4.4 V8 petrol — Jaguar AJ41
Last updated: 18 June 2012
With the 2006 facelift, the BMW V8 gave way to Jaguar's 4.4-litre AJ-V8 (AJ41). This is
the engine most owners and specialists rate as the most solid of all
L322 units — 200,000 miles is commonly reported, and the 2007-2009 cars avoid the
timing-chain tensioner trouble of the later 5.0. If you want a petrol L322 to keep, this is the
one to look for.
[ ▲ ] Photo: Jaguar AJ41 4.4 V8 engine bay add image here
ENGINE QUICK FACTS
| Engine code | Jaguar AJ41 |
| Type | 4.4 V8 petrol |
| Power | 305 hp @ 5,750 |
| Torque | 425 Nm @ 4,000 |
| 0-60 | 8.7 s |
| Years | 2006-2009 |
| Gearbox | ZF 6HP26 |
| Verdict | The reliable sweet spot |
AT A GLANCE
Reliability: ●●●●○ the strong one ·
Performance: ●●●○○ ample, unstressed ·
Running cost: high (petrol V8)
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|
| + Most reliable L322 engine | – Thirsty (petrol, ~19 mpg) |
| + 200k miles common with care | – Drivetrain (auto, transfer case) is the weak point, not the engine |
| + Smooth, torque-rich AJ-V8 | – Bore-liner failures known on some AJ-V8s (rare, neglect-related) |
Specifications
| Engine code | AJ41 (Jaguar AJ-V8 family) |
| Configuration | 90° V8, petrol, naturally aspirated |
| Displacement | 4,394 cc |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 90.3 mm |
| Block / heads | All-aluminium |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 32-valve, variable cam phasing?Variable cam phasing rotates the camshafts slightly as revs change, optimising valve timing for both low-end torque and top-end power. |
| Management | Torque-based, drive-by-wire?Drive-by-wire means there is no cable from pedal to throttle — a sensor reads the pedal and the ECU opens an electronic throttle, allowing traction and cruise systems to intervene. |
| Power | approx. 305 hp (227 kW) @ 5,750 rpm |
| Torque | approx. 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) @ 4,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | ZF 6HP26 6-speed automatic |
| Years in L322 | 2006-2009 |
Performance & economy
Manufacturer / period figures; real-world economy is typically lower. Petrols
were often LPG-converted to cut fuel costs.
| 0-60 / 0-62 mph | 8.7 sec (0-62) |
| Top speed | 124 mph (200 km/h) |
| Economy | ~18.9 mpg (combined) |
| CO₂ emissions | ~352 g/km |
| Kerb weight | ~2,500 kg |
| Bore × stroke | 88.0 mm × 90.3 mm |
| Power (alt.) | 306 hp @ 5,750 |
| Torque (alt.) | 425 Nm / 313 lb-ft @ 4,000 |
Power vs the L322 range
| This engine |
305 hp |
| Range span | 177 hp (Td6) ——— 510 hp (5.0 S/C) |
Design & technology
The AJ-V8 is Jaguar's compact all-aluminium V8, also used in the XK, XJ and S-Type and shared
with the Discovery 3/4 and Range Rover Sport. In Land Rover form it was given a slightly larger
capacity and revised sump for off-road angles. It uses variable cam phasing and a modern
torque-based engine management system, giving smooth, responsive delivery with a useful spread
of torque.
Performance
305 hp moves the L322 with easy authority, hitting 0-60 mph in around 8 seconds without
ever feeling stressed. It is not as quick as the supercharged cars, but its unburstable nature is
the point: this is an engine chosen for longevity rather than headline figures.
Reliability
Specialists consistently call the naturally aspirated 4.4 the engine to have. With regular oil
changes and the occasional injector clean, 200,000 miles is routine. Owners report the
drivetrain behind it (gearbox solenoids, transfer case) failing before the engine does.
Common faults to check
| Issue | Symptom & notes |
|---|
| Injector fouling | Rough running; periodic injector clean recommended. |
| Gearbox solenoids | Not the engine — ZF6 can refuse a shift; often a solenoid, not a rebuild. |
| Timing chain | Far more robust than the later 5.0; tensioner trouble not typical on 07-09. |
| Bore-liner wear (rare) | Some AJ-V8s have suffered liner failure if badly neglected; keep oil fresh. |
| Cooling system | Standard ageing items — thermostat, pump, hoses. |
Maintenance notes
- Frequent oil changes are the key to the engine's longevity and liner health.
- Clean or replace injectors periodically to keep running smooth.
- Service the ZF6 gearbox fluid: the drivetrain is what usually limits these cars.
- Keep the cooling system fresh given the alloy V8.
Verdict
VERDICT
The smart petrol choice and the most bulletproof L322 engine. Buy a
well-serviced 2007-2009 car, keep the oil fresh, and it will run for years. Just remember the
gearbox/drivetrain, not the engine, is the part to budget for.
↑ Back to top · « All engines
|