I'm up in Mendocino California for the next ten days and would like to find a place to take my 2005 Super V8 to get an oil change and a transmission service, would also like a suspension inspection. Does anyone have any recommendations either up here near Mendocino, Santa Rosa or the east bay? I just got a quote for an oil change in Vacaville for $195 and a transmission service for $795. Curious if those prices are in line. Thanks everyone.

 

I found a few numbers on the internet and made some calls yesterday. Oil change prices ranged from $165 to $275 (in Santa Rosa) and the transmission service ranged from $550 to almost $800. Then I called the Jaguar Dealer in Portland Oregon, Chris said the oil change would be $125 and he recommended not doing a transmission service unless I had a leak (I don't). Chris said the transmission is a sealed maintenance free system. Our Super V8 only has 55k miles so we'll skip the transmission service based on what the jag dealer told us and have made an appointment for an oil change in Portland, we'll drive through there in a week or so when we drive back to Idaho.

 

I hate to break the bad news but the Jaguar dealership gave you some BAD advice regarding your transmission. I would for sure get the pan, fluid and sealing sleeve changed out. The trans is a sealed unit but the fluid will NOT last forever and will eventually cause your trans to fail.

Personally if your mechanically inclined - do the oil change yourself and find an independent trans shop that is familiar with the ZF6 transmission. Additionally, you may require a calibration re-flash but if your trans is smooth (no lurch, searching for gears when cold) then you should be good.

Hope this helps..

 

At 55K miles the transmission is well in the safe zone. Usually the fluid change is done at 80K and up.

Oil changes on these cars are not rocket science. Any competent independent garage should be able to do one for only a few dollars more than a standard car.

 

I'm pretty mechanically inclined and plan on doing most of the service, including oil changes, myself. But I just had knee surgery so I won't be doing the first oil change. Because we just bought the car I wanted to get an oil change done so I know I'm starting fresh. At 55k miles I'll wait at least until 80k to do the transmission. One place suggested they would change the fluid only (using a vacuum to pull out the old fluid) but I think I'll do the pan and filter as well. By the time I get to 80k miles I'll be ready to do it myself. Thanks for all the feedback.

 

If you don't have a pit or hoist, you will need ramps, as the engine undertray has to come off. Assume you will need a new set of M6 stainless screws with flange heads or C-form washers as the original plated ones will be rusted. The spire (chimney) nuts at the front will need changing. Get a little calcium grease, copper is not good for aluminium cars. The two central brackets for the tray may be broken, it is a Jag part. Paint and grease before fitting. I have an idea the nuts are M4. Use stainless.

The oil is a standard ford spec. Original Jag filters have a non-return valve and cost a little extra.

The air filter and cabin filter probably need changing, and the cavity for the cabin filter may be full of leaves and water.

There is a trick to cutting short the fixing lugs for the air filter lid, otherwise it is impossible to refit it, once removed, unless you take it off the car.

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...charged-98339/


see post 15/7/13 (incl video)