The Transmission DipStick for XJ8 and XK8 is Available
 

For all XJ8 and XK8, see the photo below. A similar version is being installed on the BMW 740il. The greatest feature is that you can change the ATF in 15 mins. Without getting drenched in ATF.

Pull the Drain Plug, replace the Drain Plug. Lower the car. Refill through the DipStick Tube.

5HP24 Dip Stick

I wish they had one for the 6HP26 transmission. :(

How much and where to get one
 

1997 XK8

Thanks

charlie pace

Oh yes!!!... where and how much for this wonderful bit of kit?...

I think you guys missed the link in the first post: 5HP24 Dip Stick

$149 + $18.50 shipping

Well, I don't re-place my ATF that often. See my earlier post. You can fill through the trans cooler line. Disconnet top of trans cooler on driver side of radiator. Use a soft clear plastic hose and a funnel (home depot) or whatever you want to rig it.
Fill through there. It is easy, works perfect and you won't get trenchend in fluid.
BUT, checking the level.....well, not easy. So, I wmptied COMPLETELY by draining, running shifting and simply added per spec. Spec is on the high side by about a quart, meaning IF you notice any drips there is a chance you overfilled and it is coming trough trans vent with will drain through torque converter housing plug.

Has anyone tried this kit already in a 97 xk8?

I have one, it is Mercedes dealer "tool", can get part number off of it, if you like.

Sure I like if you are able to get it. Does is accurate in the filling reading? How easy/hard is to install yourself? Thanks.

@mish_mish
That's only valid for the XKR owners! the XKR owner are lucky to have the Mercedes transmission. The XK8 transmission is different

Since I'm not sure of the correct designation of the transmission in my 2000 XK8 I will just ask the question. What is the designation and will this dip stick work with my transmission and give correct readings.

Thanks guys.

EZDriver

You have the 5HP24 transmission, so this dipstick would work for you.

Maybe I'm missing something here...
 

FWIW, I don't quite see how this would work. The fluid is supposed to be a small dribble from the hole while the engine is running, right? How would a dipstick detect that? If the tube was level with the hole you would only see a small dot at the end of the stick and that could be the result of vapor condensation scraped as the dipstick slid through the tube. If the tube was below the hole all you would be seeing is what was caught in the 'trap' like under your kitchen sink. If the tube was level or above you would be seeing an overfull condition.The only way I can see this working is if the measurement were taken while the engine was NOT running and the fluid level was above the hole - not the correct way to gauge the level.

Then again, nobody has ever accused me of being a jeenyus...

will this kit (the link above) work in my 2003 XKR?

I looked at the web site that is producing this product and they have the instructions for installing this in the BMW with the same tranny. It appears that the dip stick is installed in the drain plug on the side, not the fill plug in the back. In theory this should work as the fluid would come up the pipe to the fluid level in the trans. I'd like to see Tomlite chime in on this considering that he invented it. I am interested in purchasing this but I want to know the install procedure before plunking down $175.

Here is what I have / use, $20 on ebay
This "tool" works on all MB transmissions that have somewhat of a measuring / filling tube. When inserted, tool goes all the way down, until it hits the bottom of the pan and that is what it measures off of, not from the above, like your typical, permanent dipstick would.
I believe, MB / ZF have typical fluid level in the transmission, which is about the same of the most models, so XK8 / XKR should be the same, as long as they have where to insert he snaky tool.

There is no measuring/filling tube on the ZF 5hp24 used on the xk8. The kit from Tomlite installs a tube and dip stick. It is not just a dip stick.

Thinking about getting one for my XJ8 since paying 165 to have 1Q trans fluid added is too much to stomach.(no vasaline, no kiss, no nothing)

won't do that again.

Keep in mind that there are two different XKR trannys, the Mercedes W5A580 on the 4.0 L cars and the ZF 6HP26 on the 4.2L models from 2003 on.

I just looked at his page and it specifically states it installs in the 'fill port'.

BTW, I'd be hard pressed to pay $175 for what amounts to less than $15 in parts, but that's just me...