Maintaining the optimal performance of your 2008 Jaguar S-TYPE with the 3.0L AJ27 engine requires a commitment to high-quality lubricants and fluids. This luxury sedan, powered by a sophisticated 24-valve aluminum V-6, demands precise attention to its fluid systems to ensure longevity and reliability. Using the correct viscosity and type of oil, transmission fluid, and coolant is essential, as the engine’s internal tolerances and the transmission’s hydraulic requirements are not forgiving of inferior products. AMSOIL synthetic lubricants are specifically engineered to provide superior protection against wear, heat, and deposits, offering a clear advantage over standard conventional oils and factory-recommended fluids. By utilizing these advanced synthetic formulas, owners can extend service intervals, reduce engine wear, and maintain the vehicle’s driving dynamics.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides up to 25,000 miles of engine protection with exceptional horsepower retention and wear resistance, outperforming industry standards for this specific Jaguar engine.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother for up to 20,000 miles between changes.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers proven OEM mileage protection with a 100% synthetic formulation designed to fight sludge and deposits while meeting performance requirements.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Ideal for engines over 75,000 miles, featuring enhanced detergents and anti-wear additives to reduce sludge by 67% and protect seals.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Captures 99% of contaminants down to 20 microns, offering lower oil flow restriction and greater capacity for small wear-causing particles than competing filters.
- WIX XP Oil Filter – Features premium media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer branded filters for superior filtration performance.
- WIX Oil Filter – An excellent option featuring premium media that provides significant improvements over standard OEM-branded filters.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that is phosphate, nitrate, and silicate-free, offering up to 150,000 miles of protection for the cooling system.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula requiring mixing with distilled water, providing up to 150,000 miles of protection in passenger cars and light trucks.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects against wear and maintains smooth shifting characteristics for the vehicle’s transmission system.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway for the rear differential while containing friction modifiers for limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Suitable for power steering applications requiring DEXRON-III, withstanding heavy use and remaining fluid in cold weather.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects against sludge and guards against leaks while promoting smooth, shudder-free shifts in power steering systems.
Engine Oil and Filter Specifications
The heart of the 2008 Jaguar S-TYPE 3.0L engine is its aluminum V-6, which operates with tight tolerances and generates significant heat under load. The recommended oil viscosity for this engine is SAE 5W-30, with 0W-30, 0W-40, and 5W-40 also acceptable across all temperatures, though 5W-30 is the preferred choice for optimal performance. The total fluid capacity, including the filter change, is 6.9 quarts. It is critical to check the oil level after refilling to ensure the correct quantity is in the system. The oil drain plug should be torqued to 18 ft-lbs to prevent leaks without damaging the threads.
AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 is the premier choice for this vehicle, offering up to 25,000 miles of protection. This fully synthetic fluid is proven to provide 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to conventional oils. It also protects turbochargers 72% better than the GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification requires, a standard often referenced for similar high-performance engines. For owners seeking a balance of performance and value, the Extended-Life 5W-30 offers 20,000 miles of guaranteed protection with enhanced cleaning power. The OE 5W-30 is an excellent option that outperforms conventional oils while meeting OEM mileage expectations, fighting sludge and deposits effectively.
For vehicles with higher mileage, specifically those over 75,000 miles, the 5W-30 High-Mileage Motor Oil is recommended. This formula includes boosted detergents and dispersants to clean the engine internally, along with enhanced anti-wear additives and seal conditioners to reduce oil consumption. It provides a guaranteed 12,000 miles of protection under normal service conditions, helping older engines perform better and last longer.
Filtration is just as important as the oil itself. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (EAO34) is designed to capture 99% of contaminants at 20 microns, reducing engine wear and allowing lower flow restriction to keep parts lubricated. It also holds greater capacity for small wear-causing contaminants than competing filters. If you prefer a brand-name alternative, the WIX XP Oil Filter (51516XP) offers premium media improvements over standard OEM filters, while the standard WIX Oil Filter (51516) is also a robust choice for regular maintenance.
Transmission and Differential Fluids
The 2008 Jaguar S-TYPE 3.0L is equipped with a 6HP26 automatic transmission that requires a high-quality synthetic fluid to handle the rigors of daily driving, including elevated temperatures and frequent stop-and-go traffic. The total fill capacity for the 6-speed transmission is 10 quarts. While the factory may recommend specific fluids, AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid is designed to withstand heavy towing, harsh conditions, and sub-zero temperatures while remaining fluid. It provides reserve protection during heavy use, ensuring the transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently.
For those looking for a high-performance alternative to the OE fluid, the OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers excellent protection against wear and sludge. Both Signature Series Multi-Vehicle and OE transmission fluids are suitable for power steering systems that require DEXRON-III fluid, such as the Jaguar S-TYPE. The Signature Series Multi-Vehicle fluid is specifically recommended for this application, providing cold-weather performance and resistance to shudder. The OE Multi-Vehicle fluid also delivers smooth shifts and guards against leaks, ensuring the hydraulic system remains intact.
The rear differential of the S-TYPE requires a GL-5 75W-140 synthetic gear lube. The capacity for the rear differential is approximately 2.7 pints. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 is the ideal choice, offering advanced protection against wear and controlling thermal runaway, which can lead to seal failure. This gear lube contains friction modifiers specifically for limited-slip differentials, protecting against rust and corrosion while helping to reduce operating temperatures and extending the life of seals and the equipment.
Cooling System and Brake Fluid
Maintaining the cooling system is vital for the longevity of the aluminum engine components in the Jaguar S-TYPE. The total coolant capacity for the system is 9.9 quarts. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is an ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is free of phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, silicates, borates, and amines, ensuring compatibility with all cooling system materials. For a more concentrated solution, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant is available, requiring mixing with distilled water and offering similar extended protection intervals.
Brake fluid quality directly impacts the safety and responsiveness of the stopping power. The Jaguar S-TYPE recommends Shell DOT 4 ESL, but AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is an excellent alternative if the OEM fluid is unavailable. It meets the ISO 4925 Class 6 specification and is designed to provide excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness. The synthetic formulation ensures a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, preventing brake fade and ensuring consistent pedal feel.
Vehicle Background and Ownership Experience
About the Vehicle
The 2008 Jaguar S-TYPE represents the culmination of a lineage that dates back to the 1990s, combining British luxury with sophisticated engineering. The S-TYPE was Jaguar’s attempt to create a sedan that could rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series in terms of refinement and driving dynamics. The specific model in question, the 3.0L V-6, is powered by the AJ27 engine, a naturally aspirated powerplant known for its smoothness and refined sound. This engine features variable valve timing and produces a balance of power and efficiency that makes the car a joy to drive, particularly on winding roads.
Owners of the 2008 S-TYPE appreciate the car’s blend of classic Jaguar styling cues, such as the sleek grille and flowing lines, with modern interior appointments. The cabin is typically appointed with high-quality leather and wood trim, offering a luxurious environment for driver and passengers alike. While the S-TYPE was eventually succeeded by the XE, XF, and XJ models, the 2008 model year remains a favorite among enthusiasts who value the unique character of the earlier S-TYPE designs.
This vehicle platform was designed with a focus on a sporting driving experience, yet it did not compromise on comfort. The suspension tuning provides a compliant ride that absorbs road imperfections while maintaining enough stiffness for confident cornering. The 6-speed automatic transmission, when paired with the correct fluid, shifts smoothly and quickly, contributing to the car’s responsive feel. Owning an S-TYPE from this era involves an appreciation for the distinct British automotive heritage, where the sound of the engine and the feel of the steering wheel are just as important as the speed. Proper maintenance, including the use of synthetic fluids, is key to preserving these qualities for years to come.
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