XJ ( X351 ) 2009 - 2019

Transmission maintenance

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Old Jul 4, 2025 | 01:07 AM
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Default Transmission maintenance

My 2016 XJL 3.0sc (8 speed ZF) is at 156000km and the tranny oil has never been replaced. I don't have any major issues, only a slight jerk sometimes when shifting into drive or reverse and rarely when it up/downshifts.
I was wondering if replacing the oil at this mileage will give the gearbox a kind of shock and cause more underlying issues or wear to appear. I have checked how it's done, and I can see that it needs precision. I am afraid my mechanic will miss something.
So, will it be ok to replace with fresh oil at this stage? Someone recommended doing it in stages, like draining a couple of liters and topping up, then, after like 2000km, doing that again, or replacing the whole amount then.

What are your experiences with that process? And has anyone faced issues with 8 speed ZF after doing the maintenance?
 
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Old Jul 4, 2025 | 11:26 AM
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ZF recommend the gearbox fluid and integrated pan/filter be replaced every 80 000 to 120 000km, or after eight years.

The service information is attached.
 
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Old Jul 4, 2025 | 01:56 PM
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Yes at that mileage I would do a drain and refill with a new filter then drive several hundred miles and do it again with just a fluid change.
Your not that far over due either. Your at around 97K miles and ZF recommends it being done at 50K-75K miles.

DO NOT drain a few liters and replace. Drop the pan and replace the filter as well as cleaning the magnets up. No argument on doing 2000 km before another fluid swap either. Since you won't be doing the work this should not apply to you BUT make sure the drain plug can be loosened BEFORE you drop the pan and drain the fluid. That plug is tight as Hell!

Do you plan on keeping the car?
Yes it's a bit complicated but at this late date we need to understand this procedure is quite standard across most car lines including the domestic US cars. The 6 and 8 speed ZF's have a wide range of applications from cars and SUV's to millions of pickups in the US. It really is a common transmission now.

Since your not in the US I would look for a shop that works on MB, BMW, Audi as these brands all use this transmission as well and they should be very familiar with doing fluid changes.
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