Leaper Here, I just wanted to confirm the price of a transmission flush that I got quoted for my Jaguar XJ8 (1999) by the Dealer in Exeter. He told me it will ballpark around $800!! He said it calls for 10 quarts of ATF and then any parts needed--and labor. It totals to around there. Even if I was Mr Money Bags over here, I would still think that is quite obscene. For a freaking flush.

If I can purchase my own ATF--where can I do so--and what kind that is comparable to OE?

 

Hi, just as a comparison, over here in the Uk a couple of years ago I needed another auto box fitted. I sourced a second hand unit and my local main dealer fitted it for me( I have known them 20 years and they always help me very well)
Their price for the fluid was about £28 per litre at the time, needing 10 litres it would have been £280 and at that time we were getting about $2 to the £.
The labour costs at main dealers here is in the region of £100 per hour, by the time we add VAT to the bill you can see the cost approaching your quote.
I was lucky that they let me source my own fluid, I found some on ebay and got it for £13 per litre, a considerable saving.
You must use the special Esso LT71141 fluid so search the internet for it and see if you can get it and then appproach an independant.
My car then was a 2000 4 litre XJ8.
Hope this helps you, best of luck.

 

Mine is a 1999 Jaguar XJ8. So your saying the XJ8 Transmission is ZF Compatible? Also, where may I purchase the Trans Filter? Or was that probably included in the dealer's quote?

 

I wrote this up a while ago based on the experiences by the BMW 740 guys

http://www.meurosport.com/ZF_Transmission.html

Also, make sure the Filter has the word FILTRAN molded in the black plastic.

And follow these instructions for filling

http://www.zf.com/na/content/media/i...alog/5HP24.pdf

Total cost before labor $ 100

 

I am sure I will get ridiculed for this, but I went against the grain and had mine flushed at the local Goodyear store for $129.00 and they installed http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...hetic_ATF.aspx

It has been a month and almost 3,000 miles. All I can say is it shifts better, and I am getting better fuel economy.

I also had them pump out the diff fluid and they installed full synthetic in there as well.

 

Hey Joey,

How many miles on your car total, and did they give you any kind of a warranty ?

 

Current miles as of driving back from Jeffersonville IN this morning. 75,580 IIRC.

Not sure on the warranty... I know nuts, but I couldn't get into my garage to do the work myself and my schedule is hectic, so couldn't take the time to get it done elsewhere.

 

Ok, just called them and they said 12 months 12,000 miles

 

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

 

In your expert opinion, does this seem safe? I'm due for a change myself. The price is definately right. I'm at 125K miles.

 

Whether the alternate fluid used is compatable for use in a ZF gearbox or not is an open question. Your S/C requires a different specification fluid, so the first answer is no.

A transmission fluid flush does not clean the filter or pan of collected sediment, so in my opinion the best method would be to flush the transmission, renew the filter, and refill it with the correct specification fluid. I do not flush transmissions, so only half the fluid is renewed: in addition to a new filter, this service at 50,000 mile intervals has not failed me yet.

I only use the transmission fluid recommended by Jaguar, although both types can be sourced from other vendors at far less cost. 5HP24 ZF service is $350. total, and I don't have the Mercedes trans (XJR) figures in my head but I can post them after I finish a service on one tomorrow.