Hi Guys,

I just purchased a 2005 XK8 coupe with 36K miles ....to keep on top of things I was wondering if it is overkill to change the transmission fluids at this mileage?

and also changing the spark plugs now? I know supposedly the plugs are good for 100K according to the maintenance schedule...but is it a good idea to keep em that long?

Thoughts?

 

How is the car running? 36,000 miles is typically a bit early to change the ATF but the car is ten years old so it's your call. And unless you have oil leaks into your spark plug wells, changing iridium plugs at 36,000 miles would be a huge waste of money. I've run Denso iridium plugs for more than 150,000 miles with zero issues on a couple of previous Lexus RX SUVs....

 

I'm with John, I wouldn't worry about the plugs too much, if you want to do the fluid just do it when it suits you, don't forget the electrical sleeve and it should be good to 100K.

 

I like to do the full list in the maintenance schedules on any new (to me) Jaguar so I have a reference point for future servicing and to pick up on anything that's been missed by the PO.

The one exception is plugs. Clean and check the gaps but no need to change below the recommended mileage intervals.

Graham

 

Thank's guys,

I am assuming 50K for ATF? and I guess I'll wait till 60K for the plugs.

 

If it were me I'd change the fluid - fluids deteriorate on time as well as mileage. Plus, as Graham says, you know where you're starting from with ongoing maintenance.

 

That's actually a good idea...I think I'll do that then.

 

I am a maintenance fanatic. All my cars are maintained like airplanes.


That said...


My 2006 XK8 has almost 75,000 miles on it. The transmission is performing perfectly. I have not changed the trans fluid and probably will not. Might change my mind, but as of now...


1. Trans performs perfectly.
2. There are risks associated with changing the fluid. It is not a simple drain and fill like engine oil. If it is not done right there is risk of damaging an otherwise perfect transmission. This is my main concern. I avoid the risk by not tampering with the transmission. It is a dirty job that most mechanics do not know how to do and if they do know, they frequently avoid it because of the mess and the risk.
3. It is not cheap to change.
4. There is possible benefit that it may never go bad with no maintenance. Many of these transmissions go a very long time without maintenance.
5. If it goes wrong I have to pay for an expensive transmission. I accept the risk.


By the way, I totally discount the manufacturers claim that it is filled for life. Please.


Like I said, I am open to change my mind. But for now that is how I see it. There is risk with this no matter what you do and this is how I chose to play it.


Jack

 

Irrespective of your decision with the transmission fluid , on a car that's new to me I always change the brake fluid because it has the same bad habit as me - it drinks too much. However, unlike me it drinks water, which lowers the boiling point and has potential to damage the brake system components - especially ABS bits. Cheap pro active maintenance IMHO. I then change it every two years or so.