Classic Obsession: Tackling Classic Car Repairs on the Jaguar XJS, Rolls-Royce Corniche & BMW E46 Fixes

Classic cars require constant upkeep, and in this episode of Classic Obsession, Gary Mavers focuses on some long-overdue maintenance on three iconic cars: the Jaguar XJS, Rolls-Royce Corniche, and BMW E46. From steering repairs to air conditioning troubleshooting and a broken suspension spring, he covers some of the most frustrating (but necessary) fixes to keep these vehicles roadworthy.

As a longtime supporter of IntroCar parts, Gary showcases how the right components—such as air conditioning condensers and other critical parts—help in the restoration and upkeep of these classic vehicles.

The Jaguar XJS has been pulling to one side, and after multiple failed attempts to track the wheels, it’s clear that the track rod ends need replacing. These are a common wear item, especially on classic cars with modified or oversized wheels.

• Track rod end replacement: Addressing steering play to improve handling.
• Brake pad swap: After 11 years off the road, the XJS still had its original brake pads, which had started deteriorating with use.
• Air conditioning fix: Like the Rolls-Royce Corniche, the XJS has non-functional air conditioning, meaning it’s time for a compressor, condenser, and hose check.

The Rolls-Royce Corniche has a persistent air conditioning failure. The first fix—a new compressor—worked briefly, but the system lost all its gas within months, meaning the leak must be elsewhere.

• Step-by-step troubleshooting: Compressor, electrical connections, and condenser all inspected.
• New condenser installation: A fresh IntroCar-supplied condenser is fitted, followed by a system recharge to restore cooling.

While working on the Corniche, another serious issue emerges—a massive oil leak. The oil cooler appears to be the culprit, requiring a deep dive into one of the most difficult repair jobs on an XJS due to tight accessibility.

While tackling the other repairs, the BMW E46 finally gets attention for its broken front coil spring—an issue that, thankfully, didn’t result in an accident.

• The failure: The front suspension spring snapped on a driveway, avoiding a catastrophic failure on the motorway.
• Common issue: Suspension spring failure is frequent on early 2000s Mercedes and BMW models due to cost-cutting measures during production.
• Additional replacements: A new shock absorber and top hat mount are fitted to restore proper ride height and handling.

Despite best efforts, a crucial mistake is made—forgetting to refit the bump stop, meaning the suspension has to come apart again. Sometimes, DIY repairs don’t go as smoothly as planned!

After an afternoon of messy, challenging work, all three cars are another step closer to being in top condition. While classic car maintenance can be frustrating, getting the job done properly ensures these vehicles stay on the road for years to come.

Got any similar repair stories or classic car woes? Let us know in the comments!

IntroCar is the leading international supplier of Rolls-Royce & Bentley parts, providing specialists and enthusiasts with expert knowledge and an unmatched range of original, aftermarket, recycled, and reconditioned components. We are proud to support Gary Mavers of the Classic Obsession YouTube channel, supplying the essential parts for his Rolls-Royce Corniche restoration projects. While Gary works on a variety of classic cars, his meticulous approach to maintaining and restoring Rolls-Royce models aligns with our commitment to keeping these iconic vehicles on the road.