Thread: DVD Workshop Manuals from Ebay - are they any good?

Let's try to be more helpful than that damned spammer in the first reply (reported btw), the usual eb@y dvd manuals are not up to the Haynes DIY style manual (and there is nothing out there that is), they are Jaguar's own information intended for their mechanics, as such they do cover important info and are worth having but ndon't expect a step by step guide to jobs. Just for info - 2004 is the last year these dvd's were produced before Jaguar switched to an online subscription service, so be sure you get that 2004 final version, there are plenty on eb@y that only go to 2003, which IIRC don't cover the diesel cars.

BTW - The navigation of these dvd's is, how shall I put it - eccentric, it has pictorial navigation that's doesn't always link where you'd expect/need, there is a button that avtivates a text navigation that is much easier to follow.

I'm guessing the printed version is literally the same thing in hardcopy, personally I'd stick with the dvd version and just print out the odd page here and there as you need it.

hi,
i have a dvd manual from ebay great on windows xp but will not load on windows 7 so buyer beware! if there is a genius out their who can find a way please let me know

regards mrplastic

Most of the pirates with these discs on eBay are only offering V17, which is missing the very last information.
There is a [edited] V21, which is the last version produced in 2004. [edited]
But bottom line is, you should not be paying anyone anything for these discs, especially not for V17!

Maybe nicola@jaguar could help out on this one?

You've probably discovered them now but there are compehensive "how to" guides on the X Type forum (pulled together brilliantly by Jim (Westville) the detail of which rivals any Haynes manual. Couple these with the last version of the Jaguar DVD and you should be pretty well off for info on any of the usual things needed on the X short of a total engine rebuild.

Ian C

Edit: HOW TO GUIDES are HERE

I bought one ,its crap and went in the bin

I also have one, some bits of information are next to impossible to find and they have quirky links that sometimes work and sometimes don't.

To run on windows 7, create a virtual machine (free software download from Microsoft) and install windows XP (you will need a genuine disc for that) Use the virtual machine to load up the dvd.

I've got one from ebay for the XF and it's very good and works on Windows 7. The only problem is that it doesn't cover the 3.0D although it has all the other variants. I'm told that the 2.7D is very similar so it's of some use for my engine.

Have a quick look at this link, will give you some idea how good/bad they are -

http://www.patriotsmc.co.uk/Jaguar/Electrical.pdf