Jaguar Enthusiast

[shugmcd]

If anyone has suggestions and/or contributions for the September 2011 issue of Jaguar Enthusiast, I would pleased to receive these.

[rtucker]

I am living in Northern France and have a 2009 XF running on Dunlop SP Sport 01 245/40/19/98Y. My car has covered 35,000km and looks like 3mm of tread left at the back so will soon need replacing.

My question is do I need to replace with the same brand of tyre or can I replace with GOODYEAR EAGLE F1 ASYMMETRIC XL 245/40 R19 98Y which according to some reports are a very good tyre and much cheaper than the Dunlops.

Do you think I would see much change in performance

Thanks Richard

[shugmcd]

Hi Richard

Thanks for your post - you're the first to make such an enquiry!!!

I suppose that as long as you are replacing both rear tyres with the same type/make, this should be fine - I'd be concerned if you were replacing only one front or rear with a different make.

I'm not sure that you will notice any appreciable difference in performance with the change you suggest.

I'm not a tyre expert, but I will take advice on your question, next week, and get back to your here.

Thanks again for making contact.

Hugh

[rtucker]

Hi Hugh,

thanks for the response, could you also check if it would invalidate my Jag manufacturers warranty if I change from Dunlops, I was told that jag only require Dunlop or Pirelli for certain models

[shugmcd]

Hi Richard – results of the investigation follow.

1. Firstly, my sources complement you on being able to cover 35000km and still have 3mm of tread on your rear tyres. They think this is a good result.

2. The Goodyear tyres you suggest are considered to be a good product and would be appropriate for an XF. However my contacts informed me that Jaguar test tyres on their vehicles, and if they pass muster, then a letter “J”, is added to the tyre, somewhere near the size, by the manufacturer. We’re not aware of Jaguar testing the Goodyear tyre you mention, so it may not be “Jaguar approved”. Mine state “SP SPORT MAXX J”, opposite the tyre size.

3. The performance issue is essentially down to how hard, or otherwise, you drive the car. I guess that, given Point 1 above, you are relatively careful with your right foot, so performance should be comparable or, at least, not a problem.

4. As tyres are NOT covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, you can fit Goodyear if you so wish – but see point 2 above. There may be problems if, by fitting Goodyear tyres, you were to experience difficulties/problems with, say the ABS system, and approached your dealer on this. Because you have fitted a potentially not approved product, this may in some way, depending on the issue, affect the warranty.

For more research try:

www.blackcircles.com
or
www.mytyres.co.uk

Trust this helps – please let us know what you decide to do.

Hugh

[rtucker]

Hi Hugh,

thanks again for the very complete and interesting answer, I have just checked my tyres and they are marked Sport SP1 J. I did speak to the local Jaguar dealer in Lille and they tell me that they have been fitting Continental Conti-sport as a replacement tyre but their charges are quite steep.

I have found a source for the Dunlops (a company called Norauto, 276Euro per tyre including fitting and balancing) so I think I will stick with the Dulops as they have given good service to date.

Thanks again for the advice - very helpful for me to make up my mind

Cheers

Richard

[rtucker]

Hi Hugh,

One other point, you were looking for something for September edition, I have a question regarding the GPS in the XF

I would like to ask if anyone has discovered how you can add a place that you have already arrived at in the GPS into your favorites, I have tried everything but to no avail. I must say the GPS is not very user friendly.

I have to say my 100GBP Garmin is much easier to use.

Cheers

Richard

[shugmcd]

Hi Richard

Glad that you're happy with the results of my ferreting around.

Copy for the September magazine has already neen submitted but I'll look into the GPS problem. I must say though I have crashed more computer based systems than I've had hot dinners!!!

Watch this space.

Regards.

Hugh

[rtucker]

Hi Hugh,

just to let you know I managed to get two Dunlop SP01 Sport from Kwik fit in Taunton for GBP395 fitted so therefore a real saving from the French price of around 140 Euro.

Do you know anything about engine remapping of the 2.7D engine, I was expecting an article in this months magazine but could not find anything

Cheers

Richard

[Montana5]

Hi Richard,

Plenty of good info about remapping 2.7D engine on the S Type Section Might be worth a look.

Doug.