'No' and 'not quite'.  I'd try to track down some PBR (fka Axxis, fka Repco)
Deluxe or, if you want a more aggressive pad, Metalmasters.  They dust in a
light grey color that doesn't show as much on the alloys.  In addition,
they're probably better pads for more aggressive braking.
--
C.R. Krieger
(Been there; broke that)

Hello,

Well, brake dust buildup is very common and it is caused by the way
air flows through the wheel. It actually helps to cool the rotor when
you drive spirited but the negative is that unsightly dust. There are
products designed to minimize this.

EXAMPLE:  http://www.toponemall.com/651wutsqonlihgeda.html

Buying more aggresive brakes will only contribute to the dust build up
process.

I also recommend that you use the appropriate wheel polish regularly
to make cleaning easier.

Cheers,

DieInterim

I have the same problem  -- and was told that it is because the new pads are
asbestos free - but surely in the new age a better than a dirty product can
be found - absolute pain

Hi Tim

I have had my S-Type R for almost 18 months and I can tell you it does not
get better.  Its a small price to pay though for such a spectacular car. At
least my 'R' spends less time at the dealer than the 3Ltr SE I had
previously, which was an absolute dog.

How do you find the gearbox? I had a lot of trouble initially.  Often when
pulling away or slowing to almost stopping then pulling away, the gearbox
would get confused between 1st & 2nd.  When it eventually selected a gear
(after less that a second) the engine revs had risen so that drive came in
with a thump, often spinning the rear wheels in damp or wet conditions.. The
box has been reprogrammed a couple of times now and the problem is almost
cured but just now and then it does it again.

I had a new instrument pack at about 10,000 miles - handy because it zeroed
the clock. I recently had new fuel pumps fitted because the fuel gauge
played up. The rear axle has just been dropped to fit a new electronic park
brake assembly. The car has done about 27,000 miles now.

I have a phone and voice command.  Unfortunately the microphone used for the
phone and voice command is absolute crap. Jag have tried several remedies
and none have worked.  I eventually fixed it myself by cutting the jag mic
out and replacing it with a Nokia noise cancelling mike.  Now people can
hear me properly on the phone and the vehicle now responds correctly to
voice commands - most of the time.  I think the main problem is road noise
so the the voice system cannot distinguish words from background noise
unless a suitable mic is fitted, and the road noise is higher in the 'R'
because of the wider & lower profile tyres.

One thing I have learned with Jag is to expect the car to be back at the
dealers every 6-8 weeks but the 'R' is worth it.

I had Audi's for 17 years prior to my 3Ltr SE and rarely had problems. I
have just seen thier announcement of the new A8, the top of the range will
be a 4 wheel drive, 450BHP V12.  That has got to be worth looking at.

Regards

Malcolm