Getting to do a flush on the transmission and searching for Lifeguard fluid deals, I came across this from Valvoline in 2013, they claim their fluid is equivalent or better than the Shell spec, see page 5 for Jaguar.

http://www.carquestprofessionals.com...%206.10.13.pdf

 

I just got an email from the local Jag/LR dealer parts and service about Jag parts and oil in regards to my XKR:

"Fluid from Land Rover LRN13754 is $15.28 x 10 = $152.80 has Shell Spec M-1375.4 that ZF demands for this trans."

I just noticed this thread too:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...-repair-53116/

 

jajammer,
FYI, Amazon shows 12 quarts(2x 6 packs, VV324) for $71 , free shpg. that's only $6 a qt !

Thanks for info................
Cheers, Adrian

 

Amazon has that fluid for just over $12 if you need it overnight or a few other sites for less than $11 a quart, free shipping and no sales tax.

Touch decision, Mercon SP at $5 +/-, or double that for the Land Rover/Bilstein ZF/Shell equivalent or double that again for ZF branded fluid.

According to a post on what I believe was Bob is the Oil Guy, someone sent Mercon SP and LifeGuard 6 to Blackstone and their analysis said the formulations were identical and the variances were within spec for differences expected from different batches:

"05-22-2012, 03:15 PM
Recently after reading that Lifeguard6 (Shell 1375.4) is the same as Mercon SP I decided to sent Blackstone 3 samples:
LG6 new
Mercon SP new
LG6 with 37,500 miles

The results which I will post later once I can edit the personal information out is that Mercon SP gave the same results as Lifeguard6
From Blackstone-----------------------------------------------------------

(This sample of Mercon SP looks very similar to the Shell Lifeguard 6 sample. Note that both oils
contain calcium, phosphorus, and boron as additives, but this sample of Mercon SP contains just a little bit
more of each element. The viscosity of each sample was near exactly the same. No moisture, insolubles, or
wear metals were found in either sample. Both the Mercon SP and the Shell Lifeguard 6 should work well for
you as automatic transmission fluid. The Mercon SP is red in color and the Shell Lifeguard 6 is gold, but the color should not affect how these oils perform.)

Next is the LG6 from Blackstone
(This sample of Shell Lifeguard 6 uses calcium, phosphorus, and boron as it's main additives. The
viscosity read within the normal range for ATF oil and no wear metals, moisture, or insolubles were found.
The comparison between this and the Mercon SP ATF's additive package is about as close as can be
expected, though not exact. The additive packages are similar enough that they could possibly be from
different runs of the same fluid type. The only real difference was that this oil was gold in color whereas the color should not affect how these oils perform.)

Next is the summary of the LG6 with 37,500 miles from Blackstone
(The universal average column on the right side of this report shows typical wear for a generic BMW
transmission after about 34,000 miles on the oil. You ran your oil out to 37,500 miles, and wear
accumulation read below average for the most part. The only exception was the extra copper, but 103 ppm
isn't enough to consider a problem at brass/bronze parts. The copper is probably coming from the clutch
plates, and the extra may just be normal for your transmission and the type of use it sees. No moisture or insolubles found. Your transmission appears healthy.)"

 

Came across an interesting website - says no need to change the transmission fliter:




DO I need to change my transmission filter? | Expert Advice from leading Fast Lube suppliers

 

So readers aren't wrong when they complain LG6 is priced
like liquid gold

 

That is true but the filter does serve a purpose in the event of any material getting past the magnets. I have been told by the dealer, unless the pan is damaged or the gasket is leaking, it should not be touched and the fluid should be replaced with 20 liters of fluid via the cooler lines with a BG machine.

 

Here's another fluid to add to the list:

RAVENOL ATF 6HP Fluid - Ravenol