XE S Arrived

[MyQuest]

I collected my new XE S yesterday and I'm delighted with how it feels/drives.
However, on removing a rear wheel to check that my ex-XK's space-saver wheel would fit, I was not impressed to see a rusty hub face looking at me after just 46 miles.
Incidentally, on trying to fit said spare into the wheel well, a further disappointment: the battery's located in there, making the flooring sit higher when the wheel is placed over it, losing valuable trunk space.
Sigh...
Mike West

[mike020150]

I've not yet seen a spare fitted in an XE. Does Jaguar use the same aluminium space saver as the XK (red or black) or is a smaller one supplied for the later car when bought as an accessory?
Rusty hubs weren't so much of a problem when wheels didn't have so many decorative holes in them! Mike.

[BRIANMELLOR]

My spacesaver wheel is painted red with a Pirelli tyre in the Portfolio XE. No sign of rust after 15,000 miles. It hasn't needed to be used yet. I should get a rusty one changed under warranty.

[MyQuest]

Brian, the corrosion is on the car's hub NOT the space-saver wheel- which is similar to your spare.
I have yet to check the other three.
Mike West

[MyQuest]

Have now checked remaining wheels hubs. All have corrosion, which I've cleaned off as best I can and smeared a light film of copper grease on the mating surfaces.
The vehicle left the factory 1st week of March: Here's a pic of the front N/S hub
Mike W

[oldtimer]

Mike,
Sad to see that corrosion on a brand new car. Jaguar preclude the use of grease or similar protection in numerous different locations. This causes so much extreme and unnecessary aggravation in many location around the vehicle, I just cannot understand this lack of attention to detail during the assembly process.
I am fortunate in having a vehicle lift and have been able to attend to anti - corrosive treatment from day one. Both the front and rear sub frames were heavily contaminated with weld splatter and a lousy paint finish ,really not good enough. I could produce a long list of items that required corrective actions.
Arguably , as most owners don't seem to know how to open the bonnet let alone care about the underside why bother . Providing it lasts ten years before being recycled what the Hell !!

Meanwhile , I sympathise with you

Oldtimer