For correct 1996-2002 XK8/ZF 5HP-24 auto transmission refill procedure see pages 4 and 5 in this document.

To compare compatible oil specs to Esso LT 71141 (in the Australian market) consider Nulon.

For transmission filter and gasket kit try here, or here.

I am not a qualified mechanic - this is just the info I used for my private vehicle fluid change.

 

"No more need of chasing expensive ZF ATF, the back of the Valvoline Mercon V bottle says it covers ESSO LT 71141"

Help. Gearbox Fault

Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF

 

After 500km of driving on the Nulon fluid, a light persistent ATF odour became apparent within the vehicle cabin when stopped at the lights with the transmission at operating temperature - with no leaks detected. I decided to drop the Nulon and replace with the recommended Esso LT 71141 fluid as the Nulon emitted a continual slight burning odour (I don't know how or from where - as it's a sealed transmission).

Maybe Nulon specs aren't quite up to what they claim - but piece of mind is worth every cent .. IMHO.

 

Is there tranmission fluid that is the same or equivalent to ESSO LT 71141 for the ZF 5HP24 Automatic Transmission?
Is it Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, Valvoline Mercon V, Valvoline Maxlife ATF or something different?

Does Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF Meet the Requirements for ZF Transmissions?

 

Yes. I'm using Mobil 1 which has the same spec (LT 71141) as the Esso. In fact, Esso and Mobil are the same company (Esso is the non-US brand of Exxon, which is Exxon-Mobil). I've had that fluid in the pan going on 24000 miles and it works just fine, with only a slight bit of noticeable gear noise, which I attribute to switching from a non-synthetic fluid to the synthetic Mobil 1.

You should be able to use any fluid with that same spec, but Mobil synthetic products have never let me down so that's the one I chose.


BTW, the Mobil response on that page is slick lawyer talk:

"No. We do not guarantee that the product meets all the requirements of ZF transmissions, which are very extensive depending on the transmission type/model year."

But then they say:

"ExxonMobil does say that this product is suitable for use in this application based on the type and quality of the recommended fluid, Esso LT 71141."


In other words: "Um, yeah, it's made to the exact same specifications as the Esso (which BTW, is our company) but we don't like to use the word guarantee, especially when it comes to older, out of production and reliability-suspect transmissions like that one. We really think no matter what fluid you use, you're looking at a new transmission any time after 100k. Good luck!"