gonna investigate this metal pan

 

CTSC has mentioned the metal pan. It's used on the Range Rovers I believe. The pan capacity is different but will work. Check it out on their site. It fits and works but the fill procedure and level is different due to the different filter design and pan capacity. It states specifically not to use the fill hole to indicate level using the metal pan. I'm not sure it's worth the extra trouble and cost given how well the transmission is tucked up in and the brace for the transmission mount protects the pan, though the pan is still technically exposed.

 

Not sure when non OEM pans became reckless decision making. The original lasted 10 years. Non OEM pan will last too, certainly for 50k miles.

Off eBay
Mechatronic sleeve $15
Pan $65
ZF Lifeguard 6 (6 liters) $137.

$217/50k miles = .004 cents per mile.

 

Labor costs are high. I may do mine again in a couple oil changes, Previous owner used Pentosin ATF. Seems to be fine. Will use LG6, 17.00 a bottle.
The rear differential service sounds very high. I use a Miteyvac to extract through fill hole. About 20.00 for the fluid and 15 minutes labor.
The transmission service is high, but 350.00 would be a great price. The rear end should be 69.00 or so.