I've done some research looking for exact replacements for the oem transmission fluid for the zf5hp24
Esso lt71141 was the original spec, but now that fluid is called Mobil lt71141.
I believe Mobil lt71141 is no longer produced, good luck finding it at a good price.
Then there's Lifeguard 5, the zf branding of lt71141. Again, I believe it's no longer produced. Very hard to find in the states and it's quite expensive.

Onto non-oem replacements.
Febi claims that Febi 14738 (1 quart) and Febi 29738 (5 quarts) are direct replacements for lt71141. I can't find the spec sheets to verify this claim, but they seem reputable.
Valvoline Import multi-vehicle ATF claims to meet lt71141. It has a slightly lower viscosity but the difference is minimal. I'd be hesitant to use this one.
Mobil Multi-Vehicle ATF also claims to meet lt71141. Considering that these are the guys that used to make it, I'd be a little more trusting. Again though, the viscosity is slightly lower than the original specs.

I would not use Valvoline Maxlife ATF. It claims to meet the specs of lt71141, but the viscosity is far lower, as much as 20% at operating temperature. I've spoken to Valvoline reps and they claim to have done extensive dynamometer testing, but I don't think it's worth the risk.
I filled my car with Maxlife before I had done the research which is unfortunate. For now, it shifts incredibly smooth, better than before I'd changed it. I'll report back in 10,000 miles and tell y'all if it burnt my clutches or not. I might consider adding some transmission stop-slip just to boost the oil viscosity.

 

I believe these to be acceptable for our cars.
ESSO LT 71141
ZF Lifeguard 5
Febi Bilstein Automatikgetriebeöl (ATF) nr. 29738
Pentosin ATF 1
Ravenol ATF 4/5 HP

 

Just recently I posted this:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-flush-265900/

Obviously, I do not know, what you can buy in the US. The situation in Australia is, that all the right ATFs for ZF transmissions are over the top expensive in Australia, but available, if you look long enough. I just bought 20L of Mobil LT71141 for the 5hp24 (I also could have bought Lifeguard 5, but that was significantly more expensive), and shortly before I bought 40L of Lifeguard 6 for the 6hp26.

I, too, got a hunch that Febi is reputable, but I cannot back it up with proof. I think the Febi version would be 29738. I never considered Febi, as the price for it is also ridiculous.

Well, I found this (LG5):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/11388596274...Bk9SR6C37LKzYQ
and:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/15307947753...Bk9SR6C37LKzYQ

And there is heaps more...

 

Be careful with lifeguard. The second link you posted is lifeguard 6, a fluid with much lower viscosity.

 

I thought I wrote it clear enough:
Lifeguard 6 for ZF 6hp26 in S-Type '04
Lifeguard 5 for ZF 5hp24 in X308

 

I use synthetic LV fluids in everything.

auto transmisisons have to operate with permanently sheared worn out fluids and extremely thick cold fluid. a 1cst difference means nothing

 

xalty: Yes, Lifeguard 6 has significantly lower viscosity as lifeguard 5, which is why, as I mentioned now twice before, lifeguard 6 is not for the 5 speed in X308.
Lifeguard 5, ESSO or Mobil LT71141 are the options for the 5 speed ZF transmission.

 

Hi asdf,

The fluids Randy quoted from one of my posts are the ones we know are correct in the ZF 5HP24.

Please do not use any Valvoline ATF in your transmission. That company's claims regarding its fluid compatabilities are completely incredible, as in "cannot be believed."

In the U.S., I have found the best prices on the Febi Bilstein Automatikgetriebeöl (ATF) nr. 29738. There are a few sellers on eBay and Amazon who offer it. I have ordered several times from the eBay seller partscontainer.

Regarding fluid viscosity, xalty is correct that 1 cSt (mm2/s) is not going to make a difference. But the last time I checked, the difference between Lifeguard 5 at 37 cSt at 40°C and Lifeguard 6 at 26.8 cSt at 40°C is significantly greater than 1 cSt. Yes, the viscosities become more similar at 100°C, but it can take 30 minutes of driving or more for the transmission fluid to rise anywhere near that temperature. For many drivers, that is longer than the duration of their most frequent trips. So I must respectfully disagree with xalty. Please do not use a low-viscosity fluid in your 5HP24.

I once used low-viscosity Dexron VI (28.5 cSt) in my XJ40's ZF 4HP24 because Dex VI was claimed to be "backward compatible" with Dexron II/III applications. But only after I changed back to the correct Dex III (38 cSt) did I realize that the torque converter had not been transfering power efficiently with the thinner Dex VI fluid. With the thicker Dex III, the transmission felt "hooked-up" again with much better acceleration, engine braking when downshifting to descend hills, and a much more significant difference in performance between normal and sport-mode settings. It was this discovery that led me to begin journey of many years of research on the importance of various transmission fluid properties and to learn that companies like Valvoline (and, sadly, Castrol, Exxon Mobil and many others) make false claims regarding the "suitability" of their "universal" fluids.

Also note that viscosity is only one important property of a transmission fluid. As ZF recently confirmed to Peter in response to his inquiry to the company, the additives and fluid properties are important. Additives include friction modifiers, viscosity modifiers, anti-corrosion and anti-foaming agents, seal conditioners, etc.. Fluid properties include high- and low-temperature viscosity, friction/slippage characteristcs and more. All of the fluids Randy mentioned contain correct additives and have the correct properties for your transmission.

Not mentioned in most professional service documents: begin the fluid change by loosening the fill plug. You don't want to drain the fluid only to discover you can't add any new fluid through the fill port. The fluid level must be set at the correct temperature (40°C / 104F). The vehicle must be raised but level front-to-back and side-to-side. With the engine running, move the gear selector lever through the different positions, P D R (and I also do 4 and 3) holding each position for the prescribed time (3 to 10 seconds). I'm attaching a ZF document that explains how to set the fluid level.

Draining and refilling once replaces half or less of the fluid, since at least half remains in the torque converter, valve body, filter, pan and other recesses. Draining and refilling 3 times will replace most of the fluid. To replace all of the fluid, the cooler line ports can be used, or the cooler lines can be disconnected from the radiator, if you're brave and aren't afraid of causing new leaks or damaging your radiator. Peter has outlined how to do this in one of his threads.

Cheers,

Don