What are everyones thoughts about transmission filters? Factory or aftermarket? Anyone have any bad things to report or filter not to use?
Thanks

 

I refuse to pay silly OEM prices!
I have satisfactorily used aftermarket filters from Amazon ;o)

 

I have been using the ATP filter from Rockauto.com.

 

I always price out the correct part from an online dealer. That way I have a starting point -- in most cases that's a price of 20% off list retail. Some dealers charge over list at the parts counter -- not always an accurate view of the part cost.

If I can get the exact OE part in the aftermarket -- that's what I do. I have 4 other cars with the same transmission as my XJR's (made by MB) .. I had to do a service and purchased a MAAN filter (an OE maker for MB) .. it was not the same quality. I ordered the filter kit from my normal MB source. This surprised me as I buy Mann filters for MB's and Porsches all the time and find them to be exact replacements.

Your XJ has the ZF box in it -- I'm sure you can get relevant information regarding the filter from numerous sources. It's a widely used transmission and I'm sure a quality part is available. People always say -- all the same .. but this is not correct. You don't want any issues with an expensive transmission because you tried to save $15 dollars. Many of the filters are really just screens -- don't do much ... you don't want a cheap plastic one.

I'm sure with the vast number of ZF boxes produced you will find many replacements available -- that's not always good .. many cheap aftermarket parts are made in China/ India and sold with quality sounding names.

Maybe Motorcarman will chime in -- people who do theses on a regular basis know the parts.