IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2000 Daimler Super V8

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2000 Daimler Super V8. 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Plastic Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Fracture and Camshaft Mis-timing

SeriousEngine

Early 4.0-litre AJ-V8 engines (AJ26S and AJ27S) in the X308 Daimler Super V8 were fitted from the factory with plastic-bodied secondary camshaft timing chain tensioners. Over time, engine oil heat cycles and mechanical fatigue embrittle the nylon plastic bodies and slipper shoes. The plastic body cracks or breaks away completely, allowing the timing chain to slacken and jump sprocket teeth on startup. In the worst cases, the camshaft skips multiple teeth, causing the valves to strike the pistons and destroying the cylinder head. Upgrading to robust metal-bodied third-generation tensioners with shorter bolts is an essential preventative modification.

Est. Repair Cost: £900–£2,200
Warning Signs:

Sharp metallic clattering or rattling noise from the front engine timing cover on cold startup, Check Engine warning light illuminated accompanied by camshaft position correlation trouble codes, Rough, uneven engine idle with intermittent misfiring across one cylinder bank, Sudden non-start condition with the starter spinning unusually fast due to lost compression

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect vehicle service history for written invoices detailing metal tensioner replacement
  • Remove the right-hand camshaft cover to visually inspect tensioner body colour (plastic is orange/cream, metal is silver alloy)
  • Listen attentively during a cold engine start for any momentary chain slap or rattle
  • Check the engine sump for plastic fragments if the tensioners have ever broken up
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Nikasil Cylinder Liner Chemical Erosion and Cold-Start Compression Loss

SeriousEngine

Prior to late 2000, 4.0-litre AJ-V8 blocks used a nickel-silicon carbide (Nikasil) electro-plated bore coating in place of traditional cast-iron cylinder liners. High sulphur concentrations in 1990s UK petrol reacted with combustion moisture to form acidic compounds that chemically eroded the Nikasil coating. Pitted cylinder walls caused piston ring blow-by and loss of cylinder compression, resulting in difficult cold starting or total refusal to fire after short start-and-stop moves ('bore wash'). While modern low-sulphur fuels halted active erosion, surviving original Nikasil engines must be checked for stable compression and blow-by before purchase.

Est. Repair Cost: £2,500–£5,500
Warning Signs:

Starter motor spinning freely without the engine catching or attempting to fire, Extremely prolonged cranking required to start the engine when cold, Heavy oil vapor and visible crankcase blow-by venting when opening oil filler cap, Noticeable power deficit and uneven compression during dynamic acceleration

What to Inspect:
  • Check the engine block date plate or VIN for replacement steel-linered engine stampings
  • Perform a relative compression check or cylinder blow-by test before committing to purchase
  • Avoid very short engine run times when cold to prevent fuel bore-washing before shutdown
  • Review early warranty documentation to verify if Jaguar replaced the engine under dealer campaign
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Rear Lower Wishbone and Hub Carrier Bush Wear Causing Wandering and MOT Failure

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Both the X308 and X350 generations of the Daimler Super V8 utilise an independent rear suspension layout featuring multi-link arms, aluminium wishbones, and rubber-metal bushes. The immense torque (up to 400 lb-ft) of the supercharged powertrain combined with UK potholes and speed bumps places enormous stress on the lower wishbone bushes and hub carrier ball joints. The rubber perishes and develops excessive play, allowing the rear wheels to steer passively under acceleration and braking. In addition to creating an unsettling floaty sensation on motorways, worn bushes result in MOT failure and rapid inner tyre shoulder scrubbing.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£900
Warning Signs:

Unsettling wandering or twitching sensation from the rear axle when braking or accelerating, Dull metallic clunking or knocking noise from the rear floor when traversing uneven road surfaces, Uneven scrubbing and premature wear across the inner shoulders of the rear tyres, Advisory or failure note on annual UK MOT test for excessive suspension joint play

What to Inspect:
  • Pry the rear lower wishbone inner bushes and hub carrier ball joints with a pry bar to check for movement
  • Inspect rear tyre tread depths and look for severe feathering or inner shoulder canvas exposure
  • Conduct a test drive over road joints to evaluate whether the rear track stays disciplined and true
  • Check whether complete replacement wishbones or aftermarket polyurethane bushes have been fitted
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2000 Daimler Super V8

  • On 1997 to 2002 4.0-litre X308 cars, verify that the fragile plastic secondary timing chain tensioners have been replaced with metal-bodied third-generation units.
  • Check for cold-start compression loss on early pre-2000 4.0 engines, which used sulphur-sensitive Nikasil cylinder bore coatings that suffered bore washing.
  • Test the air suspension system on 2005 to 2009 X350/X358 models; listen for an overworking compressor pump and ensure the vehicle sits level without overnight sagging.
  • Inspect rear lower wishbone bushes and hub carrier ball joints for play; worn bushes ruin the serene ride quality and cause dynamic rear-wheel steering.
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