BMW
M3
Jaguar
XJS
BMW M3 vs Jaguar XJS: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the BMW M3 comes out ahead of the Jaguar XJS on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
M3
Overall
Sentiment is highly polarized and varies significantly by generation. For the current G80 generation (2021+), owner feedback is extremely positive regarding performance, engine reliability (S58), and daily driving capability, with many calling it the best car they've ever owned. However, this generation is also the subject of intense and very frequent criticism for its controversial front-end styling, specifically the large kidney grille design, which many find "hideous" or "ugly." For the previous F80 generation (2014-2018), sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with owners praising its driving dynamics, DCT transmission, reliability as a daily driver, and timeless looks.
Best version to buy
For the F80 generation (2014-2018), the 2016+ model years are highlighted due to an upgraded crank hub friction plate from the factory, which addresses a known concern. A manual transmission is highly desired for engagement, though the DCT is also praised.
Known issues
- ⚠Controversial Styling (G80 Generation): Very frequent and intense criticism of the large kidney grille and front-end design, described as "hideous," "ugly," and incongruous with the rear of the car. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠SMG Transmission Reliability & Driveability (E46 Generation): The Sequential Manual Gearbox is cited as a major failure point and the primary element that ages the car, with poor shift quality and reliability concerns.
- ⚠Crank Hub Concern (F80 Generation): Potential for the crank hub to spin on the S55 engine, though widely reported in owner discussions as an overblown issue affecting far less than 1% of vehicles, predominantly those that are heavily tuned…
XJS
Overall
Owner sentiment is deeply divided and heavily dependent on the specific model year, engine choice, and ownership expectations. The XJS is widely regarded as a beautiful, classic GT car with significant character and a "raffish" image, offering a unique blend of style and performance for its era. However, long-term owner reports are dominated by discussions of poor reliability, particularly for models produced during the British Leyland era (1970s and early 1980s), which suffer from severe electrical problems, inadequate rust proofing, and complex mechanical issues.
Best version to buy
Models equipped with the later AJ16 4.0L inline-six cylinder engine (found in post-1993 models up to 1996) are frequently cited as the best combination of reliability, parts availability, and refinement. The AJ6 engine is also noted as a good choice, though slightly older.
Known issues
- ⚠Severe rust corrosion: particularly on structural points like jacking points, radius arm mounts, and the rear subframe. Inadequate factory rust proofing, especially on pre-1990s models. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical system failures: brittle, heat-damaged wiring harnesses (especially in the V12 engine bay), Lucas electric component failures, intermittent ignition problems, faulty coaxial cable causing no-start conditions.
- ⚠V12 engine complexity and wear: finicky fuel injection, complex engine electronics, high maintenance requirements, poor fuel economy (cited as low as 10 MPG), inherent wear, concerns about long-term reliability without specialist care.
The verdict
The BMW M3 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Jaguar XJS, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Jaguar XJS is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the BMW M3 or the Jaguar XJS?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the BMW M3 and the Jaguar XJS. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the BMW M3 or the Jaguar XJS?
The BMW M3 seats more passengers than the Jaguar XJS on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the BMW M3 is classed as a Station wagon, the Jaguar XJS as a Coupe.
Which has better fuel economy, the BMW M3 or the Jaguar XJS?
The BMW M3 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.5 L/100km combined versus 10.7 L/100km for the Jaguar XJS, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the BMW M3 or the Jaguar XJS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the BMW M3 than the Jaguar XJS. See the known issues comparison above.