2005 S-Type 3.0

[Jon 89]

We bought a like-new 2005 S-Type 3.0 last Friday with only 18,000 miles on the odometer.  It was a well-cared-for 3-year corporate lease return vehicle in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  I've done quite a bit of research on-line and it appears that Jaguar substantially improved the quality and reliability of the S-Type starting with the 2004 model year.  I know that 2008 was the final year for the model  -  why did Jaguar decide to put an end to the S-Type?

Also, it appears that the ZF transmission in our car has proven to be a great improvement over the previous Ford transmission in the earlier S-Type models.  Is this indeed correct?

And finally, is the 3-litre engine in our car a Ford engine, or is it truly a Jaguar engine?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.  I look forward to participating in this forum as I learn more about our new S-Type and can then talk intelligently about how to take care of one....   

[Neil]

Hello. Nice buy! The new S-type is Jaguar XF, that's the new S-type...

Yes, indeed, you have a ZF transmission and it's much more reliable than Ford's 5R55N that had many problems. The engine is Ford's I believe But it's good, don't worry. I drive 2000 S-type model 3L (Ford Duratec) - the engine is good - it has some ignition coil problems from time to time, but the biggest concern is of course the transmission - problems from the very beginning I bought it (3 years used one).

My main concern is also about suspension - many bushings can't be replaced without changing wishbones... they do cost a lot... As long as you have good roads over there it shouldn't be a big problem.

[Jon 89]

Thanks for the information, Neil.  The ZF transmission does seem to be a big improvement over the Ford transmission.  Since the ZF is a sealed unit without even a dipstick, I hope that it does indeed turn out to be a "lifetime" transmission in this S-Type.

After putting about 500 miles on the car since we acquired it, my perception is that the vehicle will be tough on its brake components, especially up front.  They don't squeal, but they sometimes groan slightly when the brakes are applied at very low speeds.  Who built the brake system, and is occasional low groaning considered normal?  I'm going to pull the front wheels today and have a look at the components.  Fortunately, the car's factory warranty runs through mid-July 2009 so if there is a current brake problem, it will be covered.

Any advice will be much appreciated....   

[Neil]

I guess the sound should be alright, not 100% sure.

I don't drive much with my '00 s-type but every second year I have to replace front brake discs and pads... simply they just wear out.....