I want to change the "sealed for life " transmission fluid in my XK8, after 14 years it seems like I should change it, although it is still under 50K miles. The BMW folks seem to use Valvoline Max Life in place of the very expensive ESSO LT 741141 fluid in the ZF 5 speed automatic gearbox. I also see that a few are using Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF or Amsoil ATF with no adverse results. Has any one any experience with ATF other than the ESSO product.

 

Pentosin also makes a fluid that is compatible: Pentosin - Transmission Fluid

 

Thanks for the info. After a bit of online browsing, it seems that the Pentosin ATF1 and Red Line D4 ATF explicitly state they are Esso LT741141 compliant. Amazon have the Pentosin for $60 a gallon and the Red Line D4 for $45 a gallon. I'm going with the 3 x drain/fill method for the fluid change.
I will give it a shot with the Red Line D4 and report back once the change cycle is complete.