So, which is it?

Unless you drive right to the absolute limits and beyond, it doesn't really matter. And, if it did, you would definitely know because you would be changing the fluid every week.

"super" has no defined meaning in the specification, DOT, SAE, or Jaguar.

Both the Ford and BMW fluids also far exceed their claimed DOT compliance level. They are also both dirt cheap. The BMW fluid is rebadged ATE. The Ford spec is available from the usual aftermarket brands. It just says "meets FORD specification XXXX, boiling point 550 degrees F.".

 

may be it is a BS overkill, who knows..
but for a few $ why not go with the recco,

 

I always use the ATE fluids, they have a blue and gold colored version, so use them one after the other (easier to see this way that all fluid has been exchanged)
The specs are also very good, better then Castrol anyway. Here an example:
http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/accessoryDetail.jsp?ID=21

 

LOL!!!


NOTE TO FLORIDA RESIDENTS ONLY: ATE Super Blue Racing Brake Fluid,
due to its blue color, cannot be registered in and is not DOT-approved
for street cars in Florida.

Are they serious?

 

That's what I came up with also. I'd use DOT 4 and be done with it.

 

So even though the manufacturer states use super dot 4 and it is available from many sources at a price of around $10.00 pet litre you would not use it.
This is peanuts compared to many of the repair and maintenance costs on these cars.

 

Brake fluid, like many other safety related items, is federally regulated and must comply to a specification. Current specs applicable to brake fluid are DOT 3, 4, 5 and 5.1. There is no 'super' DOT 4 spec, unless you can point me to one.

My manual also mentions a specific brand and model of tire. Should I stick only to that specific model even though it is outdated and doesn't reflect the full range of choices in the market?

Do you?

 

Well, I am fully aware of DOT specs, but there are fluids available that exceed those specs and since they don't cost that much more and Jaguar recommends using them, why not?

 

Actually, there are some tires that do not work well with our cars. I know I ran into this problem and the dealer showed me a TSB saying which tires were and were not recommended for the vehicle.

 

Then you've ruled out 5.1 since it's not what Jaguar recommends/'insists' upon?

Please understand that people are simply trying to help here.

 

I bought Pentosin Super DOT 4 in a 1litre bottle for $12.99 here:

Pentosin - Super DOT4 Brake Fluid (1 Liter) [ BF-1L ] - UroTuning.com - Parts for VW Audi Porsche BMW

I could not find it locally and my local NAPA dealer did not carry it.

 

I use the Pentosin fluid and buy it off the shelf at BAP/Geon.
I looked at the specs on tghe Pentosin fluid and compared them to other fluids and it looks like the word "Super" on the can means no more than if it said "Hotdangdiddly". The ATE blue fluid has higher specs and it is advertised as DOT 4.

 

This is essentially the point I was trying to get across above. From the specs I've seen, ALL the fluids significantly exceed DOT4 requirements. Some manufacturers make a big deal of that, others don't. If the cars actually needed fluid that exceeded DOT4 spec, they would specify the next step up which is 5.1

 

Yup, I decided to go with the ATE fluid.

 

For my 06 xj8 I use ATE Blue. I get it at Pelican Parts and use it in several of my cars. Also use a power bleeder which makes fluid flush/change a breeze. Worth the 60 bucks I paid for it.

chad

(for "break" fluid I use Sierra Nevada Pale Ale)

 

Wotaborintrhed

FKKNHELL Jahhummer
you better start shopping for Christmas now.

 

Isn't SNPA one of the most wonderful reasons for being alive? I've got a stash of 2005 Bigfoot that is being saved for a special day.

 

???

 

I didn't understand either, nor did Mr. Google.

 

just being sarcastic...

"Wotaborintrhed"
as in what a boring thread

FKKNHELL Jahhummer
you better start shopping for Christmas now.

Swear swear swear..Jahummer
and better start shopping for Xmas:


as it takes Jahum 3 weeks to buy some brake fluid...
Sorry!