www.jec.org.uk

I have a relatively high mileage XJ8 and the driver door handle/armrest is showing signs of wear in that the stitching is being worn away. I am wondering whether this would this be an expensive repair or in fact whether it can be done

Your easiest, quickest and probably least costliest option is likely to be by direct replacement of either the worn part if available or by replacement of the complete door card. Eurojag will no doubt source you a really good secondhand component at a modest cost. Contact details either in our magazine or on the internet. Obviously they will be closed over the Christmas period. Many of us replace tired components in this way and Eurojag are always good guys to deal with. Andy at Autoreserve is also a good source of high quality used parts.

When contacting suppliers, have the last six digits of your VIN identifier to hand. Look on the bottom left of the windscreen to the window on the top of the dash panel. You will find something like G33206. Make a note of those figures. Also supply the year of manufacture and the interior trim code which can be found on a plate on the lower A post inside the door shut.....probably three or four letters. With luck a supplier will quickly be able to turn you up a replacement part often with next day delivery.

Mike K

Thanks. Will investigate after Christmas.

common failing now as these cars are getting older, but they have done far better the 40, 300 and especially 308 trim wise

Mike is right, EuroJag, best blokes about, loads of 350/358 being broken, and interiors they are glad to see the back of, I bought one for my 358 as a spare, just because I saw it and it was identical, and not a common trim colour or style and LWB, £100 delivered, rude to say no I felt