to the public? I would be fascinated to know.

[Montana5]

Hi John, the X202 (first facelift 2002-2004) was released officially to the public early 2002, earliest Brochure date is Feb 2002. The much publicised "From model 2002.5 M45255 onwards" when buying parts is however not the whole story, many Facelift Cars have a pre M45255 Vin.
I noticed a Jaguar Service Schedule that quoted "2002.5 MY from M44998", this is what I'd say is the real Facelift Vin start. The earliest STR that I know of was the Autocar Magazine test Car BV51KXJ, 1st registered October 2001, following that there were 8-10, STR's, Jan/Feb registered BP51*** Press Cars, I know of a few other non STR's with a pre M45255 Vin, all of these people have a hard time when buying Parts and nowhere can I find what the mysterious .5 designation means. The STR was first introduced with the 2002 Facelift and so was the Car used in most of the Publicity.

The Americans use the 2003MY designation when describing the 2002MY, they do this with other makes of Cars too...no comment

Doug.

[J44EAG]

Doug,

I always thought that MY2002.5 indicated a change of production model around the month of June in 2002. I stand to be corrected if my understanding is duff.

Mike

[Montana5]

Its something I never understood Mike, its used to describe all first facelift S Types, Parts people say its Cars M45255 on and built May 2002 on, yet not only are there hundreds of pre May built /registered 1st facelift Cars, there are also possibly 257 pre M45255 Cars.

Doug.

[grumpyjohn]

Thanks guys. As I suspected there is no easy answer. Anyway, I can't claim that my S type is anything special!! Although Aspen green/blue metallic with Heritage Tan interior does appear to be unusual. The tan is a very servicible colour, much more so than cream/ivory which we have in a Rover.