I forgot to update everyone on my gearbox problem......I bit the bullet and had the gearbox rebuilt. Transpired that it was worn out ((70k) despite mostly motorway driving. Opted for ZF oil. No trouble since rebuild, albeit slightly noisier in lower gears. Bob

I used the Smith & Allen oil in mine done a few thousand miles since and no issues. I think i changed at about 115K we now have 125K on the clock. this was for the 8spd gbox.

it was a gravity drop too 2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8 - Current
2014 Navara V6 - Gone
2004 Vogue TD6 - Gone
Grand Cherokee - Gone
Discovery V8 (LPG) - Gone
Discovery TD5 - Gone

Jayk69 wrote:

I used the Smith & Allen oil in mine done a few thousand miles since and no issues. I think i changed at about 115K we now have 125K on the clock. this was for the 8spd gbox.

it was a gravity drop too.

Old thread I know, but that's good to know. Thanks Jayk69

My understanding from other sources (Jag forum I think it was) is that the Smith & Allen oil uses exactly the same Shell base oil as ZF (ZF don't produce oil of course) and add a package of friction modifiers, etc. to provide the same spec. One guy had the oils analysed against each other and the results were near identical in every test.

I'm going to give the S&A a go myself. Just about to order some this afty. I'd opened this thread to check what the old price was - Was £76, now £112 for 20 litres.

Let's face it, many of you will be running non ZF oil anyway - for example Bodsy (who I know is extremely well regarded and an all round star) said on one of his video's that he uses Febi Bilstein transmission oil for the 8 speed gearbox flush and refils.

Jon 1992 RR Classic 3.9 efi Vogue
2014 Disco 4 HSE
===================
Both my fatties now gone...
Previous: 2011 L322 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE /// 2002 L322 4.4 V8 HSE /// 2009 Discovery 3 2.7 TDV6 XS /// 2004 Defender 90 TD5 /// 1993 110 V8 Snatch Landrover /// 2005 Discovery 3 2.7 TDV6 SE (Aus) /// 1990 110 Isuzu 3.9 County (Aus) /// 1976 Series III Trayback (Aus)

Just to add to this conversation… I’ve just recently had the gearbox serviced at a local Indy specialist (Prestige Jaguar) for anyone that may know of them. I supplied them with this Smith & Allan ZF 8-Speed spec oil and the filter etc. I’ve probably driven 2k miles since then and can report no issues at all - not that I had any beforehand, it was more for my own piece of mind.  Cheers, Steven.

2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8.

A further update...

I'm still using S&A in my Citroen with no ill effects.

My L322 has S&A oil in the engine, gearbox and power steering and has been working fine with all of them for a year.

Customer service is great and delivery is quick too. They're my "Go To" place for oil these days.

David. 2002 4.6 Vogue SE - Alveston Red with Lightstone Leather
2012 Range Rover 5.0 SC Autobiography in Indus Silver with Jet/Ivory Interior
2012 Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography in Baltic Blue with Sand Interior

i will add to the update as i am now at 135k and GB is still lovely.
I use Smith & Allen for all my oil needs as there is significant savings to be had.
my soot levels Hardley ever move in the wrong direction and remain steady my car has an oil change every 6k or so, probably overkill but when 20l of the correct spec oil is £80 delivered and i have a high milage car i think it is a good deal and hopefully will be rewarded with very long-life engine  2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8 - Current
2014 Navara V6 - Gone
2004 Vogue TD6 - Gone
Grand Cherokee - Gone
Discovery V8 (LPG) - Gone
Discovery TD5 - Gone