Yes, its been done to death
Yes everyone has their own opinion about flush v filter

But ZF now do recommend flushing (although they also refer to it as a "transmission rinse")

Click image to enlarge

Good to know.

This morning I dropped off Westie with an ZF-approved transmission service centre for a full flush-through.

ZF-approved are few and far between here.

The chap confirmed it’s a total oil change, done by machine - all rads and lines flushed.

Can’t wait to get her back for a drive. 2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster - Baltic Blue, Jet interior
1997 P38 2.5 DSE auto & 1998 P38 2.5 DT Manual
1988 Vogue 3.5 EFI - Manual, gone.
2004 Volvo C70 2.0T convertible, had since new.
2007 Mazda MX-5 2.0 Sport Roadster/Coupé, had since new.
2024 Mini Cooper S cabrio, JCW kit, 2.0, DCT auto

This then brings up the question of what fluid to use as if you were flushing with the genuine ZF stuff the cost would be  2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Nice.
Bodsy is booked to do my second Megaflush at 120K miles in Feb.
Last done at 80K in 2019.
Peace of mind. Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
New Defender D300 90
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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You can bet he's not using ZF transmission fluid.

I think Bodsy uses Febi Bilstein fluid.
I had my fluid 'changed' 3 years ago at a ZF service centre and I've just changed it three times last week with a new pan.
I bought 20 litres of Smith and Allan Lifeguard 8.

That's pretty much what I did - the 4th change was ZF Lifeguard6 with an added squirt of Shell anti-foaming additive. The S&A gave immediate improvements - unsurprising as the original oil was still in the transmission after 150k.

I do wonder just how much of the 'megaflush' ends up being reused, given the cost of the fluid vs. the cost of the service and most people having it done again after 30-60k, which isn't a lot compared to the service life of the initial fill.

Can't say I noticed any 'immediate improvement' with either fluid change. My first, second and third seem fussy sometimes so I'm hoping the gearbox will adapt itself with the new fluid over the next few months. Only done 10 miles so far.

They are very fussy on quantity - check the level 'on the level' and within the fairly restricted temperature range. I found mine needed another 0.35l - not a massive amount but it did get rid of some of the initial harsh changes, driving it for 50 miles unbroken in mixed traffic really helped too.

kevinp wrote:

Can't say I noticed any 'immediate improvement' with either fluid change. My first, second and third seem fussy sometimes so I'm hoping the gearbox will adapt itself with the new fluid over the next few months. Only done 10 miles so far.

Double post … oops ! V8 or else ...

It's always good NOT to feel any difference from any form of gearbox service... Be it a service or a flush... If the gearbox improves then its already damaged im afraid

That's quite reassuring Craig. I've read of people saying there was a vast improvement of smoothness after a fluid change so I'm open minded on that one. Does it last?
The car had the gearbox adaptations reset after the first change. That made it worse and took ages to smooth itself out, so I will not be doing it again!!

Thanks fisha. Will investigate that.
What are you considering Mikey?
Edit; Oops, think you are working on these all the time if I'm correct.